Honoring Lewis Hollins

Want to go? • What: A celebration of life in memory of Lewis Hollins • Where: Halo Live, 805 Wayne St., Sandusky • When: The event starts at 7 p.m. on Friday. — From 7:30-8:15 p.m., people can share memories, stories, poetry, readings and songs in tribute to Hollins. — At 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., there will be drag shows. — At 9:45 p.m., there will be a toast to him. — There will be an auction of art prints created by Hollins. All profits received will be contributed to a scholarship in his memory. • Cost: There's no cost to attend. • More: People can visit lewishollinsart.com to contribute toward a memorial art scholarship in his honor. Students entering college could receive a scholarship to pursue art. SANDUSKY — Those ingrained in the local art community continue to mourn a talented creator and trusting friend who unexpectedly passed away a few weeks ago. To express their grief, several people helped organize a celebration of life ceremony in tribute to Lewis Hollins, 42. The event takes place Friday at Halo Live, 805 Wayne St., Sandusky. Hollins — who worked as a server at several area establishments, including OH Taco, The Thirsty Pony and Everwild Spirits — died from a seizure on Sept. 26, according to his friend Marsha Carrington. When Carrington operated her downtown Sandusky gallery, Carrington Arts, she often featured Hollins' work during several shows. "Over a year ago, Lewis was found in his home in Sandusky unconscious and had suffered from a brain bleed and seizure," said Carrington, who described Hollins as someone who had a larger-than-life personality, kindhearted with an infectious laugh. "After recovering from major surgery, he went back to work but continued to have seizures throughout the year," she added. "After the last seizure here, he went to Atlanta to stay with his sister, Tina Hollins, for a while and, sadly, had another seizure while there and passed away." Even though a memorial occurred in Flint, Michigan, Hollins' hometown, "I felt it was important to have a celebration of life here in Sandusky where Lewis was a vibrant member of this community," said Carrington, noting Hollis was a vibrant a public figure in the area's LGBTQ+ community. Carrington, who often depicted Hollins in her own artwork, invites anyone who knew Hollins to show up for Friday's event and pay their respects. "The event is to celebrate his life and bring together the many people whose lives he touched as well as promote a memorial scholarship, which has been set up in his name," Carrington said. So what can guests expect? "The event will include a time for attendees to share memories and stories, listen to some of Lewis' favorite music, make a toast, watch slideshows of Lewis and friends and participate in a silent art auction of framed prints of some of Lewis' work as well as paintings of him by me," Carrington said. "All profits will go to the Lewis Hollins Memorial Art Scholarship. There will also be a drag show performed by some of Lewis' close friends in honor of the inspiration for much of his artwork." Shannon Bradford, a friend of Hollins, set up his scholarship. "Lewis was a phenomenal artist who had so much more art and innovation left inside of him," Bradford said. "I started feeling the itch to create a scholarship in his name, something to both preserve his memory and support future generations of artists." Bradford, of Sandusky, then explained the scholarship's purpose. "Each year, at least two scholarships can be awarded in Lewis' name to art students entering college," said Bradford, noting people can learn more by visiting lewishollinsart.com. "Donations are currently being accepted if you'd like to contribute. This is one of the ways we can keep his memory alive." This scholarship seeks to support students similar to Lewis who are passionate about their craft, Bradford said. "Giving back to the art community and ensuring future generations of artists can continue to practice and bloom is the best way I know how to ensure that Lewis' memory and legacy continue on for years to come."