The Artistic Journey of Ernie Barnes at Canton Museum of Art

Well known in both the sports and visual arts worlds, Ernie Barnes (1938 - 2009) was celebrated early in his career by New York City art critics, who in 1965 referred to him as “the most expressive painter of sports since George Bellows.” He was the first American professional athlete to become a noted painter, recognized for his unique style of movement, elongation, and energy portrayed in his art. His works are shown, collected, and respected internationally.

This original, exclusive exhibition, featuring impressive loans from galleries, museums, and private collections around the country, will be presented at the time of the 50th anniversary of The Sugar Shack painting — the artwork adapted for Marvin Gaye’s 1976 Album, I Want You, and Barnes's work later featured on the successful 1970s television show by Norman Lear, Good Times, which is a second version of the painting.

Barnes’s second version of The Sugar Shack – a segregation-era dance scene depicting men and women in jubilant movement, inspired by a scene Barnes witnessed in his youth at the Durham Armory in Durham, North Carolina – will be a focal point of this exciting exhibition, on loan from the owner. The work captured international attention in 2022 when it sold to collector William Perkins at a Christie’s New York auction for nearly $15.3 million. The first version of the painting is owned by Eddie Murphy. 

“Dreams, joy, struggle, resilience ... these are themes that come to mind when one views the art of Ernie Barnes,” said Max Barton II, CMA’s Director and Chief Executive Officer. “From star high school football player to the NFL, he never let the game interfere with his love for art. All his life, Barnes said he hated the violence and the physical torment of the sport. However, his years as an athlete gave him unique observations that imbued his artistic style — power, motion, and physical vitality, but also storytelling that illuminated and celebrated Black Culture, pride, and achievement at all levels.

“We are excited to welcome audiences to this extraordinary show, helping audiences of all ages to discover, learn, and be inspired through a connection with American art and its stories, particularly as portrayed by Ernie Barnes’ style.” 

His compositions express a neo-mannerist style with elongated figures and dynamic depictions of movement. Across painting and drawing, the works address a wide range of subjects from the rhythmic energy of dance halls, to the physicality of athletes in competition, to scenes of Black life in the rural South and beyond.

Born in Durham, North Carolina, during the Jim Crow years, his interest in painting came at a young age, where he spent afternoons at the home of his mother's employer, perusing the library of classical art books. Barnes went on to create some of the twentieth century’s most iconic images of African American life. Known for his unique “neo-mannerist” a proach of elongated figures, he captured observations of life growing up in North Carolina; playing professional football in the NFL (1959–1964): Baltimore Colts ('59 - '60), Titans of New York ('60), San Diego Chargers ('60 - 62), and Denver Broncos ('63 - '64), where he was called "Big Rembrandt" by teammates; major sporting events; celebrating the music of Motown and R&B; and later, his life in Los Angeles.

Good Times includes his paintings of entertainment and music, but also highlights how Barnes, the official artist of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, extensively represented athletes and sports – such as boxing, tennis, basketball, and gymnastics, including works commissioned for the NBA, Carolina Panthers, LA Lakers, and many more.

His decades chronicling athletes was honored twice, in 1984 and again in 2004, when he was selected as Sport Artist of the Year by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives. In his 1995 autobiography, From Pads to Palette, Barnes also documented his life as professional athlete turned artist. 

Good Times celebrates his life and career and examines his place in African American and popular culture storytelling.

About Canton Museum of Art 
As one of Ohio’s premier art museums, the Canton Museum of Art is recognized for powerful, original exhibitions focused on American art and its influences, hosting more than 50,000 visitors each year and making the exploration of art accessible to all. The Museum’s education, outreach programs, and School of Art classes bring art and creative spark to thousands of students of all ages, while its art therapy program promotes health and well-being. CMA’s acclaimed Collection focuses on American works on paper, primarily watercolors, and contemporary ceramics. The CMA Shop, with curated local and regional artisan-made gifts, is open during Museum hours. Founded in 1935, CMA celebrated its 90th Anniversary in 2025.

Plan Your Visit at CantonArt.org and follow the Museum on Facebook® and Instagram®
for updates.