The Artist
Notes by Gerald Stone Art Manager since 1982 with interviews from A Collector’s Conversation:
Art Shows at the Eric Kelly Museum
For decades, the Eric Kelly Museum has been a beacon of artistic brilliance, showcasing the unparalleled talent of Eric Kelly III. These exclusive art shows, attended by private collectors, family, and friends, provided a unique opportunity to experience pastel, sculpture, and acrylic paintings in an intimate setting. Below is a historical record of the extraordinary art exhibitions held at the museum.
Painterly Perspectives
Date: April 12, 1989 | Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 35 collectors
Theme: Exploring the depth and emotion in brushwork, this show highlighted the dynamic textures and expressive gestures in Kelly's work. The collectors engaged in discussions about the impact of brushstroke movement in contemporary art.
Aesthetic Adventures
Date: September 5, 1992 | Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Audience: 40 collectors
Theme: A journey through color, form, and rhythm, showcasing how abstraction and realism coexist in Kelly’s pieces. This intimate evening included a live painting demonstration.
Timeless Tapestries
Date: July 20, 1996 | Time: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Audience: 42 collectors
Theme: A collection inspired by cultural narratives and historical influences. Eric Kelly III spoke about his artistic process and the role of history in shaping his compositions.
Lines and Layers
Date: November 10, 1999 | Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Audience: 50 collectors
Theme: An exploration of depth and complexity in artistic layering, featuring textured pastels and sculptural pieces. Collectors engaged in one-on-one conversations with the artist.
Masterpieces in Motion
Date: February 15, 2003 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 38 collectors
Theme: Kinetic energy in static images, highlighting movement within still compositions. Attendees were treated to a guided tour of the exhibit by Eric Kelly III himself.
Palette of Possibilities
Date: October 7, 2006 | Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Audience: 36 collectors
Theme: The interplay of unexpected color combinations to create emotional resonance. A discussion panel featuring prominent art critics accompanied the showcase.
Art Beyond Boundaries
Date: March 21, 2010 | Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Audience: 44 collectors
Theme: Expanding artistic norms, featuring avant-garde works that pushed creative limits. A documentary on Kelly’s artistic evolution premiered during the event.
Echoes of Expression
Date: May 15, 2015 | Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Audience: 40 collectors
Theme: The repetition of motifs and echoes of past themes throughout Kelly’s career. Guests participated in a roundtable discussion led by art historians.
visions in Vivid
Date: December 3, 2019 | Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Audience: 37 collectors
Theme: A vibrant celebration of color as a storytelling tool. Guests were invited to a private Q&A with the artist.
Illuminated Ideas
Date: June 9, 2022 | Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Audience: 48 collectors
Theme: Exploring light and contrast in abstract compositions. Collectors were given exclusive first access to a new series of limited-edition prints.
Abstract Encounters
Date: February 18, 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 45 collectors
Theme: The evolution of abstraction in Kelly’s work. Attendees were given signed copies of the official show catalog and a preview of upcoming projects.
Each exhibition at the Eric Kelly Museum was an exclusive Art Affair, carefully curated to present new, thought-provoking works. These events were more than just showcases; they were Journeys into Art, offering collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to connect deeply with Kelly’s evolving artistic vision. The museum remains a sanctuary for Impression Inspiration, where each show continues to define the artist’s legacy through a Spectrum of Dreams.
Art Shows at the Eric Kelly III Museum and Beyond
For decades, Eric Kelly III has presented a series of art shows that captivated private collectors, family, and friends. Each exhibition included a Meet and Greet with Eric Kelly III, an Introduction to the Show, a Fireside Chat discussing the theme, a Guided Tour with Commentary, and an Exclusive Book Signing. These intimate gatherings, limited to fifty attendees, featured new works in pastel, sculpture, and acrylic painting. Below is a historical overview of these notable exhibitions.
1975 Hillside High School Durham Links Award
Date: March 10, 1975 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 10 Judges
Theme: A retrospective of early works, celebrating the influence of education on artistic development.
1978 North Carolina Central University Art Museum
Date: October 14, 1978 | Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Audience: 35 collectors
Theme: An academic journey through the visual arts, showcasing evolving styles from realism to abstraction.
1982 North Carolina Central University Museum
Date: April 22, 1982 | Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Audience: 45 collectors
Theme: Black history in visual storytelling, with a curated selection of cultural portraits and narratives.
1985 Hayti Heritage Center 10-Year Anniversary
Date: July 12, 1985 | Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Audience: 50 collectors
Theme: A decade of artistic evolution, reflecting on the social and political inspirations of the past ten years.
