Samella Lewis

Samella Sanders Lewis (February 27, 1923 – May 27, 2022) was an American visual artist and art historian. She worked primarily as a printmaker and painter. She has been called the "Godmother of African American Art." She received Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement from the College Art Association (CAA) in 2021.

"Art is not a luxury as many people think – it is a necessity. It documents history – it helps educate people and stores knowledge for generations to come." — Dr. Samella Lewis