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Read Our Books Online
Our Legacy – Highlights – Through the Years!
People and Events that Shaped the October Gallery
October Gallery was established by Evelyn Redcross and Mercer Redcross and opened for business in July of 1985, at 3805 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It operated from this location for nine years. During the 1990s October Gallery operated six locations: two in Philadelphia – Old City 68 N. 2nd Street and The Gallery Mall East on Market Street; one in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; one in Echelon, New Jersey; one in Burlington, New Jersey; and one in Washington, DC.
Today, October Gallery’s art gallery location is 6353 Greene Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144. It also operates a number of small kiosk locations through out the Philadelphia region.
Our Timeline 1985 – 2025
Dates may vary.
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1985
3805 Lancaster Ave. Philly, PA was our first location. Read more here.
October Gallery’s first gallery show and sale with artist Tom McKinney
One of our first Art Expos. See highlights of that event here.
Dr Selma Burke visits the October Gallery at 3805 Lancaster Ave.
1987
Reviving The Work of 2 Black Artists With Ties To The City. Article by Edward J. Sozanski.
1988
Black Artists: Painted Into A Corner? Article Philadelphia Inquirer
Decor Magazine – Merchandising Ethnic Art.
Group Art Show Featuring Reba Dickerson Hill.
1989
Will Smith becomes a customer. He visits the October Gallery.
1990
Produced Andrew Turner Profile Video. Filmed at October Gallery Express in the mall.
1991
October Gallery’s First Catalog. A Collectors Item.
In the Business of Giving. Article Philadelphia Inquirer.
Art Show and Sale Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Photo: Andrew Turner at Vineyard show.
1992
A Couple Who Showcase Black Americans’ Art. Philadelphia Inquirer Article by Ann Kolson.
1994
Our advertisement in a national magazine Black Enterprise.
Dick Gregory standing in front of Andrew Turner Painting commissioned by WDAS Radio.
1995
Panoramic Poetry began at October Gallery. Poetry by Jill Scott, Trepeta Mayson, Richard Medina, Stephanie Renee & More in this book.
1996
Great Day in Philly. Mayor Ed Rendell, Congressman Chaka Fattah, State Senator Vincent Hughes at Expo.
1997
Mayor Edward Rendell City of Philadelphia Proclamation to October Gallery
Actor Danny Glover visits October Gallery. Thanks Danny for loving the arts.
1998
Our national advertisement – Ebony Magazine page 153 Philadelphia International Art Expo
Featured in Black Enterprise Magazine. Internet Review click here.
2000
Redcrosses to the Rescue Philadelphia Daily News by Al Hunter
Artist Ernie Barnes featured at Expo. “Sugar Shack” by Barnes.
Dr Samella Lewis at Expo 2000. Watch interview on Youtube.
Dr John Biggers at Expo 2000. Watch interview on Youtube.
Philadelphia Art Expo 15 at Temple University. Expo highlights hosted by Angela Stribling – click here.
2001
Jill Scott’s music video filmed at October Gallery. Panoramic Poetry
2002
“Dr. J”, Bill Russell and Mercer Redcross (auctioneer) during NBA All Star Game in Philly
2003
News coverage (NBC 10, ABC 6 and Fox 29) of Philly International Art Expo 18.The Art of Livng Well
Isaac Hayes Featured Guest at Philadelphia International Art Expo 2003
October Gallery Expo Co-Sponsored by Vibe Magazine.
The Art of Philadelphia – Tribune Magazine 2003. Art Expo – October Gallery on the Cover.
International Artist Bisa Butler Exhibits at Philly Art Expo. View her art here.
Produced TV video with Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Watch video on Youtube.
2005
Letter from President Bill Clinton. Twenty years of October Gallery.
October Gallery Celebrates 20 Years. Philadelphia New Observer.
“The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours”: The Poetry of Jill Scott: October Gallery.
2006
“Connecting People with Art” book published and released at Expo. Read online here.
