Lou Stovall facts for kids

Lou Stovall (born January 1, 1937 – died March 3, 2023) was an American artist. He lived in Washington, D.C. and was known for his amazing prints.

Early Life and Education

Lou Stovall grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. He loved art from a young age. He went to Howard University and earned a degree in fine arts in 1965. Later, in 2001, he received a special honorary degree from the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. He moved to Washington, D.C. in 1962 and lived there for the rest of his life.

Artistic Work and Studio

Stovall was famous for his drawings and silkscreen prints. Silkscreen printing is a special way to make many copies of an artwork using a screen and ink. In 1968, he started a place called Workshop, Inc. It began as a community art studio. Over time, it grew into a professional printmaking studio. Many famous artists used his studio. These artists included Josef Albers, Alexander Calder, and Jacob Lawrence. Jacob Lawrence, another American artist, once called Stovall "a craftsman who is also an artist." This means Stovall was very skilled and creative.

Special Art Projects

Lou Stovall's art was shown in many galleries and museums. He also received some important art jobs.

• In 1982, the First Lady, Nancy Reagan, asked Stovall to design the invitation for Independence Day at the White House.
• Later, in 1986, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., Marion Barry, asked Stovall to create art for a big event. This event was the 1988 Democratic National Convention.

Where to See His Art

You can find Lou Stovall's artwork in many museums. Some of these include:

• The Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
• The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
• The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.
• The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Florida.
• The Georgia Museum of Art.

People in Washington, D.C. thought of him as a "legendary" artist. The Washington Post newspaper once wrote that his silkscreen prints were like a "natural resource." This shows how important and lasting his art was.

Personal Life

Lou Stovall married another artist, Di Stovall, in 1971. They had a son named Will. Will is also an artist. He helped put together a book about his father's art and poems called Of the Land: The Art and Poetry of Lou Stovall. Lou Stovall passed away at his home in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2023. He was 86 years old.

Awards and Recognition

Lou Stovall received many awards for his artistic talent.

• 2022 – Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Award
• 2017 – Distinction in Artistic Achievement, DC History Center
• 2005 – Printmaker of Distinction Award
• 1985 – Mayor's Art Award for Excellence
• 1979 – Washingtonian of the Year
• 1972–1974 – The National Endowment for the Arts, Workshop Grants
• 1972 – The National Endowment for the Arts, Individual Artist Fellowship Grant

Exhibitions

His art was shown in many places over the years.

• 2022 – The Phillips Collection
• 2022 – The Georgia Museum of Art
• 2022 – The Kreeger Museum
• 2020 – The Columbus Museum, Georgia
• 2012 – American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center
• 2010 – Addison/Ripley Gallery, Washington, D.C.
• 2009 – Granary Gallery, West Tisbury, Massachusetts
• 2008 – The City Gallery at Waterfront Park, South Carolina
• 2008 – Prada Gallery, Washington, D.C.
• 2007 – Washington Printmakers Gallery, Washington, D.C.
• 2007 – African American Museum, Texas
• 2007 – Howard University, Washington, D.C.
• 2004 – Strathmore Hall Arts Center, Maryland
• 2004 – Harmony Hall Regional Center, Maryland
• 2001 – Howard University, Washington, D.C.
• 1998 – Noel Gallery, North Carolina