Black Crown Art Auctions: Paving the Way for Equity in African American Art
Walter and Cathy Shannon have recently established Black Crown Art Auctions, an groundbreaking venture positioned as the sole operational fine art auction house in the United States owned and managed by Black individuals. Their vision for this platform is to foster fairness, prominence, and a enduring legacy for artists, gallery owners, and collectors of African American heritage. This initiative seeks to rectify historical imbalances by providing a dedicated space for showcasing and valuing their contributions to the art world, promoting a more inclusive and representative market.
The Shannons, who debuted Black Crown Art Auctions at the 18th Annual Harlem Fine Art Show, are seasoned professionals in the art domain. They are the proprietors of E&S Gallery, a Louisville-based establishment that has been active since 1989. Through their gallery, the Shannons champion talents such as Kevin West, whose creations have been displayed at prestigious venues like the Newfields Art Museum in Indianapolis and the Cincinnati Art Museum. They also represent fiber artist Sherry Shine and collage artist Yolanda Ward. E&S Gallery's journey began in a modest 2,500-square-foot strip-mall location, evolving to its current impressive 11,000-plus-square-foot facility owned by the Shannons in downtown Louisville, demonstrating their sustained growth and commitment to the arts.
During a conversation with ARTnews, the Shannons elaborated on their ambitions for Black Crown and underscored their belief that art acquisition serves as a vital act of preservation, empowerment, and cultural autonomy. They shared that the impetus behind Black Crown Art Auctions stemmed from Walter's lifelong engagement with art and the auction process, coupled with Cathy's conviction that such a platform was not only overdue but also a cultural imperative. They noted that existing structures for determining artistic worth and legacy had historically excluded Black voices, allowing others to profit from Black culture while denying Black individuals ownership and authority. Black Crown was founded to challenge and transform this paradigm, aiming to build a more equitable and inclusive art ecosystem.
Black Crown's mission is succinctly captured by their tagline: "Collect the culture. Own the legacy." Cathy Shannon emphasized their role as guardians of culture, advocating for fairness and recognition within the art market. Their inaugural auction is slated for August in Martha's Vineyard, featuring a collection of works they either possess or can access, including significant pieces from the Harlem Renaissance. These auctions will be conducted both online and at their gallery, with aspirations to expand to other cities. Walter Shannon acknowledged the significant time commitment required, especially given their ongoing responsibilities with E&S Gallery, but stressed the absolute necessity of this endeavor. Their extensive inventory, built over decades in the business, positions them advantageously, allowing them to readily curate auctions with numerous high-quality items and establish a strong market presence.
The Shannons have cultivated enduring relationships with artists and collectors by consistently serving as a key resource for African American art. They maintain strong connections by ensuring artists are promptly compensated for their sold works, a practice not universally followed by all galleries. They actively engage with the broader community, attending professional conferences to enhance their visibility and forging alliances through events such as Tom Joyner cruises and fundraisers for various organizations. Their short-term objective is to successfully execute their initial auction. In the long term, they envision Black Crown flourishing like E&S Gallery, maintaining a regular auction calendar, and inspiring the emergence of more Black-owned auction houses. They emphasize collaboration over competition, believing that a greater number of such enterprises will collectively advance the cause of Black art.
A distinctive aspect of Black Crown's approach is its strong emphasis on educating buyers. They encourage collectors to acquire art they appreciate, but critically, to be fully informed about their purchases. This involves thorough research into artists and their market values, safeguarding against misrepresentations often found on less reputable platforms. The Shannons aim to uphold integrity in the auction space, ensuring transparency and authenticity. Their commitment is deeply personal, rooted in their own extensive art collection and direct engagement with the products they offer. This personal connection reinforces their dedication to equity and ensuring that artists receive the recognition and value they deserve. Moving forward, their immediate focus is on sustaining awareness and assembling a dedicated team to uphold the high standards of excellence for which they are known.