Often times, minority contributions to the cultural heritage of our nation have been overlooked and unrecognized. However, minorities have made outstanding contributions to American art history. The numerous paintings, sculptures and architectural work produced by minority artists serve as evidence of the diversity, aesthetic quality and strength of creative thought.
Acting as a refuge for minority artwork in St. Louis for nearly 20 years, Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center has worked to bring African-American artistic expression to the forefront.
Portfolio makes its home in a beautifully restored, mid-19th century home-tucked behind Powell Symphony Hall-at 3514 Delmar Blvd. Portfolio founder Robert Powell established the gallery in 1989 with the hope of educating and creating an awareness of quality African-American visual art.
“When I came to St. Louis in mid-1980,” Powell said, “a venue dedicated to the testament of African-American art didn’t exist. Portfolio was born out of that void.”
“I have become an activist for promoting and telling people about the various African- American artists who create magnificent art,” he said. “The art here at Portfolio tells of the artists’ community and culture, and I think that is extremely valuable.”
In order to engage conversation about his gallery, Powell approaches visitors and asks his pet question: “Can you name five nationally known African American visual artists, living or dead?”
“The facial expressions and responses I get are priceless,” he said. “That lack in response shows me that there is work to be done.”
For almost two decades, Portfolio has provided the opportunity for local and nationally recognized artists to showcase their creative talents to the public. Since its inception, Portfolio has displayed and promoted the work of artists such as Alice Hudson, Henry Dixon, Carolyn Cameron, Terry Jackson and Anthony High. The artwork of Dean Mitchell, creator of the famous Louis Armstrong postage stamp, is currently on display.
In addition to revealing the artwork of locally and nationally known talent, Portfolio also offers educational classes to teach upcoming artists how to refine their talents in order to connect their work with their community.
“We teach classes to children, youth, adults and the developmentally disabled,” Powell said. “We try to foster cultural awareness by putting art in all aspects of the community.
“It teaches us about our ideas and how to complete and follow through on our ideas … It is almost magic,” he said.
Portfolio, a non-profit organization, receives a majority of its funding through donations from friends and supporters. Portfolio offers classes in ceramics, pottery, black and white photography, watercolor and oil painting, jewelry making and sculpture.
Although still in the thinking stages, Powell hopes to one day expand Portfolio by building a small café adjacent to the gallery.
The additional space would accommodate art classes and establish a community gathering space.
“This [addition] is our hope, our legacy,” he said. “We want to build something right here in the heart of Grand Center that will be here years and years later.”
