New art gallery to open on Winchester

Lee Ward, The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.
Updated ·2 min read

Oct. 4—ASHLAND — A prominent local artist is opening his own gallery in Ashland, the first Black-owned gallery in the city's history.

Jerry Johnson, 73, who has been a professional artist for more than 50 years, will open The Heritage Art Gallery at 1520 Winchester Ave., with a grant opening from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13.

Works of the self-taught painter are mostly acrylic, focusing on African themes and Black celebrities.

He also has done lettering on local businesses.

"I had a sign shop way back in the day, Johnson Signs," he said. "But I'd always wanted an art gallery. I joined in with people and it never worked out. It seemed like my stuff wasn't getting out there and I decided I want my own art gallery someday, and I just decided to do it."

Johnson also has been a cartoonist for Walt Disney and the Navy Times. He has taught art at Ohio University.

While his own work will be displayed and for sale, he said he hopes to also include work by other artists. He said he will help promote their work and take a commission, but he hasn't decided his rate yet.

He won't paint at the gallery; he said he has his studio at his home and is more comfortable painting there. His wife, Doris, will operate the gallery.

"I'll be in there every day to greet customers and handle the sales," Mrs. Johnson said. "It's always been his dream to open a gallery and whatever I can do to help and support him, that's fine with me."

He said he expects his friend Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., of Season Six of "America's Got Talent," to attend the opening.

Regular hours for the gallery will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

Mrs. Johnson said they are hoping to curate a diverse collection of art and artists at the gallery.

"We named it 'heritage' because we want other artists to come in. We will welcome them," she said. "It's all about this area and the African art he does. It's special, but we like the history of this area, too, especially in the Black community."

(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com