DURHAM -- Visual artist and Durham native Ernie Barnes, known to many for his painting "Sugar Shack," has bequeathed a number of books and works of art to his alma mater, N.C. Central University, the school announced Tuesday.
A value of $200,000 has been placed on the bequest, school officials stated. The books, from the Barnes Book Collection and Fine Art Library, will be housed in a special section of NCCU'S library dedicated to Barnes as part of the trust agreement.
The school had previously planned an exhibit to honor Barnes, who died in April in Los Angeles, when it learned of the bequest. As part of the school's Centennial Homecoming celebration, a ceremony will take place at NCCU's Art Museum Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. Exhibit curator Kenneth Rodgers, director of the NCCU Art Museum, will preside over the unveiling of the exhibit and the dedication.
Barnes' widow and trustee, Bernie, his children and his brother, Jimmy will attend. NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms, NCCU's Board of Trustees, Art Department Chairman Melvin Carver, representatives of the museum's Advisory Board and Ingrid Wicker-McCree, director of athletics, will also be in attendance.
"We are overwhelmed by Ernie's generosity. It is a wonderful gift to receive. Every bequest is significant, but this is monumental and meaningful for the university and the community," Nelms said in a written statement.
Barnes first showed an interest in art as a child. At Hillside High School, he also excelled in football and track and field. He majored in art at NCCU. He would spend part of his career as a professional football player, playing for the Washington Redskins, Baltimore Colts and other teams. Then, in 1965, New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin saw Barnes' talent and paid him a season's salary to paint, after which Barnes had his first exhibit and became a full-time artist.
Barnes' elongated figures distinguish his signature style termed "neo-mannerist," said Rodgers. "He's probably head and shoulders above mainstream African-American artists in terms of his originality, and his ability to touch the universal in the lives of Americans through the vehicle of the African-American experience," said Rodgers.
Barnes' painting "The Advocate" was donated to the NCCU Law School in 1998 by Donna Arnold in memory of her late husband Danny and it hangs in the Law School Library. Much of Barnes' work showcases the worlds of sports and entertainment and has been seen by millions around the world. "Sugar Shack" was used in the opening credits of the 1970s television series "Good Times" and on the cover of Marvin Gaye's album "I Want You."
Since his death in April, Barnes has received several local honors. In July, a memorial and tribute were held at the Durham Arts Council on what would have been his 71st birthday. Broadcast journalists David Hartman and Ervin Hester, and former Washington Redskins defensive back Brig Owens were among those who spoke at the tribute.
That same month, the Durham Art Guild renamed its Junior Membership Program, which gives scholarships to young artists, in honor of Barnes.
