February 8 – March 8, 2025

Opening Reception
February 8, 2025
2:00 – 6:00 PM

view artwork

Galerie Myrtis proudly presents Art of the Collectors X, a curated exhibition featuring exceptional works of art by a diverse array of artists. The emphasis is on African American and African Diasporic creators, spanning emerging talents to renowned masters. The exhibit includes paintings, prints, sculptures, and three-dimensional works, all available for purchase from private collections.

A highlight of the exhibition is a selection of paintings and prints from the Helen Elaine Jackson Estate. Jackson (1946–2021), the owner of Capitol East Graphics in Washington, D.C., was a highly respected collector, curator, and trailblazer in the arts community.

Art of the Collectors X celebrates the cultural richness and artistic diversity embodied in a stunning array of unique works. This exclusive showcase invites art enthusiasts and collectors to explore and acquire exceptional pieces that have graced private collections for decades.

Join us for this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the rich legacy of African American and African Diasporic art, as well as the creative contributions of artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and discover a masterpiece to acquire for your collection.

Featured artists include: Romare Bearden, Iona Rozel Brown, Kevin Cole, James Denmark, David Driskell, Victor Ekpuk, Stephen Towns, Delita Martin, and others.

Programming

Panel Discussion
Saturday, February 22, 2025
2:00 – 4:00 pm

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring esteemed collectors Eric Key, Aaro Jean Bell, and Jennifer Hardy, each of whom has dedicated their lives to collecting African American art. Moderated by Dr. Myrtis Bedolla, this conversation will delve into the personal journeys of these collectors, their inspirations, and the pivotal role art plays in shaping their lives.

This discussion will offer unique insights into the lives of these passionate collectors, explore the cultural and emotional significance of African American art, and inspire attendees to view art collecting as an act of preservation, celebration, and connection.

Galerie Myrtis invites you to “An Artful Journey: The Collection of Dr. James K. Hill” on Saturday, January 21st, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. The exhibition, which honors Dr. Hill’s legacy and passion for the arts, features prints, paintings, photographs, posters, and sculptures by prominent African American artists, many of whom were his personal friends.

Dr. Hill discovered that he had the “eye” and the discernment to become a true art connoisseur. Dr. Hill’s taste was eclectic and wide-ranging, evident in his collection, which includes important Harlem Renaissance artists, American arts, and handicrafts. He was an enthusiastic supporter of artists and programs at the Howard University Art Gallery and the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, as well as a frequent lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum.

Dr. Hill was a gifted scholar, scientist, medical educator, college administrator, and renowned expert on historic preservation and African American art. Hill graduated from Brewer High School (1953), and he continued his education, earning a (B.S.) from Eastern Michigan University (1964), (M.S.) from Howard University (1968), and (Ed. D) at the University of Florida (1974). He served in administrative and director roles in Howard’s hospital system. He would become a Microbiology professor at Howard University, where he later retired. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Beta Kappa Chi.


Artwork is available from artists: Romare Bearden, Cornelius Marion Battey, Elizabeth Catlett, Eldzier Cortor, Daniel Freeman, Sam Gilliam, Palmer Hayden, Ethel P. Hood, May Howard Jackson, Lois Mailou Jones, Claude Lawrence, Jacob Lawrence, L. Leslie, Michael Platt, Addison Scurlock, Augusta Savage, James L. Wells, Charles White, and Hale Woodruff.

Dr. Hill was known for his weekly ritual of hunting for treasures. One of his valuable finds landed
him a starring role in an episode of his favorite television show, PBS’s Antique Road Show.

October 30 – January 29, 2022
by appt. only

Featured Artists: Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Allan Rohan Crite, David Driskell, Victor Ekpuk, Sam Gilliam, Ronald Jackson, Lois Mailou Jones, Joseph Holston, Charles Sebree, Alma Thomas, James Wells, and many more…

view artwork | view exhibition catalog

A Passion for Collecting: The Vision of Louis Allan Ford is a testament to Ford’s cultural pride and the legacy he built through collecting. As a patron of the arts, Louis Ford was a familiar and beloved figure on the Washington metropolitan art scene. His passion for African and African American art is reflected in the collection he amazed of nearly two hundred items. Ford acquired utilitarian and ceremonial objects of West Africa and historically significant works of art created by prominent and emerging contemporary artists. He was also a treasure hunter and was known for discovering rare works at estate sales and auction houses.

Ford was a graduate of Dunbar High School and Howard University. He was a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Ford served in the U.S. Air Force and after a brief stint in the federal government found his niche in real estate, creating opportunities for homeownership for many African American families.


Audio excerpts: In 2010 Louis Ford took part in the Art of the Collectors II discussion at Galerie Myrtis.
Louis comments about his art collection. Why do you collect art? Louis visits Sam Gilliam's studio.

