This ever-expanding reference list provides background on a diverse spectrum of illustrators across time, cultures, and artistic styles.
Charles Alston
A noted painter, illustrator, sculptor, teacher, and muralist whose work covered subjects of race, religion, civil rights, and everyday life in the south.
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.
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Jack Davis
American cartoonist and illustrator who worked as a commercial artist, and was part of the founding staff of MAD magazine.
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.
Sheldon “Shelly” Fink
Illustrator and fine artist most famous for his realist paintings and etchings.
Peter Fiore
Commercial illustrator turned landscape painter best known for transforming light into an emotional subject.
Rudy Gutierrez
Artist and teacher whose focus is uplifting the viewer through abstract and emotional pieces.