1995 Hayti Heritage Center 20 Year Anniversary
Date: September 20, 1995 | Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Audience: 40 collectors
Theme: Cultural identity and artistic legacy, presenting pieces influenced by heritage and social change.
2005 Hayti Heritage Center 30 Year Anniversary
Date: November 5, 2005 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 48 collectors
Theme: Artistic milestones, revisiting key pieces that shaped Eric Kelly III’s journey.
2010 Hayti Heritage Center 40 Year Anniversary
Date: February 18, 2010 | Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Audience: 50 collectors
Theme: Bridging past and future, highlighting the progression of technique and themes over forty years.
Playground Gallery Durham – Human Landscapes
Date: May 15, 2015 | Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Audience: 42 collectors
Theme: The human form in abstract expression, depicting movement, emotion, and structure.
NCCU Museum – Paintings Now and Forever
Date: August 10, 2004 | Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Audience: 38 collectors
Theme: Permanent inspirations, a showcase of classic and modern influences in painting.
WD Hill Gallery – The Face of Change
Date: June 20, 2001 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 37 collectors
Theme: Art as a catalyst for social transformation, featuring works depicting historical change-makers.
Lydia Meerick Moore Gallery – Obama
Date: November 4, 2006 | Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Audience: 50 collectors
Theme: A tribute to Barack Obama, capturing the spirit of political and social progress.
The Madame Dee Estate – Behind the Brush
Date: August 12, 2011 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 45 collectors
Theme: An intimate exploration of the artistic process, revealing the layers behind each masterpiece.
Brinkley Estate, Atlanta GA – Crossing the Line
Date: March 25, 1988 | Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Audience: 40 collectors
Theme: Pushing artistic boundaries, experimenting with form, space, and unconventional materials.
Jefferson County Commission Gallery – Faces
Date: October 5, 1978 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 35 collectors
Theme: The power of portraiture, showcasing identity, expression, and emotional depth.
Eric Kelly III Museum – Abstracts Nation
Date: March 20, 2016 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 47 collectors
Theme: A journey through abstraction, emphasizing color, shape, and movement.
Eric Kelly III Museum – Pastel Portraits Unknown
Date: August 5, 2014 | Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Audience: 42 collectors
Theme: The untold stories behind faces, showcasing expressive pastel portraits.
Eric Kelly III Museum – Music: The Face of Color
Date: September 18, 2007 | Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Audience: 48 collectors
Theme: Intersections of sound and visual art, exploring the relationship between color and rhythm.
Eric Kelly III Museum – Human Landscapes
Date: July 10, 2020 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Audience: 50 collectors
Theme: The body as a canvas, representing emotions and personal narratives through dynamic forms.
Eric Kelly III Survey Show
Date: February 15, 2027 | Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Audience: 50 collectors
Theme: A lifetime of artistic evolution, a comprehensive showcase of fifty years of work.
Each exhibition celebrated a unique aspect of Eric Kelly III’s artistic journey. These events were not only a Gallery Gathering but an Aesthetic Adventure into the soul of an artist whose work continues to inspire and transform. The legacy of Eric Kelly III remains etched in the art world as a Spectrum of Dreams that continues to evolve with time.
A Collector’s Conversation: The Art Shows of Eric Kelly III
For decades, Eric Kelly III has mesmerized audiences with his breathtaking artistic vision. Each art show has been a spectacular, moving, and transformative experience—an electrifying display of brilliant black lines, large portraits, and masterful placement of images. Critics and collectors alike have hailed his work as a revolution in artistic expression, proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest artists of our time. Below are collector articles reflecting on each exhibition, capturing the essence of his brilliant, colorful, and powerful artistic genius.
A Collector’s Conversation with Gerald Stone:
A Collector’s Conversation: Human Landscapes (May 15, 2015, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM, 42 Collectors)
From the moment you step into Human Landscapes, it is clear that this is more than an art show—it is a journey into the soul of humanity. The bold black lines carve through luminous colors, defining the pulse of human emotion in a way that only Eric Kelly III can. Inspired by his synesthesia, the works transform sound into visual brilliance, capturing the unseen rhythms of life. Each masterpiece radiates hope, resilience, and unity, making this show a breathtaking revelation in contemporary art.
A Collector’s Conversation: Paintings Now and Forever (August 10, 2004, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 38 Collectors)
What if colors could speak? What if brushstrokes could whisper the past and shout the future? Paintings Now and Forever explores the timeless nature of artistic genius. Each work in this exhibition tells a story, evoking memories that feel both deeply personal and universally relevant. The placement of images, the dynamic textures, and the interplay of light and shadow turn every painting into a cinematic experience. Kelly’s ability to make art feel alive, breathing, and eternal cements his place as a visionary force in the art world.