July 27 – August 31, 2019

Collectors Panel Discussion: Saturday, August 24th, 5:00-7:00 pm. – The Preservation of Art, Culture, and Legacy – Panelists: Amath Gomis, Gregory Morton and William Robinson. Moderator: Myrtis Bedolla

video: Collectors Panel Discussion

Art of the Collectors VII features works of art created by 20th and 21st century African and African American artists previously held in institution and private collections. Artists: Akili Ron Anderson, Benny Andrews, Romare Bearden, John Biggers, Ernest Crichlow, Sam Gilliam, Lois Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Ulysses Marshall, Valerie Maynard, Jonathan Pinkett, Frank Smith, Hughie Lee Smith, Lou Stovall, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Delilah Pierce, Stephanie Pogue, Faith Ringgold, Cullen Washington, Jr., James Lesesne Wells, Lorna Williams, Curtis Woody, Falaka Armide Yimer, and Purvis Young.

Faith Ringgold, Grooving High
Color Silkscreen 48/425, 35″ x 49″, Framed, 1996
Provenance: Johnetta B. Cole Collection

Artwork

Secondary Market

Romare Bearden (1911-1988)

Out Chorus, ed. 59/60, 1979-80
Serigraph with Hand-Colored border, 22”x29 ¾” framed
Bell-Reid Collection
Price: Contact Galerie Myrtis

Romare Bearden was strongly influenced by the works of other artists, including musicians. “Out Chorus” echoes the beats of Harlem’s thriving jazz scene, and the music’s improvisational form.

Romare Bearden (1911-1988), considered one of America’s greatest artists, was a draftsman, painter, watercolorist, and most preeminently, a collagist. He received many honors during his life, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1987 from President Reagan. Born in North Carolina, and raised in Pittsburgh and New York’s Harlem, Bearden worked in various styles, including cartoon and drawing, social genre, modernism, abstract expressionism and photo-collage. Bearden was best known for the universal themes employed in his collage paintings and prints. He found his imagery in both the everyday rituals of African American rural life in the south and urban life in the north, combining those American experiences with his personal experiences and interest in classical literature, religion, and music.

Reference: Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

February 10 – March 24, 2018

About the Exhibition

Art of the Collectors VI explores the role of the collector in preserving culture and building legacy through art collecting and giving. Featured are works created by prominent and lesser known artists, along with African art. Offerings include a rare drawing by John Biggers, paintings, original prints, and sculptures held in private hands for generations, and important works of art from institution holdings.

Tea with Myrtis – Panel Discussion
Topic: Discussion concerning issues that govern transferring art collections to family members and donating art to museums and universities.
Panelist’s: Alvah T. Beander, Melanin Art Appraisals, LLC • Berrisford Boothe, Principal Curator, Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African-American Art • J. Larry Frazier, Attorney for Wills, Estates & Probate Law • Myrtis Bedolla, Founding Director, Galerie Myrtis
watch panel discussion

Artwork

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.

Art of the Collectors V

April 17 – June 11, 2016

about the exhibition | the artists | the art
 

Available Artwork

all prices subject to verification

About the Exhibition

Art of the Collectors V explores the role of the collector in preserving culture and building legacy through art collecting and giving. Featured are works created by prominent and lesser known artists, along with African art.  Offerings include rare paintings, original prints, photographs and sculptures held in private hands for generations, and important works of art from institution holdings.

Featuring Artwork by:

Romare Bearden, Camille Billops, Robert Blackburn, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernest Crichlow, James Denmark, Aaron Douglas, Elton Fax, Anna Gaskell, Grace Hartigan, Palmer Hayden, Alvin C. Hollingsworth, Lois Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Sam Middleton, Takashi Murakami, Stephanie Pogue, Betye Saar, Lenore Tawney, William T. Williams, Hale Woodruff, African Art, and more…

Art of the Collectors 3

May 6 – July 15, 2012

Accompanying the exhibit are two art salons hosted by Tea with Myrtis:
Preserving your Visual Legacy – watch video
Finding your Passion and Enriching your Life – watch video
 
Art of the Collectors 3 explores the role of the collector in preserving our visual heritage through works which connect us to our past and serve as a bridge to our future. The exhibition features important works of art by prominent African American artists as well as african art objects. The exhibit offers collectors the opportunity to sell works and acquire new ones, and to view rare pieces held in private hands for generations.

Featured artists: Charles Alston, Romare Bearden, Anne Bouie, Elizabeth Catlett, Dr. Albert Carter, William Carter, Richard Dempsey, Joeseph Holton, Sam Gilliam, Sargent Johnson, Lois Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Al Loving, E.J. Montgomery, Godfrey Ndaba, Charles Sebree, Ellen Powell Tiberino and James Wells. Also featured will be African masks and statues.