The star attraction of the ’74 Reunion Weekend festivities was the Sylvia & Byron Lewis art acquisition aptly called ‘A Beacon to the World’ exhibit. The Class of 1974 returned to Smith College this past May for their 50th reunion with friends and fellow alums for a weekend filled with joy and nostalgia. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) hosted a special reception and private ‘behind the scenes’ tour. The exhibit ran from February through October 2024. This show attracted hundreds of visitors to the museum–the largest number ever,” said a SCMA security official who has worked there for decades.
“Since its February opening, the Lewis & Lewis art exhibit has drawn unprecedented visitors, especially during the Reunion weekends. The diverse audience, including alumnae, faculty, staff, art professionals, and even local school children, created a vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere. This unique collection brought together a community eager to experience the beauty and significance of African American art,” an SCMA official said.
Witnessing this historic African American art installation and reception was poignant and a day of pride. The Class of 1974 was a historic group because it featured Smith College’s largest class of African American women—10%—100 Black women out of the 1000 classmates! Celebrating half a century since their graduation in a space where Black students and visitors were once unwelcome was a welcomed change.
Alumnae Comments
“Beautiful, impactful, exceptional, and generous. Blessings to you and Byron.” Denise Wingate Matierre ’74
“I can’t express how wonderfully impactful and generous your art collection will be for art lovers for generations. I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it.” Martha Yar boro Coates ’74
“Hi Sylvia, I made time last week to visit your and your husband’s exhibit at SCMA. I have to be honest and admit I don’t know much about art, but I enjoyed viewing the pieces and especially reading about each artist. I loved the vibrant colors in many of them and was drawn to the smaller pieces grouped. My time in the gallery also calmed and slowed me down–something I rarely do during a busy work day. Thank you for that time. The SCMA is a gem; your generous donation is much appreciated.
I look forward to welcoming your classmates back to campus and the museum. My best, Jodi Fallon Fern, Class of 1974
Many alums marveled at the college’s growth and development. They were incredibly impressed that art and museum studies are now vital to a Smith College education.
Finally, African American artists are included in the American art canon, where, for centuries, we were relegated to the margins of the art world.
The “Beacon to the World” exhibit was a powerful testament that reflected themes of love, hope, interconnection, and growth that resonated throughout my 50th reunion’s spirit of building community.
On behalf of Smith College, I cannot thank you enough, Sylvia! Your gift with Byron, and this show, have been nothing short of inspirational and foundational for a future that looks much more colorful, more historically accurate, and more complex than the past! And how beautifully it baptizes the recently embraced commitments of the museum under Jessica Nicoll’s leadership.
Brava!
Sarah Willie-LeBreton
President, Smith College