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Mercer Alfonzo Redcross III | |
|---|---|
| File:Mercer-Photo-2015.jpg | |
| Born | April 4, 1948 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | BS and MBA |
| Alma mater | Cheyney University Eastern University (United States) |
| Occupation(s) | Marketing and Art Consultant |
| Spouse | Evelyn Redcross |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Alverta Redcross (mother) Mercer Alfonzo Redcross, Jr. (father) |
| Website | mercerredcross |
Mercer A. Redcross III (born April 4, 1948) is an art consultant, art curator, art expo coordinator and author whose interest in art began collecting old leaded glass windows, old model trains and other vintage items. He and Evelyn Redcross co-founded the October Gallery in Philadelphia, PA in 1985 (one of the nation's oldest African American art galleries) and started the Philadelphia International Art Expo which grew to be one of the nation's largest African American Art Expos.
Early life
editMercer Redcross was born in Philadelphia, PA. After attending Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee 1965 - 1968.[1] [2] he earned a BS from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania[3][4] in 1971, majoring in economics. Later earning a MBA from Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania. Redcross worked as an assistant bank examiner at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia in the early 1970s.
Career
editAfter working for the Federal Reserve Bank for just over three years, Redcross started a general contracting business repairing old houses in Philadelphia, PA that led him to eventually become a licensed associate real estate broker. In 1985 Mercer Redcross and Evelyn Redcross opened the October Gallery at 3805 Lancaster Ave in Philadelphia, PA[5]. October Gallery operated from this location for nine years. During the 1990s October Gallery operated six locations: two in Philadelphia – Old City 68 N. 2nd Street[6][7] and The Gallery Mall East on Market Street; one in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; one in Echelon, New Jersey; one in Burlington, New Jersey[8]; and one in Washington, DC. Now the gallery is located in the Germantown section of the city[9][10]. October Gallery also presents the Philadelphia International Art Expo every year. This event started in small venues in Philadelphia[11], and grew to become from, 1998 to 2010, the nation’s largest African American Art expo[12][13][14]. Singer and actress Jill Scott[15][16], record producer and performer Isaac Hayes[17], as well as actor Billy Dee Williams[18] [19] played a role in the success of Expo. Today the Expo continues its mission to connect people with art in smaller venues[20].
Connecting People with Art
editThe book "Connecting People with Art" (published 2006)[21][22] and second edition[23] by Evelyn Redcross and Mercer Redcross is partly a recap of the Philadelphia International Art Expo and the October Gallery story. Excerpt from the book "Connecting People with Art" - Both our national and international patrons and artists have witnessed (first hand) the creation and development of the contemporary African American art industry, which prior to the 1970s was almost non-existent. This group of patrons and artists are part of what we call "BlackStream Renaissance". Most contemporary African American artists market and exhibit in the African American community. Successful African American art festivals and expos, where artists sell and exhibit, recognize the importance of marketing to this special community. It is in this community where the strength and the value of African American art begins. It is this community that has provided the foundation for Blackstream Renaissance. It is this community that has given us the content, the material, the stories for Connecting People with Art. This book recognizes the pioneers of Blackstream Renaissance. Artists featured in the book Bisa Butler, Larry Poncho Brown, Samella Lewis, Ellen Powell Tiberino and hundreds more[24]. Other publications by Redcross
Recognition
editRedcross was honored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a National Leader and Advocate for Black Art & Artists - February 2023[25]. In 2005 he and his wife received a letter from former President Bill Clinton recognizing twenty years of October Gallery[26]. November, 2000 Philadelphia Mayor John Street presented the Liberty Bell to Redcross [27]
- ^ "Class President Mercer Redcross". Fisk University Oval. 1967. p. 83.
- ^ "Social Sciences". Directory of Minority College Graduates:. p. 831.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ^ "Art of Giving - Cheyney University" (PDF). Connecting People with Art. October Gallery. Summer 2006. p. 46.
- ^ Muhammad, Micheal (November 8, 2022). "Museum Donates Valuable Art to Cheyney University". Final Call.
- ^ "Scenes of the City". October Gallery website.
- ^ "Internet Review". Black Enterprise Magazine. June 1998. p. 330.
- ^ "The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours: The Poetry of Jill Scott". Jill Scott Book. 2005.
- ^ "Connecting People with Art". p. 43.
- ^ "Germantown Couple Turn Home into Art Gallery". The Times Herald. July 2018.
- ^ "October Gallery in Philadelphia lives by motto: "African American art is good for everyone"". CBS News Philadelphia. August 2023.
- ^ "Travel Log". Black Enterprise Magazine. December 1997. p. 150.
- ^ "About Us". October Gallery Wesite.
- ^ "Philadelphia Art Expo". Ebony Magazine. October 1998. p. 153.
- ^ "Philadelphia Art Expo". NBC10 News, ABC6 News, Fox29 News. 2003.
- ^ "The Way". Jill Scott Official Video.
- ^ "Grown Ass Women". Songs in the Key of Black Life: A Rhythm and Blues Nation. p. 37.
- ^ "Celebrities at Expo". Isaac Hayes at Philadelphia Art Expo 18 – Liacouras Center.
- ^ "City of Philadelphia". Welcoming Mr. Billy Dee Williams as a featured artist to the Philadelphia International Art Expo.
- ^ "Chess & Art Meet at Philly Expo". The Chess Drum.
- ^ "October Gallery hosts Philadelphia International Art Expo". The Philadelphia Tribune. October 2013.
- ^ Redcross, Mercer (2006). Connecting People with Art. Philadelphia, PA: October Gallery. p. 500. ISBN 9780979065507.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ "Art Book". Connecting People with Art. 2006.
- ^ Redcross, Evelyn (2020). "October Gallery".
- ^ Redcross, Mercer. "October Gallery Books".
- ^ "Black History Month Celebration". Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- ^ "Letter from President Bill Clinton to October Gallery". October Gallery Website.
- ^ "Philadelphia Liberty Bell". October Gallery Website.