Yorubian sculptor Lamidi Olonade Fakeye is known for his renowned woodcarvings. Fifth generation carver, Fakeye orginates for Nigeria. He is an International Ambassador for African Art. Fakeye began his work over 70 years ago at the Roman Catholic Mission in Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. With tours throughout the United States and France, Fakeye gives life to each extraordinary carving.
1928 Lamidi O.Fakeye born in Ila Orangun, Nigeria
1938 Carves his first sculpture and apprentices to his father
1949 Begins apprenticeship to master sculpture George Bamidele Arowoogun
1955 Takes his first job as an art instructor at Holy Cross Primary School (Lagos, Nigeria)
1960 First son is born and first solo exhibition opens at British Council (Nigeria)
1962 Serves as artist-in-residence at Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
1964 Elected president of Society of Professional Artists of Nigeria;exhibit opens at United States Information Service (Nigeria)
1971 Exhibit of three generations of Fakeye woodcarvers opens (Ibadan, Nigeria)
1973 Recieved commission for Kennedy Center Africa Room doors (Washington, DC)
1978 Appointed to the faculty of University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria)
1987 Unveils Oduduwa statue at Universtiy of Ife; retrospective opens at Western Michigan University gallery
1989 Awarded Oyo State, Nigeria, Special Merit Award
1989 Serves as artist-in-residence at universities in Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburg, and Atlanta
1995 Makes pilgramage to Mecca
1996 Publishes autobiography; retrospective exhitbit opens at Hope College (Holland, Michigan)
1999 Appointed Kellogg Visiting Artist for Michigan; Smithsonian retrospective exhibit
1938 Carves his first sculpture and apprentices to his father
1949 Begins apprenticeship to master sculpture George Bamidele Arowoogun
1955 Takes his first job as an art instructor at Holy Cross Primary School (Lagos, Nigeria)
1960 First son is born and first solo exhibition opens at British Council (Nigeria)
1962 Serves as artist-in-residence at Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
1964 Elected president of Society of Professional Artists of Nigeria;exhibit opens at United States Information Service (Nigeria)
1971 Exhibit of three generations of Fakeye woodcarvers opens (Ibadan, Nigeria)
1973 Recieved commission for Kennedy Center Africa Room doors (Washington, DC)
1978 Appointed to the faculty of University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria)
1987 Unveils Oduduwa statue at Universtiy of Ife; retrospective opens at Western Michigan University gallery
1989 Awarded Oyo State, Nigeria, Special Merit Award
1989 Serves as artist-in-residence at universities in Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburg, and Atlanta
1995 Makes pilgramage to Mecca
1996 Publishes autobiography; retrospective exhitbit opens at Hope College (Holland, Michigan)
1999 Appointed Kellogg Visiting Artist for Michigan; Smithsonian retrospective exhibit