The Sugar Shack by Ernie Barnes on view at Mint Museum Uptown.
For Immediate Release
The Mint Museum welcomes artist Ernie Barnes’s iconic masterpiece, The Sugar Shack
Charlotte, North Carolina (December 13, 2024) — The Mint Museum is proud to announce the arrival of The Sugar Shack, the celebrated masterpiece by renowned artist Ernie Barnes. On loan through June 30, 2025, this iconic painting is now on display in the American Art galleries on Level 4 of Mint Museum Uptown. This marks the first time a museum in North Carolina has showcased the widely recognized and revered painting.
Visitors to The Mint Museum have a unique opportunity to experience the electrifying energy of The Sugar Shack, which captures a lively night at a Black music hall in mid-20th century, segregated North Carolina. Inspired by Barnes’s memory of sneaking into the Durham Armory as a preteen in 1952, the painting vibrates with movement and emotion, as dancers and musicians lose themselves in the joy of the moment. Barnes’s signature style of elongated, fluid figures set in motion brings the scene to life with unmatched vitality.
The original version of The Sugar Shack gained fame as the cover art for Marvin Gaye’s 1976 album “I Want You” and later was featured in the end credits of the groundbreaking sitcom “Good Times.” The painting became a cultural touchstone, representing the vibrancy and resilience of Black culture.
About Ernie Barnes
Born in Durham, North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, Ernie Barnes defied the odds to become a celebrated artist and athlete. A college football player who majored in art, Barnes went on to play professional football for multiple NFL teams before dedicating himself fully to his art. Known for his expressive paintings of elongated, muscular figures, Barnes captured movement, emotion, and culture in his works.
His career highlights include serving as the official artist for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he created five themed paintings for the International Olympic Committee. He was also commissioned by the Los Angeles Lakers to create Fastbreak, a dynamic tribute to players Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis, and Michael Cooper. In 1990, Barnes was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts by North Carolina Central University.
Interest in Barnes’s work has seen a resurgence in recent years. In 2022, The Sugar Shack sold at auction for over $15 million, highlighting its enduring significance and the artist’s remarkable legacy.
TICKET INFORMATION
The Sugar Shack is included with general museum admission and is available for viewing during regular museum hours. Museum admission is free for members and youth ages 18 and younger; $15 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and older and college students with ID. Admission is free 5-9 PM on Wednesdays. Purchase tickets at mintmuseum.org.
THE MINT MUSEUM
Established in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design. With two locations — Mint Museum Randolph in the heart of Eastover and Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts — the Mint boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast and is committed to engaging and inspiring members of the global community.
CONTACT:
Clayton Sealey, senior director of marketing and communications
clayton.sealey@mintmuseum.org | 704.534.0186 (c)
Michele Huggins, associate director of marketing and communications
michele.huggins@mintmuseum.org | 704.564.0826 (c)