"...the goal of the artist must be aesthetic development, and in a universal sense, to make in his own way some contribution to culture."― Norman Lewis
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Norman Lewis (1909–1979) was an American painter of Afro-Caribbean descent, known for his expressionistic paintings influenced by music as well as the aesthetic legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Harlem, New York City, he developed an interest in art from a young age and was encouraged to pursue an artistic career by his art teacher, Augusta Savage, who provided him with an open studio space at the Harlem Art Center.

During the 1930s, Lewis was employed by the Works Progress Administration, working with fellow artists, such as Jackson Pollock, who would later become the leaders of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. In 1934, Lewis joined the Harlem 306 Group, consisting of prominent African American artists and scholars, including Savage, Ralph Ellison, Romare Bearden, and Jacob Lawrence. His work became increasingly abstract throughout the 1940s; his recognizable forms eventually became flowing designs evocative of jazz music.

Although he remained well under the radar of most critics during the height of Abstract Expressionism, he continued to teach and, in 1963, founded the SPIRAL group with like-minded African American artists who sought to use their art to contribute to the Civil Rights Movement.
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From its opening in 1927 through the early 1950s, the Savoy Ballroom was one of the most popular dance halls in Harlem, and one of the few that was integrated. The barely five-foot-tall "Shorty" George Snowden was the venue`s star dancer through the early `30s, where he coined the dance craze, the Lindy Hop.
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Check out Norman Lewis`s lithograph "Shorty George" (1943) on display now in the Print Corridor!

Signed, titled, dated "11-20-43", numbered 2/14, and dedicated "To Howard, a Swell Guy! Norman, 4-18-44" in pencil.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Also Shown:
📸 Norman Lewis in his studio in 1960.
📸 Norman Lewis in his studio in 1945, working on his painting "Composition I". ...

☀🎭2026 summer camps at the Norton are almost here!🎨☀
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This year, campers will have the opportunity to join us for two different camps: Canvas to Curtain Theatre Camp and Summer Art Camp!

🎭 1. Canvas to Curtain Camp #1: June 1 - June 5
• for rising 6th - 8th grade campers

🎭 2. Canvas to Curtain Camp #2: June 8 - June 12
• for rising 3rd - 5th grade campers

🎨 3. Summer Art Camp #1: July 6 - July 10
• for rising 3rd - 4th grade campers

🎨 4. Summer Art Camp #2: July 13 - July 17
• for rising 5th - 6th grade campers
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Camps will go LIVE on Eventbrite starting Monday, February 23rd, at 8:00 AM; don`t miss your chance to secure your camper`s spot!
Link to Eventbrite is below⬇

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rw-norton-art-gallery-7578721273 ...

This past Tuesday, February 19th, marked the first day of the Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year 2026!🧧🐎
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This year ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, which occurs every 60 years. The Fire Horse (12th animal in the cycle) represents significant, forward-moving changes. The Horse is often associated with independence, speed, and charisma - traits which may be fueled further by the fire element. The 2026 celebration marks a shift from the previous Year of the Snake!
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To celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, we wanted to share some of our own favorite steeds from the permanent collection at the Norton, all on display now!🎊
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Works Shown:
1. "Mexican Cowboys Coming to the Rodeo" (1893) by Frederic Remington
2. "Arrival of a Courier" (1890) by Charles Marion Russell
3. "The Horse Thief" (1907) by Frederic Remington
4. "Virginia Wedding" (1844) by William Tylee Ranney
5. "Indian Attack" (1901) by Charles Schreyvogel
6. "The Bronco Buster" (1909) by Frederic Remington
7. "The Trappers` Last Stand" (1899) by Charles Marion Russell
8. "Charles VII" (date unknown) by Antoine Louis Barye
9. "Seeking Home" (1855) by John Mix Stanley
10. "Range Father" (1926) by Charles Marion Russell ...

Always keeping one eye open for our next new favorite work on display👀 ...

“I hope my people will look into my works and see a reflection of themselves. I have been trying to uphold a mirror and say, ‘Look how beautiful you are.” — Richmond Barthé

We are celebrating Black History Month at the Norton with spotlights on works from the permanent collection. Follow us as we celebrate and honor the artists and their works throughout February!
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Richmond Barthé (1901-1989) was an American sculptor who was a vital participant in the Harlem Renaissance movment, as well as being one of the earliest modern artists to depict African Americans in his work.

Born in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Barthé moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, at an early age. He enjoyed drawing and painting, and his formal schooling did not go beyond grade school. His talent was soon noticed by his parish`s priest when Barthé contributed two paintings to a fundraising event for his church. The priest was so impressed with his art that he encouraged Barthé to apply to the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois and raised enough money to pay for his travel and tuition.

He began as a painter but, at the suggestion of one of his teachers, tried his hand at sculpture, for which he had a particular gift. After his first exhibition he won a Julius Rosenwald Fund fellowship, which enabled him to study in New York where his work became very popular. Barthé continued to create sculpture well into the 1960s, some of which were commissioned as public art. He sculpted an American eagle for the Social Security Building in Washington, D.C. and a bas-relief for the Harlem River Housing Project. In 1949, the Haitian government commissioned him to create monuments to the revolutionary leaders Toussaint Louverture and Jean Jacques Dessalines in Port-au-Prince.
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Check out "Awakening of Africa" (1959) by Richmond Barthé on display now in the American Masters Galleries!

#BlackHistoryMonth

Also Shown:
📸 Richmond Barthé photographed with sculpture "Stevedore," 1937.
📸 Richmond Barthe at work on his sculpture of Toussaint Louverture, 1950. ...