Excerpt from the book “Connecting People with Art”. View on youtube.
Black (art) is Beautiful African – American Works. Article by Robert Strauss.
Billy Dee Williams at Art Expo Philadelphia Inquirer Article by Mari A. Schaefer
Actor Billy Dee Williams, Mercer Redcross and Cheyney University President Arnold Wallace.
Philadelphia City Council Resolution -Billy Dee Williams. November 2006 at Expo.
Tom Joyner Congratulates October Gallery Oh, Oh, Oh.
Collecting Connections by Dwayne Campbell, writer for Philadelphia Inquirer.
Behind the Glass: The People Who Place African American Art On Philadelphia’s Pedestals.
2007
African American Art in All Its Variety – Little Rock Nine. Article by Venuri Siriwardane
Paint Magazine – Art Expo 2007. Paint was the official magazine/newspaper for Philly Art Expo.
Chess and Art Meet at Philly Expo. Chess tournament at Expo 22.
2008
October Gallery donates 170 pieces of art to Cheyney U. Cheyney University Magazine page 22.
Blacks In Media. Clifton Davis, Ice -T, Ralph Carter, Bernadette Stanis, Ella Joyce and Darrin Henson.
Ella Joyce performs Rosa Parks at Expo 23. A Rose Among Thorns.
Swan Auction House Gets Record Price for October Gallery’s Client – Charles White Art.
2009
The O’Jays, Jerry Butler, The Delfonics and more. Live at Expo 2009.
Our most watched video. Produced by October Gallery for Art TV Network. View Now – 147,000 views.
2010
Actor Clifton Davis at Philly Art Expo 2010 – 6353 Greene St. Philly 19144.
The Business of Art. Cheyney University Magazine page 6
Panoramic Poetry at the October Gallery. Poet Crucial at the mic.
Panoramic Poety at Cheyney University. Poet Taalamm Acey at the mic.
2011
Our Artistic Partner, David Lawrence. At work – October Gallery.
Philadelphia Art Expo 2011 Germantown Ave. Video Black Professional News.
Philadelphia International Art Expo Moves to Mt Airy. Article by WHYY.
26th Annual Philadelphia Art Expo 7100 and 7200 Block Germantown Ave.
The Art of Being Well – Wellness Evolution. Hosted by October Gallery.
2012
Honored Alumni of Cheyney University – Cheyney Magazine pag 2-3.
WHYY Article on Mt Airy Artz and Grove Festival. Event at 7165 Germantown Ave.
2013
Philadelphia Tribune article 28th Annual Philly Art Expo. Meet Michael Spinks, former boxing champion.
Andrew Turner 1944 – 2001 – A Passion for Life.Article Paint Magazine.
2014
Philadelphia Art Expo 7100 Block of Germantown Ave. Philly. Click Here to see merchants.
Germantown: An Art Gallery Beautifies a Culture. Article Philadelphia Neighborhoods.
2015
Honorees at Ducky Birts Annual Awards Dinner. The Philadelphia Tribune Article.
Philadelphia Art Expo at Greene Street. Celebrates 30 Years with Councilwoman Cindy Bass.
Romare Bearden Poster to celebrate 30 Years of October Gallery.
2016
Paint Parties at October Gallery. Take a look.
Published “Andrew Turner His Life and His Art” by Mercer Redcross and foreword by Sande Webster.
2017
Artist in Residence Program with Brazil. Meet artist Thiago Bols – Youtube.
Philly Art Expo 32. November 7 & 8, 2017.
2018
Golden Age of African American Art. Larry Poncho Brown. Watch video here.
2020
Second Edition “Connecting People with Art” book released. Read book online here.
Condé Nast Traveler – Gallery review –
Expo 2020 Virtual and Online. Pick up at Gallery. Celebrate 35 years.
Published “Philly Art In Black and White” by Mercer Redcross. Barnes and Noble.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mercer Redcross. Philadelphia Legacies.
