Black Crown Art Auctions is powered by E&S Gallery
Black Crown Art Auctions is the brain-child of founder Walter Shannon, whose years-long vision has come to fruition. Walter and wife, Cathy Smith Shannon, are co‑owners of E&S Gallery, the Louisville‑based fine art gallery established in 1989 and recognized as the largest Black‑owned art and custom framing gallery in the United States by Forbes.com. For nearly 4 decades, the Shannons have built a national reputation for excellence, integrity, and expertise among artists, collectors, and cultural institutions.
At a time when some auction houses use the language of “Black Art” in their branding—or maintain departments dedicated to African American art—none of these institutions are actually Black‑owned. This absence of ownership has long contributed to disparities in representation, valuation, and equity for African American artists, gallerists, and collectors.
Black Crown Art Auctions was created to give collectors a real choice
“There must be equity in the art world for African American artists, gallerists, and collectors. For decades, we have watched others profit from our culture without sharing ownership or decision‑making power,” said Walter Shannon, Founder of Black Crown Art Auctions. “Launching a Black‑owned auction house is not only overdue—it is necessary.”
THE BLACK CROWN ART AUCTIONS MANIFESTO
We come from a lineage of creators, visionaries, and cultural architects whose brilliance has shaped the soul of this nation. Our artists have told the truth when the world refused to listen. They have documented our joy, our struggle, our triumph, and our becoming. Their work is our inheritance — and our responsibility.
Yet for generations, the platforms that determine artistic value, visibility, and legacy have not been ours. Others have profited from our culture while excluding us from ownership, authorship, and authority.
Black Crown Art Auctions (Black Crown) was founded to change that.
As the only active Black‑owned and Black‑operated fine art auction house in the United States — this distinction is not just symbolic, it is structural.
Ownership is power. Ownership shapes markets. Ownership preserves legacy. Ownership ensures that our culture is not merely displayed, but defended.
Black Crown means equity in the fine art market — not as a slogan, but as a system. Black Crown stands for representation — not as a gesture, but as a standard. Black Crown stands for legacy — not as a nostalgic idea, but as an actual vehicle for building and growing generational wealth.
Founded by Walter and Cathy Shannon, owners of the nation’s largest Black‑owned fine art gallery, Black Crown is rooted in decades of trust established by E&S with collectors across the country. Black Crown will preserve the artistic integrity of African American master artists, uplift today’s contemporary artists following in their footsteps, and invest in the artists who will define tomorrow’s artistic landscape.
We believe that collecting is an act of preservation, empowerment, and sovereignty.
Black Crown is more than an auction house. It is a cultural institution. A declaration of value. A restoration of narrative. A home for the art that tells our story — and the people who protect it. Please join us in this critical effort.
Collect the culture. Own the legacy.™
Equity
We believe African American artists deserve the same visibility, valuation, and respect afforded to others — and that equity begins with ownership.
Legacy
We preserve the stories, symbolism, and cultural lineage embedded in every work of art.
Authority
Our expertise is rooted in 35+ years of scholarship, curation, and leadership in the African American art market.
Access
We create pathways for seasoned collectors and new buyers alike to participate in a culturally grounded, expertly curated auction experience.
Stewardship
Collectors are caretakers of culture. We honor that responsibility with transparency, education, and integrity
Our Purpose
To restore ownership, authority, and equity to the people who create, steward, and sustain African American art.
Our Promise
We elevate the cultural, historical, and market value of African American art with integrity, scholarship, and intention.
Our Why
Because for too long, others have profited from our culture without sharing ownership or power.
Black Crown exists to correct that imbalance — permanently.
