Nominated by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, Rep. Lewiss (pictured on the left) received the 2008 State Legislator Arts Leadership Award for his arts advocacy throughout the state. As primary sponsor of Artists Right Act, Rep. Lewiss has codified trust and agency relationship between artists and galleries. In turn, this has created a statutory warranty to protect consumers and collectors. In addition, Lewiss has served as chair of the National Conference of State Legislators Economic Development Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee.

Rep. Lewiss has sponsored numerous resolutions to the U.S. Congress by encouraging support and increased funding of the National Endowment for the Arts. Recently, he was a participant in the Pew Charitable Trust Study on Arts and the Economy. The state legislator is also a key supporter of legislation enabling Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) to coordinate the arts districts throughout the state.