About this Event

Join us to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of the late UD Professor James E. Newton, an artist, educator and community leader.

In the exhibition The Artistic Legacy of James E. Newton: Heritage and Character Portraits, visitors are invited to get a close look at Newton’s drawings, collages and prints. Through artworks of both real and imaginary characters, including a series featuring jazz musicians, you will explore the importance of African American heritage, community and culture in his work.

In celebration of Newton, the event will begin with a performance from a student jazz ensemble. The performing students include Logan Slansky on piano, Graeme Leighton on bass and Trevor Otto on drums.

Following the performance, attendees are invited to share their experiences and recollections of Newton with the audience. Come ready to share your warmest memories of this beloved member of the Delaware arts community.

The evening will close with a reception for the exhibition. Refreshments will be provided.

The Paul R. Jones Initiative has provided funding support for the event. Registration is requested.

Please note that North College Avenue will be closed on the day of the event, resulting in detours for vehicles and pedestrians. We suggest visitors approach Mechanical Hall Gallery from Main Street, rather than Cleveland Avenue, and park in the Trabant Parking Garage. For more information on the closure and detours, please visit: https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/february/road-closures-detour-information-march-2024-deldot/

This event is part of a collaboration between the Delaware Art Museum and the University of Delaware to celebrate James E. Newton’s legacy as an artist, UD professor and leader in the Delaware community. Exhibitions are on view at the Delaware Art Museum, UD’s Mechanical Hall Gallery and UD’s Morris Library. Information on additional programs and events can be found here.