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From Oakland to Brooklyn, these Black-owned art galleries are more than just exhibition spaces—they are incubators for creative expression, cultural dialogue, and community power. Rooted in purpose and vision, each one uplifts a diverse range of artists whose work reflects the depth and dynamism of the Black experience.
Whether spotlighting legends or amplifying rising voices, these galleries play a defining role in shaping the art world. Here are 10 spaces you should know.
1. Jenkins Johnson Gallery
San Francisco, CA & Brooklyn, NY
Founded in 1996 by American gallerist Karen Jenkins-Johnson, this space has exhibited work by iconic art world figures like Ming Smith, Gordon Parks, and Mary Lovelace O’Neal. Its second location in Brooklyn, called the Jenkins Johnson Projects, goes further by spotlighting emerging artists, Black curators, and more.
2. Galerie Myrtis
Baltimore, MD
Galerie Myrtis is known for sparking dialogue around race and identity. Founded in 2006 by Dr. Myrtis Bedolla, this Baltimore institution shines a light on African American and African diasporic artists, including Lavett Ballard, Delita Martin, and M. Scott Johnson. Galerie Myrtis is where celebrated American painter Amy Sherald exhibited early in her career in Baltimore.
3. ZuCot Gallery
Atlanta, GA
Known as the largest African American fine art gallery in the Southeast United States, ZuCot Gallery showcases contemporary Black artistry, featuring the work of visionaries like Jamaal Barber, E. Richard Clark, and Charlotte Riley-Webb. Troy Taylor founded the space in 2009 with a vision to connect artists with the community at large.
4. Thelma Harris Art Gallery
Oakland, CA
Since 1987, Thelma Harris Art Gallery has been a cornerstone of Oakland’s art scene—highlighting talents such as Hebru Brantley, Gene Pearson, and William Tolliver. Founder Thelma Harris’ eye for impactful work has established her gallery as a trusted platform for contemporary African American artists who are pushing culture forward.
5. Stella Jones Gallery
New Orleans, LA
From the heart of downtown New Orleans, Stella Jones Gallery showcases African diasporic art from across the globe. Founded in 1996 by Stella and Harry Jones, the gallery’s mission is to amplify the depth, impact, and historical importance of Black artists, with a strong focus on education and community.
6. Richard Beavers Gallery
Brooklyn, NY
Seated in historic Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Richard Beavers Gallery has been a hub for contemporary Black art since 2007. It features artwork that inspires dialogue around the social and political realities shaping the Black experience. More than a gallery, it is a gathering space that has exhibited iconic figures like Jamel Shabazz, Genesis Tramaine, and Faith Ringgold.
7. Hearne Fine Art
Little Rock, AR
Since 1988, Hearne Fine Art’s mission has been to educate and elevate. The Little Rock institution is dedicated to preserving and promoting Black fine art, representing talents like Kevin Cole and Marjorie Williams-Smith. Founded by Archie and Garbo Hearne, this space continues to celebrate the power and legacy of Black art in the South and beyond.
8. William H. Thomas Gallery
Columbus, OH
William H. Thomas Gallery is Columbus’ first African American gallery, bringing Black art to the forefront for more than three decades. The longstanding cultural institution, affectionately billing itself as the “Gallery in the Hood,” continues to serve as a hub for community engagement and artistic expression.
9. Anthony Gallery
Chicago, IL
Located in Chicago’s Fulton River District, Anthony Gallery is dedicated to empowering artists and elevating diverse perspectives. Founded by Isimeme “Easy” Otabor, the gallery has championed emerging visionaries like Aya Brown, Chase Hall, and Amani Lewis, standing on its commitment to uplift unique voices within the art world.
10. Welancora Gallery
Brooklyn, NY
Another Bed-Stuy institution, Welancora Gallery, is a vibrant force in the Brooklyn arts scene. Housed in a 19th-century brownstone, this cutting-edge gallery showcases intergenerational artists of color like Aisha T. Bell, King David, and Na’ye Perez, exhibiting works at Art Basel, Frieze LA, and more.
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