Delaware artist Jack Lewis dies

Jack Lewis, the Delaware artist whose artwork illustrates the state’s only Revoluntionary War battle has died. His paintings can be seen in Dover on at least 10 murals inside Legislative Hall.

Gov. Jack Markell, (D-Del.), released a statement on Tuesday honoring Lewis and his talent. “Jack Lewis was a great American artist of enormous talent. His work spanned most of a century and painted a vivid story of life in Delaware and the Eastern Shore. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but feel fortunate that our state was the beneficiary of his talent,” said Markell.

Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) also released a statement. “I was saddened to learn today of the passing of the great Jack Lewis. I knew him personally and was privileged to have one of his paintings. He was a giant among artists in Delaware and beyond. He honed his skills as an artist during the Great Depression—a period in our nation’s history that left a significant impression on man Americans. His art work reflected his experiences from the Depression and that’s something that I always appreciated about his work.

Lewis, a man of many accomplishments took home the Governor’s Award of Arts in 1981 and most recently received the governor’s highest honor for meritorious service, the Order of the First State in 2010.

Although Lewis was originally from Baltimore he eventually made Delaware his home in 1936 after spending a great deal of time as an artist with the Civilian Conservation Corps. He also served as a public school arts teacher and published several books that included his work.

Lewis has his work on display at the Raubacher gallery in Dover. The website describes him as an artist who can see with his heart. Lewis moved to his home in Bridgeville after spending time in the Pacific during World War II. He has a mural which hangs on display at the Bridgeville Library.

The Cape Gazette newspaper from Lewes reports Jack Lewis was just a few days away from his 100th birthday.  They report that funeral services will be held in Maine and a memorial service will be held at the Rehoboth Art League at a later date.