Every art collector should consider building a personal library of the artists they collect—and those they aspire to collect. Books not only preserve history but also make exceptional gifts.

In 1941, while studying under Elizabeth Catlett at Dillard University, Samella Lewis discovered her lifelong passion for art. Catlett mentored Lewis throughout her career, instilling in her the belief that “if something cannot be found, it should be created.”

With no accessible resources on Black artists or Black art, Lewis followed that philosophy and produced a groundbreaking series—now fundamental texts across many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).