Though America still struggles with issues relating to fair and equal education, many individuals have dedicated their careers to nurturing minds and supporting curiosity in all areas of study, including art. Two local examples are Leon “Uncle Junior” Hicks and Amos Lawrence Lewis, Sr., both extraordinary artists and educators.

Hicks is a master engraver whose artwork has been exhibited and collected nationally and internationally. Born in 1933 and raised on a small farm in Gainesville, Hicks suggests that his Southern heritage has been integral to both his sense of self and the development of his art.

The 1960s marked the beginning of Hicks’s teaching career, starting at FAMU in 1964. Over the next five decades Hicks would teach at Concord University, Lincoln University, Lehigh University, and 25 years at Webster University where a scholarship was created in his name. At age 89, he continues to teach and mentor emerging artists in Tallahassee.

Amos Lewis was equally devoted to education and he considered the creation of art to be, not a job or a hobby, but a duty. Lewis believed all individuals have the capacity for meaningful art making, regardless of age, race, or ability.

He was born in Pensacola in 1927 and he earned a bachelor’s degree from FAMU and a master’s degree in art education from FSU. Lewis taught in the FAMU art department and went on to teach art at FAMU’s Developmental Research School for 25 years. He also served as an art instructor and consultant for the Senior Citizens Society.

Lewis was also recognized as an accomplished artist. Though he died in 1995, during his life, Lewis explored a variety of media and techniques including ceramics, painting, printmaking, collage, and mixed media sculptural works. His art reflects a broad range of emotions and involves themes like optimism, triumph, acceptance, regret, and hope.

More than 50 examples of their work can be seen in person at the City Hall Gallery (open M-F from 8-5) or virtually in COCA's Online Gallery.

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This is one of a dozen exhibitions curated by COCA and is part of the City of Tallahassee’s Art in Public Places program. For more information about this exhibition, upcoming exhibitions, or the Art in Public Places program, contact Amanda Karioth Thompson (amanda@tallahasseearts.org) at COCA.

Special thanks to Venvi Gallery for curatorial assistance and the loan of artworks by Leon Hicks. Special thanks also to Maggie B. Lewis-Butler, former teacher, Leon County School Board member, and widow of Amos Lewis and their daughters Resha Lewis Gadson and Amy Lewis Pittman for their loan of artworks by Amos Lewis.

Special thanks also to COCA extern Shena Kamata for her help with this exhibition.