A New Vision: The Graphic Art of Tim Lewis
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 4th, 5-7pm
Alden B. Dow Home & Studio, 315 Post Street, Midland, MI
The Alden B. Dow Home & Studio proudly presents A New Vision: The Graphic Art of Tim Lewis, an exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life, career, and craft of acclaimed graphic designer and illustrator Timothy Gale Lewis (1937-2017). A native of Midland, Michigan, Lewis was shaped by a city defined by the arts, science, and creativity, a vision brought to life through the inspiring work of Alden B. Dow, F.A.I.A., Architect Laureate of Michigan.
This retrospective exhibition highlights five decades of Lewis’ work as a commercial artist and illustrator, showcasing original artwork and prints—many of which will be available for purchase. His signature style, boldly colorful yet refined, whimsical yet elegant, complicated and textural yet accessible, made him a sought-after illustrator for over thirty years. Whether commercial illustrations in leading US magazines, Barbra Streisand’s TV special posters, album covers for artists such as Peter, Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, and Chuck Berry, or his whimsical, hand-painted Christmas cards, Lewis’ work continues to enchant and delight.
The exhibition opens with a public reception on Thursday, September 4th from 5-7pm and will remain open for public viewing during business hours through December 31st.
“We are incredibly proud and grateful to feature the joyous work Tim created throughout his career. Recognized as a giant in New York City’s graphic art world, his work allows us to understand complex ideas and issues through playfulness and beauty,” states Craig McDonald, Executive Director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio. In Tim’s own words, “Just being decorative is not enough. Ideally, a deeper involvement should take place.” This philosophy and innate desire to create his whole life echoes Alden Dow’s desire to create structures that were more than simple shelters. Dow would say “A building should reflect a person, inspire creativeness, have beauty, and awaken the senses. Real housing is not a place to hibernate; it is a place for individuals to grow.”
MIDLAND ROOTS
Lewis was raised in one of Alden B. Dow’s early residential structures that served as an early influence on his affinity for design. He attended Northeast Intermediate and Midland High School, also designed by Dow. In middle school, he studied under local artist and art teacher Charles Breed, who would become a lifelong mentor and friend.
Lewis attended Interlochen Art Academy’s visual art summer camp, also held in Dow-designed buildings, before pursuing higher education at Western Michigan University. There, he met his future wife, fiber artist Suzanna Ericsen. After graduating in 1959, Lewis taught art for a year, served in Japan with the U.S. army, and moved to New York City with Suzanna to pursue their ambitious artistic careers.
THE BIG CITY
Lewis began his time in NYC at the Visual Arts Academy and briefly worked as an assistant art director at Young & Rubicam. Pivotal to his career trajectory, he was personally invited by Milton Glaser to join Push Pin Studios.
Push Pin Studios was renowned for rejecting the era’s flourishing modernist design. In contrast with minimalism, defined by white space, strict grid systems, bold sans serifs, and restrained color palettes, Push Pin embraced eclectic, bold, surreal illustration, and a revival of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles that once shaped early 20th-century New York City. Their work stood out for its playful, decorative typography and textured compositions. At Push Pin, Lewis’ style that was uniquely playful and abstract, contributed to their iconic designs throughout the mid-to-late 1960s.
In 1970, after five years at Push Pin, Lewis launched into a successful freelance illustration career in Manhattan. His client list included Time, Forbes, CBS, Doubleday, and Simon & Schuster. His bold work proved versatile across all manners of commercial advertising, keeping him in steady demand for three decades
BACK TO MICHIGAN
In 2001, Lewis retired to the northeastern lakeshore community of Empire, Michigan, a quiet place where he spent his childhood summers. His “Gallery House”, designed by Chicago architect Cynthia Weese, served as his home, art studio, and gallery. In retirement, he remained actively creative, sketching and painting daily, contributing to the art community and local festivals, including annual posters for the Empire Asparagus Festival.
A New Vision celebrates Lewis’ prolific career and creativity-filled life, bringing his story full circle back to the city that shaped his creative beginnings and launched him into a life of design.
Exhibition Dates: September 4 – December 31, 2025
Location: Alden B. Dow Home & Studio, 315 Post Street, Midland, MI 48640
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 4, 5–7pm
Admission: Free, open to public during business hours. Children must be 8 years of age or older.
Artwork available for purchase. No photography allowed.
Marvel at the work of this prolific graphic artist.
Keep up to date by visiting abdow.org.
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?