2021
Germantown Couple Turn Home Into Art Gallery by Arlene Edmonds
A Weekend of Art by African Americans. Fox 29 coverage of this event.
Black Art Coloring Book – Black is Beautiful Published by October Gallery.
Black Doll Collecting: Connecting People with Art.
2022
October Gallery Museum was created. Placing art throughout the community is the goal of the museum.
Museum Donates Valuable Black Art to Cheyney University. Article Final Call Newspaper.
Fall Art Exhibition at Cheyney University.
October Gallery Self Guided Tour at Carnegie Library. Take the Tour.
16 Museums and Galleries Showcasing Black Artists in Greater Philadelphia. Visit Philadelphia.com
Cheyney University President Aaron Walton, Philadelphia Tribune CEO Robert Bogle and Mercer Redcross.
Senator Vincent Hughes Gives Address at October Gallery’s Museum Opening at Cheyney U.
State Senator Vincent Hughes, Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, Artist Muhsana Ali and Mercer Redcross.
2023
October Gallery’s Mercer Redcross honored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Published “Fortitudes” edited by Mercer Redcross
Featured on CBS 3 TV. African American Art Good for Everyone.
38th Annual Philadelphia Art Expo. Online and at the gallery. More Info Here.
October Gallery at the Movies – Color Purple. U S Congressman Dwight Evans (left).
October Gallery at the movies. Alexis Moore (Cecil B. Moore’s daughter) (right).
Artistic Partner and Framer, Michael Muhammad at the movies – Color Purple.
2024
Poster Collage Walls installed for Free in Schools, Rec. Centers and More. Click here.
Pop Up Art Show and Sale for Artist Frank Frazier. A fabulous success.
Artist Frank Frazier showcases work at October Gallery. Article by Yanina Carter Scoop News USA
Andrew Turner Art Show and Sale. Original Art, Prints and Posters.
Book signing for Khalilah Ali, Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife at October Gallery.
Free Art Class – Art of Jean – Michel Basquiat. Instructor, Andromeda Cook.
Free Poster Walls.Bringing Art into the Community. OG Museum.
Art classes and seminars with concentration on education.
Art Expo 39 at Greene Street. Summer Black Art Expo at the Museum.
John Biggers’ art at Philly Art Expo 2024. Art by Romare Bearden as well.
Phile Chionesu (second from left) Organizer Million Woman March at October Gallery
Former Mayor Wilson Goode (center) Musician Alfie Pollitt (right)
Art Into Income. 10/9/24 at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Fabulous event.
Sponsored by Councilman Curtis Jones.
Geechee Gumbo Festival
2025
Click Image for More Info
FREE “Connecting People with Art” Poster/Print at our 40th Annual International Black Art Expo
In 2025 we will host 40 locations across the globe celebrating Black Art.
As we look towards 2025 with its economic worries, post presidential election fatigue, and global conflict, we believe Black art galleries/venues are uniquely positioned to offer an artful relief from what must be dealt with everyday.
Here are 40 galleries, museums and art venues (in 36 states and 4 countries) that are helping us celebrate October Gallery Turning 40.
Visit these locations (to be listed below) during the month of February 2025 and receive a Free “Connecting People with Art” poster/print when you show this page on your phone. No purchase necessary.
If you wish to participate in this global expo please Click This Link.
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Our Mission
African American Art is GOOD for EVERYONE
October Gallery believes that art is for everyone. We like to compare ourselves to the Marriott Hotel chain. The Marriott is neither the Ritz Carlton nor Motel 6. It is a mid-range hotel. The company’s Web site states that the hotel offers packages of “fun filled days and wild nights that will fit any family’s budget without breaking the bank.” At the Marriott one can get an expensive or an inexpensive room depending on availability. October Gallery’s marketing philosophy is similar to that of the Marriott. We offer an art experience that will fit anyone’s budget, that does not have to break the bank. October Gallery’s average sale is between $400 and $800. The Gallery’s prices range from $25 to $25,000.
