This ever-expanding reference list provides background on a diverse spectrum of illustrators across time, cultures, and artistic styles.
Ernie Barnes
Artist whose experience as a professional athlete helped influence the subject and flow of his work.
Romare Bearden
One of America’s foremost artists who created visual narratives inspired by African American history.
Gwendolyn Bennett
A poet, teacher, artist, and writer whose work appeared in numerous journals during the Harlem Renaissance.
Thomas Blackshear
Illustrator of iconic portraits of African American heroes, angels, and movie stars.
Ernest Crichlow
Known for his Depression-era artworks that addressed injustice and the African American experience.
Jean Cunningham
Fashion illustrator under designer Nettie Rosenstein in the 1950s, and as a freelance artist through the 1980s.
Charles C. Dawson
Early 20th century illustrator who played a central role in the culture of African Americans.
Bob Eggleton
One of the most-awarded fantasy and science fiction artists in contemporary illustration.
Rudy Gutierrez
Artist and teacher whose focus is uplifting the viewer through abstract and emotional pieces.
Sigismund de Ivanowski
Painter and illustrator recognized for his garden scenes, cityscapes, and portraits.
Malvin Gray Johnson
Painter who reimagined the African-American spiritual and depicted Harlem street scenes.
Hilary Knight
Prolific illustrator of children’s books, magazines, greeting cards, and theater posters.
Deb Koffman
Author/illustrator who hoped to encourage those who are struggling to find meaning in their lives.
Norman Lewis
As one of the few African American Abstract Expressionists, Lewis’ work headlined the Harlem art scene.
J.C. Leyendecker
J.C. Leyendecker rose to fame as the creator of elegant artworks for mass publication.