A Collector’s Conversation: The Face of Change (June 20, 2001, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, 37 Collectors)
Change is more than a moment—it is a movement. The Face of Change is a masterpiece in motion, capturing the shifting tides of history with breathtaking portraits and emotionally charged abstraction. Kelly’s use of color in this show is nothing short of spectacular; each hue vibrates with energy, each brushstroke a revolutionary act of artistic courage. This is not just an exhibition—it is a declaration of transformation, reminding us that art is both a mirror and a catalyst for change.
A Collector’s Conversation: Obama (November 4, 2006, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, 50 Collectors)
Few artists have the ability to capture hope, history, and humanity in a single image the way Eric Kelly III does. Obama is not just a series of paintings—it is an epic narrative, a story woven in brilliant black lines and bold, dynamic colors. The works celebrate the power of leadership and the enduring spirit of progress. Every brushstroke is an act of storytelling, resilience, and triumph. Collectors walked away from this show not just with art, but with a piece of history immortalized on canvas.
A Collector’s Conversation: Crossing the Line (March 25, 1988, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, 40 Collectors)
Eric Kelly III has always been ahead of his time, and Crossing the Line proves it. This breathtakingly innovative show challenges artistic boundaries, bringing together abstract landscapes, figurative realism, and experimental textures in ways never seen before. Each composition pulses with movement, emotion, and raw energy, a testament to Kelly’s ability to paint the intangible. As collectors and critics alike marveled at the brilliant placement of images, one thing was clear—this was a moment of artistic revolution.
A Collector’s Conversation: Black Wall Street (October 5, 1989, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, 35 Collectors)
How do you paint resilience? How do you capture an untold story and bring it to life? Black Wall Street is a masterpiece of historical remembrance and artistic brilliance. With each portrait, Kelly honors the legacy, struggle, and triumph of those who built Black Wall Street. The use of dynamic colors, powerful silhouettes, and bold black lines creates an emotional gravity that is impossible to ignore. This exhibition was more than an art show—it was a symphony of justice and tribute to history.
A Collector’s Conversation: Black Women Amplified (August 12, 2011, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, 45 Collectors)
There is power in the presence of Black women, and Black Women Amplified celebrates that strength in vivid, breathtaking colors and bold compositions. Eric Kelly III’s signature style brings these portraits to life, capturing dignity, resilience, and brilliance in every stroke. The large-scale works command attention, demanding that the stories of these women be seen, heard, and honored. This exhibition was a masterpiece of empowerment, a radiant showcase of the beauty, grace, and power of Black womanhood.
A Collector’s Conversation: Spectrum of Dreams (February 15, 2027, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, 50 Collectors)
What happens when dreams take form, when imagination spills onto canvas? Spectrum of Dreams is a brilliant explosion of color, texture, and movement. The energy within these works is breathtaking, a dazzling display of Kelly’s artistic genius at its peak. Every brushstroke feels like a note in a grand symphony, every color a verse in a poetic masterpiece. This show is not just an exhibition—it is a revelation, a journey into the mind of a true visionary.
Each of these transformative, spectacular, and moving exhibitions showcases why Eric Kelly III is hailed as one of the greatest artists of our time. His ability to blend music, color, emotion, and storytelling into a single visual experience is nothing short of revolutionary. Through brilliant placement of images, bold black lines, and breathtaking compositions, his work continues to inspire, challenge, and elevate the art world. His legacy is not just painted—it is etched into the very fabric of history.
A Collector’s Conversation: Painterly Perspectives (1989)
A Brilliant and Transformative Showcase of Artistic Genius
From the moment one stepped into Painterly Perspectives at the Eric Kelly III Museum on April 12, 1989, it was clear that this was not just an exhibition—it was a revolution in color, form, and emotion. Eric Kelly III, one of the greatest artists of our time, presented a breathtaking display of masterful brushwork, bold black lines, and dynamic textures that left collectors and critics alike in awe.
The evening began with an intimate Meet and Greet with the artist himself. Collectors engaged in lively conversations, eager to gain insight into the mind behind the masterpieces. As the night unfolded, Kelly guided his audience through a Fireside Chat, discussing the depth and emotion infused into every brushstroke.
The Guided Tour with Commentary proved to be a moving experience. Kelly’s discussion of his technique illuminated the brilliance behind his work—the way each layer of color pulsed with energy, the way his expressive gestures breathed life into each composition. The way he played with contrasts and movements showcased a level of sophistication that only a visionary could achieve.
