Lois Mailou Jones (1905-1998) was a painter often associated with the Harlem Renaissance. She worked through prejudice to find remarkable success as an artist and educator. Her work is included in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and many others. She was on the staff of Howard University for 50 years after attending the School of Fine Arts in Boston and Columbia and Howard Universities.

I am featuring this early landscape to amplify her story and success. The Jones’ family home was on Martha’s Vineyard. The sun and water of this home place initially inspired her to become an artist. She painted what she saw. This piece is a seminal example of this connection and her talent in color, light, and shadow. (I realize that in 2026 it is rightfully marred by aspects of the image and title.) And the story continues.

This piece actually won a prize at the Corcoran Gallery of Art Exhibition in 1941 after a white friend submitted it for her. Yes, a white friend submitted this work of her. As a black artist, she would not have been allowed to do so.

The past stains of racism bleed through our entire culture. Once these tried to cover over the creations of artists whose skin was black. These did not succeed in the past and we must do what we can to ensure these do not succeed against artists now. Maybe this eternal quote can guide our study of history and our exploration of current action:

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
– George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905

May we remember Lois Mailou Jones, seek out her work, and give thanks for her acclaim. May we give thanks for God’s gifts of love and free will as we discern the way forward in all aspects of our lives including the arts.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church