Point 'Em Out is an editorial series where Ida Harris explores the latest and the greatest in Black art. Thanks to modern-day technology, we get to be virtual consumers of yesterday's icons and today’s most innovative Black artwork, and — if we're lucky — the Black geniuses who produce them.
We sing the praises of many visual artists. However, much credit is due to the facilitators of Black art for amplifying the names and works of artists we might not otherwise be familiar with. Black gallerists have pushed African American art, making it accessible and consumable for Black communities long before the social media phenomenon. In the pre-digital era, these art professionals not only provided a visual platform for Black artists, but also packaged and positioned their work to be sold, and they continue to do so today. They broker deals and connect artists with collectors and consumers alike. Thus, Black gallerists have established a viable market for Afro art when white art spaces made little room.
Even now, as the dominant market pays a bit more attention to Black art, only a few seats exist for Black artists, particularly when it comes to sales. In 2016, Artnet analyzed how African American artists fare at auctions. Though Black art sales at auctions are increasing, “of the contemporary American artists selling for over a million dollars at auction, a mere one-tenth are black,” and out of the "top 100 artists by volume," Kara Walker, Ellen Gallagher and Mickalene Thomas were the only Black women. These disappointing statistics show that Black gallerists are still necessary to stimulate the creative economy for Black art, and this is all the more reason why the community should patronize Black gallerists and support their efforts. In an attempt to point 'em out, here are nine Black galleries that are putting in work for Black artists across the country.
1. Stella Jones Gallery
Located in New Orleans in close proximity to the French Quarter, Stella Jones Gallery has been holding the Big Easy down with African American art since 1996. Jones has represented the work of iconic artists Elizabeth Catlett, Samella Lewis, Charly Palmer, Sam Gilliam and emerging artist Leonard Maiden.
2. Zucot Gallery
Zucot gallery is a premier Black gallery located in the Castleberry Hill section of Atlanta. The gallery has monthly tasting events that educates visitors on art collecting over a glass of wine. Zucot features local artists at these events and on its walls. Jamaal Barber, Steve Prince, Tamara Maiden and Grace Kisa are some of the artists associated with the Atlanta pillar.
3. Hearne Fine Art
Hearne Fine Art is a Little Rock, Arkansas, gem that has serviced the community for over 30 years. It also boasts the cataloging appraisal skills of Garbo Hearne, who specializes in African American art.
4. Rush Arts Philadelphia
Although the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's roots are in New York City, the Rush Arts Philadelphia gallery has recently opened up in North Philly, bringing its established model to the new location. For the past three years, the Black art facility has carried the original Rush spirit by providing space for artists to grow while also enriching the community and local youth.
5. Richard Beavers Gallery
Bedford Stuyvesant is not only the mecca for cultural creativity in Brooklyn, but it is also home to Richard Beavers Gallery. The gallery has been up and running since 2007, and represents artists such as Leroy Campbell and Frank Morrison, to name a few.
6. Galerie Myrtis
Baltimore, Maryland, is home to Galerie Myrtis, which engages the community with Black art, artist talks, art salons and lectures. The gallery has been in operation for over 20 years and represents heavyweight sculptor Alfred Conteh, painters Amy Sherald and Ronald Jackson as well as artist and printmaker Delita Martin.
7. Mackey Twins Art Gallery
Mackey Twins Art Gallery was born out of a love for art collecting and the lack of representation for Black artists. The business has been a staple in the Mount Vernon, New York, community since 2002, and is one of the leading Black art dealers in the Westchester and New York City areas, particularly during Harlem Fine Arts Festival.
8. Neema Gallery
Charleston, South Carolina, got something to say, and it’s conveyed through well-curated exhibitions, showcasing of Southern art and craft. Neema Gallery can be found in Charleston’s Gallery Row, repping Black art from the Gullah community. April Harrison’s artwork is displayed on constant rotation.
9. Band of Vices
Band of Vices (BoV) took Los Angeles by storm when it opened, nearly selling out the show in 2018. The gallery has kept its momentum by exhibiting strong work produced by a range of talented artists and curators, including actress Angela Bassett.
Whether you’re just getting into the market, an avid collector or someone wanting to understand and experience the excellence of Black art, patronize your local Black galleries. Also, don’t be shy to fall into one of these listed galleries, if you find yourself in their neck of the woods.
