Lucy Durand Sikes embodies the roles of an artist, a mother, and an activist. Growing up in Washington, D.C., in the distinguished home of her grandfather, Lucy was surrounded by a family deeply rooted in both the arts, government and civil rights. Her father, Bennett Durand, was a painter, and her mother, Dr. Ame Allen Durand, was a doctor. Lucy's artistic journey began at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where she studied graphic art and illustration in the 1950s, earning a BFA with honors.

In the midst of an era marked by urban renewal and the destruction of historic brownstones, Lucy and her husband Bill became passionate about preserving these architectural treasures. Together, they co-founded the Brownstone Revival Committee, a pivotal force in the Back to the City movement, and collaborated with organizations such as the Pratt Area Community Council and the Clinton Hill Society to protect the neighborhood's houses.

Lucy's devotion extended beyond her artistic and historical preservation pursuits. She raised two children, Bennett and Julia Sikes, who inherited the family's artistic talents. Bennett pursued a career in music creation technologies, while Julia became a skilled artist known for her evocative and soulful paintings inspired by the human experience. Her grandchildren have also followed the family tradition, becoming artists and designers.

Spirituality and social justice were deeply intertwined in Lucy's life. She was an integral part of the Brooklyn Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, actively participating in various roles and expressing her reverence for nature, children, and the meeting community through her artwork. Lucy's commitment to environmental preservation and her advocacy for the LGBTQ community further showcased her dedication to social causes close to her heart.

Lucy's artistic style evolved over time. Initially focusing on black and white as a means to understand the structure of nature, she later transitioned to color painting. The vibrant hues of autumn leaves during a visit to her husband's childhood home in Western New York inspired this shift. Lucy's artwork predominantly revolved around landscapes, clouds, and water, as she sought to capture the beauty and essence of these natural elements. Her art, characterized as impressionistic realism, revealed her deep appreciation for the underlying structure defined by light.

Throughout her artistic journey, Lucy remained captivated by the ever-changing nature of clouds. She found solace and inspiration in the cumulus clouds that gracefully moved across the sky. From their formation to their fleeting existence, Lucy discovered a sense of beauty in their ephemeral solidity. Her understanding of their colors and shapes grew, fueling her artistic spiral of exploration.

Lucy Durand Sikes, with her multifaceted roles as an artist, a mother, and an activist, leaves behind a legacy of artistic expression, preservation, and social advocacy. Her devotion to her craft, her family, and her community continues to inspire those who encounter her artwork and experience the beauty she uncovered in the world around her.