Oil on Canvas painting by Sy Mohr
All photos were taken by Journalist Tiffany Watson. All artwork in this article are oil on canvas paintings by Sy Mohr.
At 93 years old, local Maryland artist Sy Mohr has created numerous works that honor people of African and Spanish descent. Dr. Robert Ward, professor at Bowie State University, is a close friend to Mohr. According to Dr. Ward, “Mohr is a contemporary American oil painter best known for large mural-like depictions of people, their architectural environments and activities.” Mohr’s 150 paintings celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity in various parts of the world such as the Bronx, Haiti, Mexico, Amish country and finally Maryland. “Many of the paintings’ settings are in a city, town, or neighborhood. Mohr uses vibrant colors that represent the lively nature of people using flamboyant colors to signify clothing, shapes, complexions, races, groups, gender, and expressions,” said Ward.
Mohr’s Amish paintings hang at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg and a collage of his Annapolis paintings hang at the harbormaster building in the Maryland capital. In February, 2008, AIEP allowed Sy Mohr’s painting “Monhegan Island” to be displayed at the U.S. Embassy in Banjul in The Gambia.
Professor Ward expressed how much Mohr truly adores his family. While viewing Mohr’s paintings people get a glimpse into his life experiences and extensive family lineage. “Mohr is Caucasian but he doesn’t see color, he only sees people. His grandchildren are all mixed, they have different skin colors, so he creates these colorful pieces with them in mind.”
Ward’s oil on canvas illustrations will be moved to National Archives and the Smithsonian in October 2014. Local D.C. metropolitan residents get a first look at Mohr’s new work and are invited to a Meet & Greet with him on October 2, 2014 from 6pm to 8pm at Bowie State University. Take a peek before the big day and see Mohr’s paintings Mon-Fri from 10am-7pm. For more information about this event contact the BSU Art Department at 301-860-5712. If you need additional information about how you make a donation towards the paintings and prints of Sy Mohr please contact 301-249-3034.
Location: Fine and Performing Arts Center, Gallery of Art 14000 Jericho Park Rd Bowie , MD 20715
Event Contact Info: clang@bowiestate.edu
“Voodoo in the Bahamas” by Sy Mohr
Bowie State University art gallery showing Sy Mohr’s paintings
Sy Mohr’s oil on canvas painting of Native American culture
“Allen Pond Park” Oil on Canvas
“Amish Life”
Lady T 
