Artist Amy Sherald gained public attention in early 2018 when her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama was revealed at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. This focus exhibition featured a selection of paintings by Sherald, a Baltimore-based artist who creates portraits of everyday African Americans she met during the course of her day: on the street, in the grocery store, on the bus. Sherald was able to capture the essence of her subjects while depicting them in a vibrant, and sometimes fantastical, style.

Amy Sherald was organized for the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis by Lisa Melandri, Executive Director. The exhibition and catalogue were presented by Jane and Bob Clark. Additional support was provided by Nancy and David Frej and Ann Ruwitch and John Fox Arnold.