Jack Lewis, an artist noted for painting vivid depictions of life in Delaware and the Eastern Shore, died at his home in Maine on Monday just days before reaching his 100th birthday.
Sheila Bravo, Executive Director of the Rehoboth Art League, said he is considered one of the state’s founding artists.
Lewis was known for his landscapes and coastal scenes.
He was commissioned to paint 10 murals to hang in Legislative Hall in anticipation of the 1987 bicentennial of Delaware’s statehood.
The Baltimore native was enchanted by Delaware in 1930 and made Bridgeville his home.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that he used to laugh about his love for Delaware considering his first contact with the First State was its mosquitoes.
Lewis was awarded the Order of the First State the highest honor the governor can award for meritorious service.
Several years ago he and his wife moved to Maine to be near his family.
