User:Covace/sandbox

THURLOW EVANS TIBBS JR. (1952-1997

Thurlow Evans Tibbs Jr. was a native Washingtoian, the son of Thurlow Evans Tibbs an Attorney and Elizabeth (Moore) Tibbs. His grandmother was Annie Lillian Evans Tibbs who was among  the first African American Opera singers. Her stage name was Madam Lillian Evanti and she was a major influence on young Tibbs.

Tibbs was a graduate of Cardoza High School,1970,{?) Dartmouth College(1974) and Harvard University(1976 ) On completion of his graduate studies in Urban Planning at Harvard Tibbs returned to Washington  to work at the Government  Services Adminstration and live in the  family home which had been   Madam Evanti's.   The historic home at  1910 Vermont Avenue was where he had grown up with his parents and sister Diane.   Building on the established collection of his late grandmother he began collecting  art in the 1970's   and established the home as  gallery for the Evans-Tibbs Collection. Tibbs was an avid collector not only of works of art but of books and documents relating to the cultural life and history of African America.  In  19..  he left his work at  GSA to devote all his time to building the collection and to establish his home as a Gallery for the Evans-Tibbs Collection  He developed a career as an  dealer, art appraiser and broker. He became an advocate for African American Artists and through unique exhibitions and writings sought to bring recognition to their achievements. He traveled widely throughout the United States visiting artists and looking for  works of art for his collection. He was recognized as a expert in the field and helped buld / enhance several important collections. --Harriet and Harmon Kelly-- the print people?? He was active in the local art community serving on various boards and advisory groups ie DC Commision,,, Anacostia.. in the early 90's he opened his home at the beginning of the Aid Crisis opened his home for funerals when ,aids victimes were being turned away from funeral homes.,check source