Canton Museum of Art to Present Major Ernie Barnes Retrospective in 2026
From August 18 to November 1, 2026, the Canton Museum of Art (CMA) in Ohio will present 'Good Times: The Artistic Journey of Ernie Barnes.' This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Ernie Barnes Estate, Ortuzar, and Andrew Kreps Gallery, will feature a selection of Barnes's artwork, including the second version of 'The Sugar Shack' (1976), which fetched nearly $15.3 million at Christie's in 2022. The first version is in the possession of Eddie Murphy. This event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic painting, which was used for Marvin Gaye's 1976 album and appeared on 'Good Times.' An opening celebration is scheduled for August 21, 2026. Barnes (1938–2009) transitioned from NFL player to renowned painter and was named Sport Artist of the Year.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Good Times: The Artistic Journey of Ernie Barnes' runs August 18 – November 1, 2026 at Canton Museum of Art.
- Organized with Ernie Barnes Estate, Ortuzar (New York), and Andrew Kreps Gallery (New York).
- Second version of 'The Sugar Shack' (1976) is a focal point, on loan from collector William Perkins.
- The painting sold for nearly $15.3 million at Christie's New York in 2022.
- First version of 'The Sugar Shack' is owned by Eddie Murphy.
- Opening celebration on August 21, 2026, 5–7:30pm, with En-Rich-Ment Drumline and Dave Marchione Jazz Quartet.
- Barnes was the first American professional athlete to become a noted painter.
- Barnes was named Sport Artist of the Year in 1984 and 2004 by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives.
- Barnes was official artist of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- Works commissioned for NBA, Carolina Panthers, LA Lakers are included.
- Barnes played in NFL from 1959–1964 for Baltimore Colts, Titans of New York, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos.
- Barnes's autobiography 'From Pads to Palette' was published in 1995.
Entities
Artists
- Ernie Barnes
- Max Barton II
- Christy Davis
- Norman Lear
- Marvin Gaye
- Eddie Murphy
- William O. Perkins, III
- Lara Perkins
- George Bellows
- Dave Marchione
Institutions
- Canton Museum of Art
- Ernie Barnes Estate
- Ortuzar
- Andrew Kreps Gallery
- Christie's New York
- American Sport Art Museum and Archives
- NBA
- Carolina Panthers
- LA Lakers
- Baltimore Colts
- Titans of New York
- San Diego Chargers
- Denver Broncos
- En-Rich-Ment Drumline
- Dave Marchione Jazz Quartet
Locations
- Canton
- Ohio
- New York
- Durham
- North Carolina
- Los Angeles