Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host Sherri Shepherd joined forces with Chicago’s Gallery Guichard to launch the inaugural Sherri Shepherd Fine Art Exhibition, a two-day event celebrating Black art, culture, and artists that drew collectors, enthusiasts, and first-time buyers from across the country.
Held Aug. 1–2 in New York City, the exhibition resulted in the sale of 49 original works from a collection of more than 100 pieces curated exclusively by Gallery Guichard. The showcase featured contemporary paintings, mixed media works, and sculptures by more than two dozen artists from the United States, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
The event also marked part of Gallery Guichard’s 21st anniversary celebration, recognizing the Chicago gallery’s commitment to promoting artists of the African diaspora.
Guests explored works centered on identity, heritage, resilience, and joy while engaging with artists and fellow collectors throughout the weekend. The exhibition attracted a range of notable attendees, including Robin Roberts; Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and 1619 Project creator Nikole Hannah-Jones; Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Lisa Cortes; chef and restaurateur Alexander Smalls; jewelry designer Simone I. Smith; restaurateur Melba Wilson; attorney and television host Eboni K. Williams; restaurateur Max Tucci; Washington, D.C.-based collectors Lorenzo and Nancy McRae; and Alabama-based collector Nancy Cunningham.
“I’ve always believed that art has the power to inspire, heal, and connect us,” Shepherd said. “To bring together such an incredible group of artists under one roof and watch people experience their work firsthand was truly moving. Seeing so many people not only connect with the work of these amazing artists but also take their work home was incredibly rewarding. Supporting Black artists and creating spaces where their brilliance can be celebrated is something I’m proud to be a part of and deeply passionate about.”
Gallery owners Andre and Frances Guichard curated the exhibition, bringing together established and emerging artists whose work reflects the breadth of contemporary Black artistic expression. Featured artists included Abiola Akintola, Ahmad Lee, AKIN, Al Burts, Thelia Burts, Yummy, Chenjerai Chiripanyanga, Dominick, HK Locks, Elizabeth Ekpetorson, Andre Guichard, Lovemore Bonjisi, Calvin Coleman, Derrick Burnett, Frances “Marlene Campbell” Guichard, Francis Sibanda, Pearlie Taylor, Lakin Akintola, Stephen “Sayo” Olalekan, Alpha Bruton, Washington Musonza, Stewart Chapenga, Usman Semiu Alvin, Ebenezer Akinola, Martha Uhulu, Mike Weary, and Johnene Adams.
The exhibition highlighted artists working across multiple disciplines and backgrounds, creating opportunities for conversations between creators, collectors, and members of the public while underscoring the global reach of African and African American art.
“This exhibition represents exactly what Gallery Guichard has stood for over the past 21 years—creating opportunities for artists to be seen, valued, and collected,” Andre Guichard said. “Partnering with Sherri Shepherd helped introduce new audiences to these remarkable artists while reinforcing the importance of investing in Black art and culture.”
Organizers said the strong response and sales from the inaugural exhibition have established a foundation for making the event an annual celebration of fine art, creativity, and Black cultural excellence.
