By Anne Collins Smith

1999 marks a very special year for the Cinque Gallery. It celebrates 30 years of service to the arts community.

Founded by celebrated artists Romare Bearden, Ernest Crichlow and Norman Lewis, the Cinque Gallery is dedicated to advancing the careers of African American artists through numerous exhibitions and programs.

The idea of a gallery to support and encourage African American artists wasn’t entirely new to Bearden, Crichlow and Lewis. The Cinque founders were given similar opportunities. Augusta Savage, a sculptor and teacher, influenced these artists through her School of Arts and Crafts and through the Harlem Community Arts Center in the 1930’s and 40’s.

Another place of support for the young black artists was the 306 West 141st Street studios of dancer Ad Bates, painter Charles Alston and sculptor Henry “Mike” Bannarn. “306” served as a gathering place where artists of all disciplines could meet and discuss their artistic endeavors. It is also where Bearden and Jacob Lawrence were given their first exhibitions. In addition, Spiral, a politically active artists group active in the 1960’s and 70’s influenced the Cinque founders.

The Cinque Gallery continues the support for black artists and the activism of Augusta Savage, 306 and Spiral. The Cinque, which first opened its doors at the Joseph Papp Public Theater in 1969, is currently located in SoHo in the heart of New York’s thriving and energetic art market. To find out more about the Cinque and the special programming for its 30th Anniversary, visit or contact the gallery at 560 Broadway, Suite 504, New York, NY 10012, 212-966-3464. M

June 1999