Join Myrtis Bedolla and Michael Evanson as they explore the life of Dr. Adolphus Ealey (1941-1992) who served as the curator and director of The Barnett Aden Gallery, which was founded in 1943, by Professor James Herring of Howard University and his student, Alonzo Aden, the first curator. The Barnett Aden Gallery was located in Washington, D.C. and was the nation’s first successful black-owned gallery.
Chosen by Myrtis Bedolla, Founding Director, Galerie Myrtis are selected works of cultural and historical significance offered from private collections. Featured Artists: Antonio Blackburn, Augustus Dunbier, Adolphus Ealey, Johnnie Lee Gray, Thomas Moran, Stephanie Pogue and Lucille Malkia Roberts.
Augustus William Dunbier, Negro Woman, 1934, Oil on Canvas Board, 33 1/2″H x 27 1/2″W (framed), Provenance: Jacqueline Miller Collection gift from Adolphus Ealey, The Barnett Aden Collection
Gallery Talk
Bedolla will also address why the Barnett Aden Gallery was established; how the collection was built, why Ealey sold the collection for $6 million in 1989; and how Robert L. Johnson came to acquire it ten years later.
Michael was fortunate to ride around as co-pilot on many of Adolphus’ artistic journeys in Washington, DC as Adolphus was museum curator, art appraiser, art collector, and creative consultant to many clients, artists, and business associates in the Washington area. Michael appreciates that Adolphus was an extraordinary artist himself and always worked to ensure a lasting legacy for the Barnett-Aden Collection.
Exhibitions
Johnnie Lee Gray, The Revolution: Separate But Equal (detail) – Jim Crow Series, Acrylic on plywood, 20 5/8″H x 27 5/8″W
Chosen by Myrtis Bedolla, Founding Director, Galerie Myrtis are selected works of cultural and historical significance offered from private collections. Featured Artists: Antonio Blackburn, Augustus Dunbier, Adolphus Ealey, Johnnie Lee Gray, Thomas Moran, Stephanie Pogue and Lucille Malkia Roberts.
