Last year we lost one of the most prolific artists of our time, Ernie Barnes.  Many people identify his work with the popular TV show of the 70s, “Good Times” (as J.J.’s ghost artist); However, his contributions to society and the arts are more significant than that of the sitcom.  We discovered that he was an extraordinary athlete, playing professional football for both the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. After retiring from football he developed a relationship with his old childhood friends – the paintbrush and drawing pad.  Ernie Barnes’s reputation as an artist grew tremendously when he launched his touring art exhibit, “The Beauty of the Ghetto,” that featured sensitive depictions of Black life.

Ernie would refer to his artistic style as “people oriented.”   Whether his canvases are splashed with dark brooding colors or with bright sunlight, he celebrates the human spirit as an imperfect yet enduring physical presence that refuses to be defeated.

“I learned long ago to give up words such as can’t and impossible” – Ernie Barnes