Press Herald publishes feature on Lewis, long teaching career
The Portland Press Herald published a feature article on painter Michael Lewis, who has taught art at the University of Maine for 50 years. The winter exhibition in UMaine’s Lord Hall Gallery focuses on Lewis, who is teaching his final two classes this semester, according to the article. Laurie Hicks, a UMaine art professor and Lord Hall Gallery director, arranged the “Deep Roots/Old Strength” exhibition of more than 50 paintings that span most of Lewis’ 50 years on campus, the article states. “It’s important we do this not only to acknowledge what Mike has given to the state as a painter and educator, but to give him the opportunity to reflect. To be able to see so many pieces in one place is so rare,” Hicks said. “He’s earned this. It’s very clear, Mike has had a significant impact on painting in Maine over the last 50 years, with the work he has created and the students he has mentored.” Owen Smith, a new media professor and director of the Intermedia MFA program at UMaine, has called Lewis “the soul” of the UMaine Art Department, the article states. “I teach as if everyone wants to be a serious, hard-working, committed artist,” Lewis said. He added that if he could, he would continue teaching. “Fifty years is a long time. It’s time,” he said.