- A Jack Lewis mural at the Bridgeville Library.
Delaware artist Jack Lewis has died. He was 99.
The Baltimore-born artist started painting murals during the New Deal while he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Delaware- he was assigned to document the mosquito control work of the CCC in the salt marshes around Lewes, Magnolia, and Leipsic.
After serving in the Pacific during WWII, Lewis made his home in Bridgeville and became a renowned teacher and beloved figure in the community, painting many murals in and about the town, including the homage to children’s books for the old library, according to a release from the state Division of Libraries.
Gov. Jack Markell issued the following statement on his passing:
“Jack Lewis was a great American artist of enormous talent. His work spanned most of a century and painted a vivid story of life in Delaware and the eastern shore. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but feel fortunate that our state was the beneficiary of his talent. His family and friends can find comfort in knowing future generations will be able to see Delaware through his eyes in the great body of work he leaves behind.”
He was presented with the state’s highest honor, The Order of the First State in 2010,
