James Lesesne Wells

James Lesesne Wells (November 2, 1902 – January 20, 1993) was an African American graphic artist, print-maker, and painter associated with the Harlem Renaissance. He was an influential art professor at Howard University from 1929 to 1968 and is considered a pioneer in modern art education.

Early life and education

Wells was born on November 2, 1902, in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States. His father, Frederick W. Wells, was a Baptist minister while his mother, Hortensia Ruth Lesesne Wells, taught school. When he was young, his family moved to Florida. He subsequently studied art at the National Academy of Design.

Career

Early in his career, Wells was primarily a graphic artist. He worked with block printing, lithography, and etching. He created graphic illustrations for books, journals, and other publications, including illustrations for a poetry collection of Marianne Moore and history periodicals of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. He was an influential teacher and mentor to young artists during his career, including sculptor Elizabeth Catlett and print-maker Stephanie Pogue. A devout Christian, he often used biblical scenes and imagery in his work. Wells established the arts and crafts program at Utopia Children's Center in New York City where Jacob Lawrence became a student of Charles Alston.

After 1931, Wells gained recognition as a painter. Many of his paintings were shown at the Phillips Memorial Gallery, included in the William Harmon Foundation traveling exhibitions, and exhibited in many museums and art galleries worldwide. In 1980, he was awarded the Presidential Citation for Lifelong Contribution to American Art by President Jimmy Carter. Wells received the Living Legend Award at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta in 1991. Smithsonian Institution, first prize, Religious Art Exhibition, 1958 Presidential Citation for Lifelong Contribution to American Art, 1980