Behind the Scenes
Jacob Lawrence: Thirty Years of Prints
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Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Lawrence (September 7, 1917 – June 9, 2000) was an artist, storyteller, educator and chronicler African American life in America. Lawrence's works are in collections such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Whitney Museum of American Art, National Gallery of Art, Art Institute Chicago, and Seattle Art Museum. Locally, Lawrence's works are included in collections of the Walker Art Center, and Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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Mr and Ms Lawrence

In early 1996, the Weisman Art Museum shared Lawrence's print works on paper in the exhibition Jacob Lawrence: Thirty Years of Prints. There were many events associated with this exhibition beginning with a special opening reception and preview honoring Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence on Jan 20, 1996. This event came to my attention while I processing binders of photos and slides (now foldered in box #250). One binder titled "Photos of Important People"  included whole section dedicated to the Lawrence tribute.

Here's a selection of the images from that evening:

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Lawrence waving
Jacob Lawrence approaches the podium, WAM director Lyndel King applauding
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Lawrence holding up a degree
Artist Jacob Lawrence holds up honorary degrees from UMN
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Lawrence shaking hands
Mayor Norm Coleman presents Lawrence with a Proclomation
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Lawrence sitting
Nils Hasselmo welcomes guests
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Judge (and former Viking) Alan Page with Mia's Evan Maurer
Judge (and former Viking) Alan Page with Mia's Evan Maurer

 

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3 people posing for a photo
Sunny Givens and Archie Givens, Jr.
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Louis Bellamy with guests
Louis Bellamy with guests
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Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence and Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton
Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence and Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton
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Bobby McFerrin with guests
Bobby McFerrin with guests
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Lawrence shaking hands
Judge Alan Page, Nancy Sims Page and Jacob Lawrence
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Phoebe Givens (left), Robyne Robinson (right)
Phoebe Givens (left), Robyne Robinson (right)
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Lawrence Opening and Preview Program, front and back. Note the long list of events!
Lawrence Opening and Preview Program, front and back. Note the long list of events!
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Lawrence Opening and Preview Program, front and back. Note the long list of events!
Lawrence Opening and Preview Program, front and back. Note the long list of events!
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Postcard for a later Tribute event
Postcard for a later Tribute event