____ _ _ _ George 'Lassie' Belt

Lassie working at Sally Wern Comport's Art At Large Studio with Stanton Center Student.

BIOGRAPHY

GEORGE 'LASSIE' BELT was born in the Clay Street community, Annapolis, Maryland.

Mr. Lassie, as he is called by the Stanton Center children, is a friend to many, but

devotes his tireless energy, passion, and inspiration to the community’s children and

young adults. Mr. Belt is a teacher (art, academics, life skills, physical education, and

biblical principles) assistant pastor, and mentor to many in his beloved hometown. He

devotes his talents to helping each young person be their best.

His pencil artworks speak of courage, hope, and prayer. Lassie attended local schools

and the George & Lillian Belt “Home-Training” University (his father and mother). He

received his undergraduate degree and did graduate studies at Morgan State University.

Mr. Belt was the first recipient of the Annapolis Touchdown Club Steve Belichick Coach’s

Award. His artwork has been exhibited at Morgan State University, Frostburg State

University, the Touchdown Club, and appeared in the Annapolis Anthology publication.

ABOUT the Artwalk Installation

This montage is the collaborative effort of George “Lassie” Belt, children from the

Stanton Community Center (listed below), and Artwalk curator, Sally Wern Comport. This

artwork, part of the Annapolis 300 celebration, is at the entrance to the Clay Street

community. Clay Street was “uptown” to a sizable African American population and

provided a storied cultural resource to the entire city.

History notes Annapolis had more free blacks per capita in the colonies, and during the

19th century, African Americans comprised one-third of the city’s population. Mr. Belt’s

artwork of an African American man illustrates his perspective of life’s struggles,

whatever they are, and that such obstacles can be overcome through faith,

perseverance, and community. The drawings by young artists (ages 5-13) offer diverse

images and hopeful viewpoints.

A short walk takes you to the Maryland State House and other African American history

at the Banneker-Douglass Museum at 84 Franklin Street.

Artists Include: Carron Anderson, Lavell Alexander, Tymiesha Barnes, DeAndre Branch, Gary Brown

Destiny Butler, Takiera Cook, De’Zha Gilreath, Neje Gross, Rolando Holland, Ebone Johnson, Tavon

Johnson, Precious Jones, D’Saun Metellus, Daylonte Scott, Taiyla Simms, Lakyra Smith, Carlos

Wallace, Elisha Watson, Kelsey Williams, Keo Williams.