Uncrowned Community Builders

Oliver A. Lomax was born to George and Augustana Lomas on July 1, 1916 in Abbeyville, South Carolina. With the passing of Augustana, the twosome ventured to the northeast region of the United States during the Great Migration of the 1920s. They briefly relocated in Philadelphia, where a branch of the Lomax clan was established, but eventually settled in Buffalo, New York, a picturesque city located on the Niagara Frontier. The city would offer the ingredients necessary for the culmination of Oliver's lifelong achievements.
In Buffalo, Oliver benefited from the nurturing he received from a loving home environment. He shared his childhood and early adolescent years with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brown and a favorite cousin, Catrena. He matriculated within the Buffalo Public School System completing his formal education at Hutchinson and Technical High School. In the interim, he developed an interest in art and commenced his study of this discipline at the Michigan Avenue branch of the YMCA.
After excelling in his knowledge of art history and technical form, Oliver enrolled at the Art Institute of Buffalo where he was opportune to study under the tutelage of William Rowe, a prominent and highly talented local artist at the time. This relationship immensely facilitated Oliver's artistic development as he exemplified great promise in his artistic creations.
Oliver presented his artistry to the public in the 1940s. During this period, he successfully introduced his work, most notably in a One Man Show hosted by the Junior League of Buffalo. He also expanded his following downstate as he gained admirers after his art forms were placed on exhibit at the 44th Street Art Gallery in New York City. He attracted the attention of the print media of Western New York, where he received favorable mention of his work attributing its success to Oliverâ??s maturing mastery of artistic style and versatility.
In addition to Oliver's artistic pursuits, he was committed to the prospect of obtaining a nurturing family life. In this spirit and as a young adult, he married Arnella Louise Wilson on July 1, 1940. His dream of a prosperous family life was fulfilled as he enjoyed family life with his wife and his two children which followed, a son, Eric Paul and a daughter, Pamela Jean.
With Oliver's developing sensitivity in his art came an interest in directing his energies towards Christian discipleship. Consequently, he was confirmed at St. Philipâ??s Episcopal Church in 1946. For a number of years, Oliver shared his insights, particularly while serving on the church's Vestry and Finance Committee. He also offered his mentorship to aspiring youth who participated in the churchâ??s Boy Scout Chapter. It is not surprising to learn how honored Oliver was to receive the St. Philipâ??s Menâ??s Club, Man of the Year Award in 1992.