Painterly Perspectives was a journey through the artist’s perception of the world—one where bold black lines cut through vivid landscapes, and color became a language of its own. Attendees were left mesmerized, unable to look away from the brilliant placement of images that told stories deeper than words ever could.
Critics declared the exhibition a masterpiece in motion, a fantastic and breathtaking exploration of contemporary art that blurred the lines between abstraction and reality. The brilliant black lines, masterful layering, and expressive brushwork solidified Kelly’s place as a force in the art world.
As the evening concluded with a Book Signing, collectors left with more than just autographed copies—they carried with them a newfound appreciation for the power of visual storytelling. Each painting in Painterly Perspectives was more than just a work of art; it was a symphony of light, movement, and soul.
This exhibition remains an unforgettable moment in art history—a spectacular and transformative show that redefined what it means to truly see, feel, and experience art.
A Collector’s Conversation: The Art Shows of Eric Kelly III
For decades, Eric Kelly III has captivated audiences with his breathtaking artistic vision. Each exhibition has been a spectacular, moving, and transformative experience, an electrifying display of brilliant black lines, large portraits, and masterful placement of images. Below are critiques of some of his most celebrated exhibitions, capturing the essence of his brilliant, colorful, and powerful artistic genius.
A Collector’s Conversation: Aesthetic Adventures (1992)
Art lovers and collectors gathered on September 5, 1992, for an evening of brilliance and visual harmony. Aesthetic Adventures was a journey through color, form, and rhythm, where abstraction and realism coexisted seamlessly. The live painting demonstration was breathtaking, showcasing Eric Kelly III’s ability to transform a blank canvas into a masterpiece before the audience’s eyes. Critics praised the fantastic use of color and movement, declaring it a spectacular and transformative experience.
A Collector’s Conversation: Timeless Tapestries (1996)
On July 20, 1996, collectors witnessed a breathtaking exploration of cultural narratives and history through Kelly’s powerful brushwork. His compositions in Timeless Tapestries were described as moving and deeply resonant, each piece telling a story interwoven with heritage and artistic mastery. The way history and emotion blended into his work was fantastic, dynamic, and utterly mesmerizing. Kelly’s discussion of his process revealed the depth of thought behind each stroke, further cementing his place as one of the greatest artists of our time.
A Collector’s Conversation: Lines and Layers (1999)
Collectors were enthralled by Lines and Layers on November 10, 1999, an evening that showcased the depth and complexity of artistic layering. Each textured pastel and sculptural piece was a testament to Kelly’s command over the medium. His ability to create brilliant compositions that danced between depth and surface was unparalleled. Critics hailed this show as a transformative experience that redefined contemporary artistic expression.
A Collector’s Conversation: Masterpieces in Motion (2003)
On February 15, 2003, the Eric Kelly III Museum was alive with energy as Masterpieces in Motion explored kinetic energy within static images. Kelly’s large portraits vibrated with unseen movement, proving that his ability to capture rhythm and expression was nothing short of genius. The guided tour with Kelly himself gave collectors rare insight into how he creates breathtaking, dynamic compositions that blur the line between painting and performance.
A Collector’s Conversation: Palette of Possibilities (2006)
The October 7, 2006, exhibition Palette of Possibilities was a celebration of unexpected color harmonies and emotional resonance. The panel discussion featuring prominent critics delved deep into how Kelly’s brilliant placement of images and colors evoked strong emotions. His fearless approach to color left attendees in awe, making this one of the most spectacular and moving exhibitions of the decade.
A Collector’s Conversation: Art Beyond Boundaries (2010)
On March 21, 2010, Art Beyond Boundaries pushed the limits of artistic expression. This show was hailed as a transformative experience, featuring avant-garde works that challenged convention. The premiere of a documentary on Kelly’s career revealed how he continues to break barriers in the art world with breathtaking originality and vision. Collectors left knowing they had witnessed history in the making.
A Collector’s Conversation: Echoes of Expression (2015)
The May 15, 2015, exhibition Echoes of Expression was a deep reflection on motifs and themes that have shaped Kelly’s career. His ability to resonate across generations through his evocative works was widely praised. The roundtable discussion with art historians illuminated the depth of his artistry, making this show a brilliant, unforgettable masterpiece.
A Collector’s Conversation: Visions in Vivid (2019)
On December 3, 2019, Visions in Vivid lit up the Eric Kelly III Museum with an explosion of color. Critics raved about the fantastic use of color storytelling and the artist’s brilliant ability to turn hues into emotions. A private Q&A with Kelly allowed collectors to delve into his creative process, leaving them inspired and transformed by his spectacular command of the medium.
