Virtual Program on Jacob Lawrence’s Great Migration

Gettysburg resident Dora Lewis Townsend will give a presentation at noon on Thursday, May 20, on the American painter, Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000). A Black American painter who came of age in Harlem during the Depression and went on to become a significant and notable artist. He is known for expressing through his paintings a distinct social commentary on the struggles of the Black experience.

The presentation will focus on his early life and the narrative series entitled The Great Migration. Consisting of 60 paintings, the series was completed in 1940 and tells the story of the migration of millions of Blacks from the southern rural farms to the northern cities in search of a better life.

Included in the presentation will be several images of paintings from The Great Migration series to illustrate Jacob Lawrence’s unique artistic style as well as his vivid depiction of the harsh reality of the Black experience during the migration.

Dora Lewis Townsend is originally from Baltimore, Maryland. She has lived in Adams County since 1973. She has an undergraduate degree in Communications (Boston University) and a master’s degree in Spirituality and Healthcare (Chestnut Hill College). She has served on numerous community boards and committees.

To register for the program or for information about Arts Council’s classes at the Arts Education Center, please call or email us.