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In addition to the art gallery – The October Gallery Museum was created to:
To place art in the community. October Gallery Museum is a Non Profit 501(c)(3).
Donations are tax deductible.
October Gallery Museum installs and places art, prints and posters in schools, recreation/cultural centers, business offices, universities, grocery stores and more within the community. Art is to be experienced at many levels every day. It is just as important as the drug store, the gas station, the food market.
Placing art throughout the community is the goal of the museum. This is why we offer the Free Poster Collage Walls.
October Gallery also presents the Philadelphia International Art Expo every year. This event, now in its 39th year, from 1998 to 2010 was the nation’s largest African American Art expo.
People often ask, “Where did the name ‘October Gallery’ come from?” We tell them there is a relation-ship between the tenth month of the year and October Gallery. Think about it! The month of October and October Gallery both exhibit the magnificence of beauty and color, one through nature’s multicolored autumnal arrays, the other through artists’ eyes. October comes in the fall, when the colors of nature change. Leaves on the trees change from variations of green to combinations of orange, red, purple, yellow and brown. These variegated arrays are similar to the many colors on an artist’s palate; hence, the name October Gallery.
October Gallery has always supported the communities it serves. Over a span of twenty nine years, we have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in art, services and other gifts. This is no small feat considering we are a small gallery. There are community groups and organizations that, like clockwork each year, request from us a donation of art, which they then use for a raffle or a door prize so as to promote a cause. Other beneficiaries include politicians, civic leaders, heads of corporations, and other individuals to whom we give original art (valued in the thousands of dollars) in an effort to promote the art and the artists. October Gallery has also donated cash to a number of groups. We believe our type of gifts enable the public to make a “conscience connection” to Black art. We understand that if we want people to consider making art a part of their daily lives, we have to get the art “in their faces.”
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Our national and international patrons and artists have witnessed firsthand the creation and development of the African-American art industry, which prior to the 1970s was almost nonexistent. This group of patrons and artists are part of what we call the BlackStream Renaissance.
The term “blackstream” was used by Black artists in the 1900s who were denied admission to the art mainstream. More recently, fine art appraiser Edward S. Spriggs of Atlanta, Georgia brought the term “blackstream” to our attention. Feeling there was a need to identify this important time of formative awareness of, belief in and commitment to African-American art, we coined the phrase BlackStream Renaissance.
We further define this growth period as being marked by a collective community conscientiousness that recognizes the creative, cultural and financial viability of African-American visual expression.
The interplay between artists, community members and available resources has created a fabric-like cohesion characterized by:
• Artists willing to create
• A community that can inspire its artists
• A community that accepts its own cultural
creations as having value
• Sufficient community resources to sustain the
exchange of value
The patrons and artists of the BlackStream Renaissance purchased and sold art, displayed it at home and at work and shared it with friends, family, co-workers and the general public. In short, they have made African-American art an indispensable part of their everyday lives. The African-American community is effectively supporting and building an art industry, perpetuated primarily by its own members.
Artists, galleries, museums and others in the art business realize that because of proper education, focused marketing and love of culture, African-Americans have shifted their habits and allocated to the visual arts a portion of the more than 750 billion dollars they spend each year. This group has invested precious time and valuable resources in African-American art and has thereby continued to give it value.
To be clear, the BlackStream Renaissance welcomes the mainstream but does not have to rely on it for content, aesthetic validation or financial continuance.
Educator and curator David C. Driskell said, “The boom in Black art has come about not in the market of galleries of the auctions at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, but from ordinary Black people.”
Most African-American artists market and exhibit in the African-American community. Successful Black 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 the Blackstream Renaissance.
In addition October Gallery host seminars and training sessions at our locations:
6353 Greene Street Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-352-3114
These sessions are designed to inform our clients about different cultures and influences on art and art related subjects. Please contact us for further information and dates and times of seminars.
Refunds are in gallery credit ONLY! No Cash Refunds!
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