The Magic 25:1994 - 1998, Charlotte Lewis & Kwanzaa celebration
Asante Charlotte Lewis was the center of a family rooted in arts, strength, and knowledge. I don’t think anyone knew how gifted they all were until Charlotte came around. A woman with vision, a trendsetter, and struggling activist through art, who knew what an important contribution she’d make, for her time, and into the future. Her work graces many Portland homes and businesses including The Kennedy School, Portland Police NE Precinct, Senator Avel Gordleys office at PSU and carries important messages including her passionate mission to free South Africa and her commitment to the African American experience.
In 1994 Charlotte introduced a celebration of Kwanzaa to the IFCC’s schedule of yearly events. This may have been one of the things her life was eventually leading up to. It was her annual gift to us. A gifted and practiced artist she found herself immersed in a world of lost heritage, Kwanzaa became her way of inspiring young people and returning pride and creativity to the African American Community. The 1998 IFCC Kwanzaa exhibit would have been one of her last projects, she gave it her all: bright color palettes, principles, textures, shells, gourds and images.
Charlotte was special to an entire community and left her paint where she could. I never physically knew Aunt Charlotte but thanks to her diligence in art, I have been thoroughly touched by her passionate spirit. It speaks clearly even now. There are children now who walk in her shoes, and whose bright eyes see her color and her gentle smile, and daydream of fun.
Keep Creating Beauty!
About Aunt Charlotte Lewis by Alena Vance
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