The Work is Never Finished: A Retrospective of Dr. Samella Lewis

The Work is Never Finished: A Retrospective of Dr. Samella Lewis

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – Louis Stern Fine Arts is proud to present The Work is Never Finished, a dedicated exhibition of prints, drawings, and paintings by the legendary artist, educator, and activist Dr. Samella Lewis (1923–2022). The exhibition runs from January 24 through March 7, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, January 24, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Dr. Lewis was a titan of the American art world, often referred to as the “Godmother of African American Art.” While she spent much of her career as a pioneering art historian and curator—founding International Review of African American Art and the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles—this exhibition focuses on her deeply personal output as a creator.

Art Out of Necessity

Lewis described herself as an “artist out of necessity,” using her creative practice to process the racial injustices she fought against in her professional life. Her work is characterized by:

• Collective Portraits: Figures that embody the shared experiences of outrage, sorrow, and resilience within the Black community.

• Mastery of Printmaking: Her bold linocuts and lithographs are renowned for their graphic strength and emotional gravity.

• A Legacy of Hope: Despite the “fury” that fueled much of her work, her paintings and drawings often find a profound sense of dignity and hope in their subjects.

The Gallery Experience

Located in the heart of the West Hollywood art district, Louis Stern Fine Arts provides an intimate space to explore Lewis’s multifaceted legacy. The Work is Never Finished offers a rare opportunity to see her personal reflections alongside the historical weight of her advocacy, reminding viewers that while her life has ended, the mission of her art remains ongoing.