Florene Dawkins’ Rare Art and Book Collection Finds a Home at Lincoln

Lincoln University of Missouri alumna Florene Calvin Dawkins ’77 is donating 138 works from her private collection of art, rare books, and manuscripts to the university.

Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) alumna Florene Calvin Dawkins '77, a longtime educator and community advocate, is donating 138 pieces from her extensive private collection of art, rare books and manuscripts to her alma mater.

“We are deeply grateful to Ms. Dawkins for her generous gifts of art,” said Lincoln University President John Moseley. “Her support helps us move toward our goal of creating an African American Art Museum on campus, where these works can be shared and appreciated by our community.”

Among her donation highlights are an original painting by John Biggers titled Africa, an African birthing chair and rare African statues that were once wrapped in 1930s newspapers when she acquired them.

"Nina Simone" by John Sims, 2022.

“Everything is my favorite because I started collecting 50 years ago,” she said. “I didn’t buy it unless it was something I really wanted."

A Lifelong Passion for Collecting

Her love of art began early in life. Growing up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, she recalled that while her parents filled the home with Jet and Ebony magazines, there were no museums nearby that showcased African American art.

“After I got older, and I visited some museums and different places, and I saw art—really for the first time, original art,” she said. “I just wanted to be a part of it.”

Her very first purchase was an African carving. “The carving was so unique; I’d never seen anything like it," she said.
"I used money I had been saving to buy a car."

"Marketplace Sculpture" from Ghana, 1930s.

Dawkins collects pieces that move her. “I collect art that tells a story,” she said. “It’s more than what I see — it’s the story, the history behind the piece, the artist, why they painted it."

Though she initially focused exclusively on African American art, over the past 25 years, her collection has expanded to include works from artists around the world and from diverse cultures.

"I look at art with more than just my eyes," she said.

Giving Back to Lincoln

Her decision to give such a significant portion of her collection to Lincoln stems from her gratitude to the university for shaping her life.

"Abstract" by Deborah Dancy, c. 2000.

“When I left home at 17 years of age to go to Lincoln, my father and my mother told me that they had poured everything into me for me to go on this journey,” she said.

At Lincoln, she was surrounded by new cultures, friends and mentors. “After my parents, Lincoln was my foundation, and they poured so much into me,” she said. “By them pouring so much into me and making me who I am, it was only natural that I pour something back into Lincoln.”

"Children Playing" by Louise Taylor Turner, 1962.

Last year, Dawkins donated a handful of pieces and a $10,000 scholarship. But after seeing how Lincoln leaders showcased her first contributions, she felt certain the university was the right home for her collection and chose to donate more this year.

“I knew that Lincoln was where my collection needed to be,” she said. “That was going to be home for my collection.”

For Dawkins, the donation is not only about preserving art but also about ensuring access. “It’s for the students and the community to be able to witness and see things that it took me a long time to find and see,” she said. “Now it’ll be at their disposal.”

"Bodega Girl" by LaKendra Huckaby, 2022.

This year’s gift coincides with Lincoln University’s centennial homecoming celebration. “Coming back to Lincoln means so much,” Dawkins said. “Literally, I’m coming home where a great part of my life started.”

A Full-Circle Moment

For Dawkins, her donations to Lincoln University represent both legacy and renewal. “This is so pivotal and so important to me,” she said. “This is such an important part of who I am and who I’m becoming.”

"Ms. Dawkins’ generous donation is truly a game-changer for us at Lincoln,” said Lincoln University Vice President of University Advancement Grant Winrow. “We are beyond grateful to accept these amazing works of art and literature for all to see. We are truly grateful and appreciative.  Her collection will ultimately raise the level of culture by allowing students who are not just art majors to learn more about the amazing history of art and artists of our time!"

Lincoln University Vice President for Institutional Advancement Grant Winrow, Associate Professor of Fine and Studio Arts David Nyaberi, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts Colleen Smith and Florene Dawkins.  

Dawkins reflected on how this milestone was made possible through the support of those who shared in her vision.

“I want to thank Dr. John Moseley, Dr. Grant Winrow and Curator Victor Pasley for giving me the opportunity to make this gift to Lincoln,” Dawkins said. “I also want to thank them for allowing the passion of the last 50 years of my life to be shared with the world and for allowing me to make this a part of Lincoln’s legacy. It is an honor and a privilege to give back to my alma mater. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. David Nyaberi and Professor Colleen Smith for helping bring my vision to life. Without the support of all of these people, none of this would have been possible. I am eternally grateful.”

Join us for the Florene C. Dawkins Art Collective Exhibit II on October 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Dorothy E. Steward Art Gallery, Richardson Fine Arts Center. Experience an afternoon of creativity and community as we celebrate the power of art — together.