JEAN LACY

"Jean Lacy was born Laura Jean Wells in 1932
in Washington, D.C. and grew up near the campus of Howard University. Ms.
Lacy was introduced at an early age to the philosophical thought and writings
of Alain Locke, W.E.B. Du Bois and other African-American intellectuals.
She received her BA in Art Education from Southern University in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana and continued her studies at the Art Students League,
New York City, 1956-1957, and Otis Art Institute, Los Angeles, 1958.
As Director of the African-American Cultural Heritage Center for the Dallas
Independent School District, 1977-1988, Ms. Lacy developed a number of
educational programs aimed at emphasizing cultural enrichment through student
study of art, artifacts, and memorabilia related to African-American history.
Her art is enriched with the imagery and collective spirit of all people
of African descent. Ms. Lacy incorporates mixed media paintings, sculptures
and printmaking to visually elucidate the recurring themes of urban African
American life and experience. Throughout her career, her artwork has been
an expression of love for urban life and the myriad people in the African
Diaspora. By aligning images of African antiquity with modern images of
urban life, she illustrates a universal connection between people of African
descent. Ms. Lacy's integration of influences from African
art, African, Afro-Caribbean and African-American spiritual traditions
and the Civil Rights/Black Power Movements may also be seen in the 53 stained
glass window designs she created for St. Luke “Community” United Methodist
Church in Dallas." Please visit Jean Lacy's web site: www.flyingjeannie.com
