Professor Floyd Newsum, a deeply influential artist and educator, was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He pursued his passion for art, earning a BFA from Memphis College of Art in 1973 and an MFA from Temple University in 1975. With a heart dedicated to teaching, he joined the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) in 1976, where he nurtured countless students’ creativity through courses in drawing, painting, printmaking and art appreciation. His commitment to education was recognized with UHD’s Scholarship/Creativity Award in 2003 and 2017, celebrating his profound contributions to the world of visual art.

Professor Newsum’s artistic legacy extends beyond the classroom. His works are cherished in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. His vision and talent brought life to numerous public art commissions, from Houston Metro Light Rail designs to sculptures and paintings that grace public spaces across Houston and Fort Worth.

Beyond his individual achievements, Professor Newsum’s impact on the community is profound. He was one of the visionary founders of Project Row Houses (PRH) in Houston’s Third Ward in 1993. This nonprofit organization has become a beacon of hope, celebrating and uplifting Black art, culture and community in meaningful and transformative ways.

To learn more about Professor Floyd Newsum, you can visit UHD’s post celebrating his legacy here. 

Words by Isabel Almaguer