Exhibit marks Black History Month Art: A collection of pieces from Morgan State's James Edward Lewis Museum is on display at the governor's residence.

The figure is part-Cupid, part-clock and dressed in African costume.

"Angel," a sculpture by Baltimore artist Tom Miller, is one of the pieces by black artists on display at Government House in Annapolis as part of Black History Month.

The exhibit, on loan from the James Edward Lewis Museum at Morgan State University, is one of a series that will be on display in the governor's residence as part of "A Celebration of the Arts in Maryland."

The works of 20 artists -- in a variety of media, including paintings on canvas, wood and cardboard in a variety of colors and textures -- are included.

Deep purples, oranges and yellows are prominent in works such as "Shelter II" by Joyce Scott of Baltimore and "Ode to Katima Mulilo" by Kenneth Royster, a Morgan State graduate. Both works combine what look like primitive African drawings with modern designs. There are several portraits of women along with depictions of African landscapes.

"It's an honor to be with other African-American artists and to represent myself as well as Maryland artists generally at the governor's house," Scott said.

Lewis collected African art from around the world during his tenure as a professor and chairman of the Morgan State art department, and as director of its Gallery of Art, which was named after him in 1990.

He collected more than 3,000 works during his career. Lewis died in Baltimore in August at age 74.

"Lewis is important to Morgan State University and the state of Maryland because he had a vision to initiate the foundations in the art department there to begin a collection that could be used as resource to the students and the citizens of Maryland," said Leslie King-Hammond, museum curator and dean of graduate studies at the Maryland Institute, College of Art.

She said Lewis' effort to identify prominent artists and find people to donate artwork "was an exceptional act of genius and humanity."

Scott, who was a friend and colleague of Lewis', said, "He was one of the trailblazers. He kept the desire for art at Morgan State University going strong, and he was a beacon for many young African-American artists."

Other artists whose work is on display include Morgan State graduates Reva Lewie and Cary Beth Cryor, and Marylanders Sam Gilliam, Thomas Stockett and Elton Clay Fax.

The exhibit will be on display until Wednesday and is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday by appointment between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In addition to the Lewis exhibit, the first part of a three-exhibition series is on display at Government House.

"Faces of the Real and the Imagined," which will be on display until March 4, is part of the "I Can See Clearly Now" series, which is limited to Maryland artists.

Subjects range from the famous to the unknown.

A stately portrait of Thurgood Marshall contrasts with an oversized pastel depiction of an African drummer amid a sea of exploding guns.

The next series, "Power Objects in the Here and the Now," will begin June 10, followed by "Landscapes of the Mind and Beyond," which will open Sept. 12.

The Lewis exhibit will be replaced Feb. 28 by "In Their Own Right," a Women's History Month display, which will include portraits of women on loan from the Maryland Historical Society.

Other events include a dedication to Youth Art Month on March and an open house on May 9 that will include displays of Faberge eggs and impressionist pieces.

Frances Glendening, wife of Gov. Parris N. Glendening, began the "Celebration of Arts" initiative last year to publicly recognize Maryland artists and art institutions. She often visits visual, performing and literary artists around the state.

"It's important to remind them how important art is to our society so they'll continue," she said. "It is also a celebration of art patrons and supporters, collectors, institutions and education."

Pub Date: 2/19/98