Delano and Gayle Lewis Share African Art Collection June 4, 2009

The “Las Cruces Collects” exhibition, now showing at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, offers a rare look into the private art collections of area residents. One of the seven collections represented belongs to Gayle and Delano Lewis of Mesilla, NM. In 1966, the young Lewis couple joined the Peace Corps, where Delano served as Peace Corps staff in Nigeria and Uganda and embarked on a life-long career of public service. These travel and living experiences enhanced their passion for art and gave them the opportunity to learn about African art and to add to their eclectic collection of art and artifacts. Come and hear the colorful tales behind these objects, on display through Saturday, August 22nd.

In 1994, Delano Lewis was named President and CEO of National Public Radio in Washington, DC. In June 1999, President Clinton nominated Mr. Lewis as US Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa. Now retired from a remarkable career, Mr. Lewis is currently a Senior Fellow at New Mexico State University. Gayle Lewis recently published Dear Family: Letters from Nigeria, her memoirs detailing the hardship, danger, and adventure of caring for her family while living abroad. The Lewis’ have four adult sons and eleven grandchildren.

“The Coachman,” a signed print by famed Harlem Renaissance artist Jacob Lawrence, is featured in the collection, along with works by other noted artists including Fred Eboka and Barbara Tyrrell. Objects in the exhibition include African beadwork, embroidery, wood carvings, and ceramics. Often created by teams of artisans, these artworks are bold in color and full of life.

Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 10AM – 4PM, and Saturday, 9AM – 1PM. Admission is free. Funded by the City of Las Cruces, the Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 North Main Street, at the north end of the Downtown Mall. Call 541-2137, or visit http://museums.las-cruces.org, for more information on museum exhibits and Studio Program art classes.