Dr. Samella Sanders Lewis (February 27, 1923 – May 27, 2022), often referred to as the “Godmother of African American Art,” was herself an artist who primarily worked as a printmaker and painter. She was an art historian, critic, and collector. Lewis developed a love of Chinese and Asian art, language and culture. Among her numerous awards is her 1962 Fulbright scholarship to Taiwan. Read more about the stellar legacy of Dr. Lewis on Hammer Museum’s Digital Archive.
Image credit: Hearne Fine Art