Firsts

Edmonia Lewis

When an artist is the first to do something, I take note. Forging ahead as an artist is an investment, and artists who do so while simultaneously breaking down a color barrier, or setting a new cultural precedent...they are courageous. Included in this exhibit is the story of Edmonia Lewis' Cleopatra, which was found in a mall storeroom in the Chicago suburbs. The story of the man who discovered it and the art historian who wanted to save it is very interesting.

Also included is an article about Jeff Donaldson and the work he was doing at the time in Chicago with AFRI-COBRA. Lucia Lerner was an innovative illustrator and single mother working from Chicago who purportedly designed the Morton Salt girl. Nathan Lerner, who recently passed away, innovated at every turn. Geraldine McCullogh, William McBride, and the first 12x12 show at the MCA round out the show.