The Eric Kelly Museum
A Living Legacy. A Global Mission. A Museum Dedicated to the art of Eric Kelly III.
In the heart of historic Durham, North Carolina, the Eric Kelly III Museum stands as a powerful monument to Black artistic excellence and cultural pride. Officially opened on May 4, 1975, the museum began as a dream—visioned in 1961 by Henry Stancil, Eric’s great-grandfather and a man of great foresight who believed in protecting Black brilliance before the world was ready to recognize it.
What began as a humble hallway exhibition of portraits of prominent African American icons has since evolved into a powerful cultural institution—home to exclusive and rare original works by Eric Kelly III, ranging from expressive pastel portraits, never-before-seen collages, to bold abstract paintings and intricate line drawings. Every inch of this museum echoes a sacred call to remember, honor, and elevate the artistry of the Black experience.
When Eric’s family first declared their intention to create a museum based solely on his art—with little to no capital—most called them ecentric. “No one gave us a million dollars,” Kelly says. “But what we had was belief, relentless work, and a family legacy rooted in faith and creativity.”
More than just a personal gallery, the Eric Kelly III Museum is the first step in a much larger mission: to build museums for Black artists around the world—museums that bear the names of unrecognized, under-celebrated, and extraordinary African American artists who changed the course of visual history.
Eric Kelly III’s vision is global, radical, and urgent:
“We’ve had our names erased from the institutions, our works misplaced, our stories forgotten. No more. I want to see museums worldwide named after the great Black artists who gave us the blueprint to dream, to create to express our inner self.”
Artists like:
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Charles White – whose drawings breathed dignity into Black lives.
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Ernie Barnes – merging elongated figures into a cultural renaissance, and his unique art into a new Black style.
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Jean-Michel Basquiat – whose raw brilliance broke barriers in the white-dominated art world.
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Romare Bearden – who collaged our heritage with elegance and strength.
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Elizabeth Catlett – who carved Black womanhood into the soul of sculpture.
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Alma Thomas – whose joyful color fields defied every boundary.
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Archibald Motley – who painted the vibrancy of Black Chicago life.
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Jacob Lawrence – who told our migration stories with emotion and truth.
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Faith Ringgold – whose storytelling quilts stitched art to activism.
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Kerry James Marshall – who painted Black people as masterpieces.
These names—and countless others—deserve more than wall text. They deserve walls. Buildings. Museums.
Eric Kelly III’s museum is proof that it’s possible.
Today, his Durham museum is more than a sanctuary of art—it’s a collector’s destination, a place where appointments are carefully curated and golden invitations are issued with reverence. Every room pulses with history, culture, and vision. His art showroom with countless masterpieces. His studio hums with creation—canvases ready, four easels as he paints in the rhythm of four at a time, his setting room complete with a sauna and his chess café for collectors to enjoy games, and the exclusive juice bar and rare collages he presents to prime clients.
Kelly doesn’t just want visitors to observe art. He wants them to experience it, to feel it, to interact with it. He’s now developing a new museum model—interactive, global, and therapeutic—designed especially for artists, youth, and creatives.
Imagine a Museum in 50 states of America, 54 nations in Africa, Europe, and Asia, and Museums worldwide—each one bearing the name of a Black artist who shaped our world.
More than 60 years after his family took that first leap of faith, the Eric Kelly III Museum remains a beacon. It honors the past. It houses the present. And it builds the future.
Welcome to the Eric Kelly III Museum.
Where the mission is global. The art is Abstract and Expressive. And the legacy is forever.
Collectors Only
Eric Kelly III’s work stands as a testament to the exclusive, rarefied world of high-end luxury art. His creations are not just pieces of art; they are coveted treasures that are designed for the discerning collector.
His approach emphasizes scarcity, with each piece being a one-of-a-kind creation that is never replicated.
This limited stock philosophy ensures that those who acquire his work own something not just rare, but utterly unique.
Kelly’s art is reserved for those who seek value beyond the material—those who understand that true luxury lies in owning a piece that cannot be found anywhere else.
To The Collectors
“Portraiture is crucial in art because it serves as a powerful means of exploring and expressing identity, personal narratives, and cultural values.
