MIDLAND, MI — The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio in Midland will host an exhibition starting next month celebrating the life and career of an acclaimed graphic designer and illustrator with mid-Michigan roots.
“A New Vision: The Graphic Art of Tim Lewis“ opens with a public reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, and will remain open for public viewing during business hours through Dec. 31 at the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, 315 Post St.
A Midland native, Lewis was born in 1937 and died in 2017. He was “shaped by a city defined by the arts, science, and creativity, a vision brought to life through the inspiring work of Alden B. Dow, F.A.I.A., Architect Laureate of Michigan,” according to an Alden B. Dow Home and Studio news release.
“This retrospective exhibition highlights five decades of Lewis’ work as a commercial artist and illustrator, showcasing original artwork and prints—many of which will be available for purchase. His signature style, boldly colorful yet refined, whimsical yet elegant, complicated and textural yet accessible, made him a sought-after illustrator for over thirty years.
Whether commercial illustrations in leading US magazines, Barbra Streisand’s TV special posters, album covers for artists such as Peter, Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, and Chuck Berry, or his whimsical, hand-painted Christmas cards, Lewis’ work continues to enchant and delight.”
Craig McDonald, executive director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, described Lewis’ work as “joyous.”
“Recognized as a giant in New York City’s graphic art world, his work allows us to understand complex ideas and issues through playfulness and beauty”, McDonald said in a statement.
“In Tim’s own words, ‘Just being decorative is not enough. Ideally, a deeper involvement should take place.’ This philosophy and innate desire to create his whole life echoes Alden Dow’s desire to create structures that were more than simple shelters. Dow would say ‘A building should reflect a person, inspire creativeness, have beauty, and awaken the senses. Real housing is not a place to hibernate; it is a place for individuals to grow.’”
More to know before you go
Midland’s Alden B. Dow Home and Studio is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is open for tours only at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Find a schedule of events and tours here.
Read more about Dow, a mid-century modern architect who apprenticed with Frank Lloyd Wright, here.
Admission to “A New Vision: The Graphic Art of Tim Lewis“ is free and open to the public during business hours. Children must be 8 years of age or older to attend. Photography is not permitted.
Read more about Lewis’ life and career and see example of his work at www.abdow.org/tim-lewis/.
While you’re in Midland, you can also check out Dow Gardens and the canopy walk at Whiting Forest, shop and dine downtown or catch a Great Lakes Loons game at Dow Diamond.
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