A celebrated painting by Ernie Barnes, a renowned artist born in Durham, NC during the Jim Crow Era, is now on display at the Mint Museum Uptown until June 30, 2025. The painting, titled “The Sugar Shack,” gained fame as the cover art for Marvin Gaye’s 1976 album “I Want You” and was featured in the end credits of the 1970s sitcom “Good Times.”
Inspired by Barnes’ memory of sneaking into the Durham Armory as a preteen in 1952, “The Sugar Shack” captures vibrant movement and emotion. The painting features elongated, fluid figures set in motion, bringing the scene to life with unmatched vitality.
Born in 1938, Barnes was a talented athlete who played football on a full athletic scholarship at North Carolina Central University, where he also majored in art. After graduation, he pursued a career in professional sports before turning to painting. The painting sold for over $15 million at auction in 2022, marking a resurgence in interest in his work.
“The Sugar Shack” is included with general museum admission and can be viewed during regular museum hours. Admission is free on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit mintmuseum.org.
Source: https://qcitymetro.com/2024/12/14/mint-museum-ernie-barnes-sugar-shack