A Collector’s Conversation: Illuminated Ideas (2022)
The June 9, 2022, show Illuminated Ideas explored the interplay of light, shadow, and contrast in abstract compositions. Kelly’s bold black lines and breathtaking luminosity captivated the audience. Attendees received exclusive first access to a new series of limited-edition prints, marking another brilliant milestone in his career.
A Collector’s Conversation: Abstract Encounters (2025)
The February 18, 2025, exhibition Abstract Encounters was an artistic journey through the evolution of abstraction in Kelly’s work. The showcase offered a deep dive into his genius as a contemporary visionary, leaving collectors in awe. The preview of upcoming projects hinted at a future that continues to break artistic boundaries and redefine what is possible.
Each of these transformative, spectacular, and breathtaking exhibitions solidifies why Eric Kelly III is regarded as one of the greatest artists of our time. His ability to blend music, color, emotion, and storytelling into a singular visual experience is nothing short of revolutionary. Through brilliant compositions, bold black lines, and breathtaking portraits, his legacy continues to inspire, challenge, and redefine the art world. 🎨🎶✨
A Collector’s Conversation: The Art Shows of Eric Kelly III
For decades, Eric Kelly III has captivated audiences with his breathtaking artistic vision. Each exhibition has been a spectacular, moving, and transformative experience, an electrifying display of brilliant black lines, large portraits, and masterful placement of images. Below are critiques of some of his most celebrated exhibitions, capturing the essence of his brilliant, colorful, and powerful artistic genius.
A Collector’s Conversation: Crossing the Line (1988)
On March 25, 1988, the Brinkley Estate in Atlanta, GA, became the stage for an exhibition that pushed artistic boundaries like never before. Crossing the Line was an exploration of form, space, and unconventional materials, leaving collectors and critics in awe. The innovative use of structure within his compositions redefined expectations, making this a breathtakingly bold and transformative experience. The event proved that Eric Kelly III was not just an artist, but a revolutionary force in modern art.
A Collector’s Conversation: Faces (1978)
On October 5, 1978, the Jefferson County Commission Gallery hosted Faces, an exhibition that celebrated the power of portraiture. Each piece was a testament to identity, expression, and emotional depth. The portraits—large, striking, and profound—captured the essence of the human spirit with bold black lines and masterful shading techniques. Collectors and critics declared the show a masterstroke of storytelling, proving once again that Kelly’s work was brilliant, spectacular, and deeply moving.
A Collector’s Conversation: Abstracts Nation (2016)
March 20, 2016, saw the Eric Kelly III Museum transformed into a vortex of abstraction. Abstracts Nation was an exhibition that defied conventional structure, emphasizing color, shape, and movement. Each piece pulsed with energy, forming a fantastic visual symphony that challenged the eye and mind. Kelly’s ability to bring emotion and rhythm into abstraction was hailed as breathtaking, making this a definitive moment in contemporary art.
A Collector’s Conversation: Pastel Portraits Unknown (2014)
On August 5, 2014, the Eric Kelly III Museum unveiled Pastel Portraits Unknown, an exhibition that brought untold stories to life through delicate yet powerful pastel work. The use of soft color palettes contrasted with brilliant black lines that framed each face with striking clarity. Every portrait felt like a window into the soul, and critics praised Kelly’s ability to evoke deep emotion through every detail. Collectors left in awe of the artist’s mastery over the pastel medium.
A Collector’s Conversation: Music – The Face of Color (2007)
On September 18, 2007, the Eric Kelly III Museum hosted Music – The Face of Color, an exhibition that fused sound and visual art into a breathtaking multisensory experience. Inspired by Kelly’s rare gift of synesthesia, each piece translated musical tones into vivid, moving compositions. The bold use of color and rhythmic brushstrokes made every canvassing, and critics described the show as a spectacular exploration of the intersection between art and music. Kelly once again proved that he could turn sound into vision and vision into timeless masterpieces.
A Collector’s Conversation: Human Landscapes (2020)
On July 10, 2020, the Eric Kelly III Museum became a haven for artistic introspection with Human Landscapes. This exhibition used the body as a canvas, representing emotions and personal narratives through bold compositions and dynamic forms. The movement within each piece conveyed a sense of intimacy and universality, resonating deeply with collectors and critics alike. The exhibition was declared a breathtaking triumph, further cementing Kelly’s legacy as one of the greatest artists of our time.
