“My goal has been and continues to be, expanding the public knowledge of the contributions made by ordinary and extraordinary Africans throughout the world and specifically in the Americas.”  ~ Emerson Terry


Using decades of professional experience, artistic training, and a lifetime of observation,

Terry held space open for the multiple truths we accept and know exist today. By bridging and crossing the artificial chasms that appear to separate fine and commercial art, Terry recognizes his goal to expand the public knowledge of the contributions made by ordinary and extraordinary Africans throughout the world and especially in the Americas.

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EMERSON R. TERRY

Emerson Terry is an accomplished illustrator who came up through the advertising ranks in the 1950s when there were very few African Americans in the field.
ArtCenter: Impact 90/300 Alumni Profiles by Elizabeth Gray Bayne

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    Bill Pickett, bulldogging

    “The Old West,” 1 out of 3 Cowboys were Black

    By Gloria MushongaRoberts • June 1, 2022
    Emerson Terry painted black cowboys, because in the early to mid-1970 few images were accessible to the general public. He used his artistic training, skills, and talents to visualize a people who had been made invisible by fear and greed.

    ArtCenter: Impact 90/300 Alumni Profiles

    By Art Center + Elizabeth Gray Bayne • December 31, 2021
    ArtCenter: Impact 90/300 Alumni Profiles by Elizabeth Gray Bayne

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    Group 4

    “I have known Emerson Terry for over 40 years. His talent as an artist is very powerful. The way he captures his subjects is phenomenal. He has a rich background in art and truly put his heart and soul in his work."

    Mary Brown

    Group 4

    “Emerson TERRY aka FAST DRAW speaks about his heritage with passionate DRAWINGS and is leaving a legacy for posterity. Well done"

    Jeybona Appiah

    Group 4

    “Throughout my life, the artworks of Emerson Terry have not only been beautiful to look at, but are visual history lessons. Without his civil rights works, I would not have been aware of or asked about the injustices that our folks have gone through." 

    Charles "Rocky" Williams

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