It transcends mere representation to delve into the essence of the subject, capturing not only physical likeness but also emotional depth, societal context, and historical significance.
Through portraiture, artists can challenge perceptions, assert identities, and highlight diverse experiences, making it an invaluable tool for social commentary and historical documentation.
The artists listed have each defined a generation of greatness by utilizing portraiture to address and reflect upon the complexities of their time. Ernie Barnes and Kehinde Wiley redefined the portrayal of African American subjects, infusing classical portraiture with modern cultural contexts and personal dignity. Barkley Hendricks’ photorealistic depictions celebrated individuality and style, while Charles White’s powerful realism conveyed profound social messages. The work of Aaron Douglas and James Lesesne Wells brought historical and cultural narratives into the visual realm, enriching the understanding of African American history.
Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jacob Lawrence used their distinctive styles to explore themes of identity and social issues, creating compelling visual narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Romare Bearden and Bisa Butler incorporated collage and textile techniques to celebrate cultural heritage, creating multi-layered portraits that speak to the richness of Black identity. Alma Thomas and Sam Gilliam’s abstract approaches pushed the boundaries of traditional portraiture, while Rembrandt van Rijn and Michelangelo’s mastery of light, form, and emotional depth established timeless standards in portrait art.
Gordon Parks, as a photographer, captured the dignity and struggles of African American life with an empathetic lens, using portraiture to advocate for social justice and change. Emerging talents like Frances Cagle and Eric Kelly III continue to explore and redefine identity through their innovative works, ensuring the relevance and evolution of portraiture in the modern era.
Collectively, these artists have not only shaped the art world but also contributed to broader cultural conversations, defining a generation with their insightful, impactful portrayals of human experience.”
Eric Kelly III,
Director The Eric Kelly Museum
The exclusivity of Kelly’s art elevates it beyond the realm of ordinary collections. When you acquire a piece from his collection, you are not just purchasing an artwork—you are investing in something that speaks to a level of sophistication, wealth, and prestige. His works are unavailable in any traditional market or store, making them a rare opportunity for only the most serious collectors. These masterpieces aren’t found on every corner, and when they do become available, they are gone quickly, leaving only a handful of owners who can claim the privilege of owning an Eric Kelly III.
Each of Kelly’s signed pieces is a statement of luxury, rarity, and refined taste. His work commands attention not just for its artistry, but for the investment value it holds as a one-of-a-kind creation. Serious inquiries are not just encouraged—they are a necessity, as only those who truly understand the significance of owning such a masterpiece are invited to engage. His art is for the elite, the connoisseur, the collector who understands that scarcity and value are inseparable from the world of high-end luxury.
Being an exclusive collector of rare art by one of the greatest abstract expressionists of our time, Eric Kelly III offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to own a piece of history. Eric Kelly’s works transcend mere decoration—they are powerful expressions of emotion, culture, and history, each piece a reflection of his life’s journey and his mastery of the abstract expressionist style. As a collector, you are not just acquiring a work of art; you are securing a rare, one-of-a-kind creation that cannot be replicated. Each piece is an investment in something truly unique, not only enhancing your collection but also elevating your standing in the art world.
The value of owning Eric Kelly’s artwork goes beyond aesthetics; it is a symbol of sophistication, taste, and a deep appreciation for the significance of art in shaping culture. His works are more than beautiful compositions—they are conversation pieces, deeply rooted in history and culture, with every stroke telling a story of innovation and expression. The limited availability of his pieces adds to their exclusivity, ensuring that as a collector, you possess something not just rare but invaluable in both artistic and cultural significance.
By purchasing Eric Kelly III’s art, you are not only supporting the preservation of his legacy but also contributing to the future of abstract expressionism. Each purchase carries the weight of history, a direct link to one of the most respected artists of our time. His works are an enduring testament to creativity and vision, making them a prized possession for any serious collector. In acquiring these rare pieces, you are not only enriching your personal collection but also investing in art that will continue to appreciate in value over time, cementing your place in the legacy of those who recognize the true power and importance of rare, exceptional art.
