ARTIST MARGARET SLADE KELLEY
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Commissions and Events


Young Gifted, and Black Their portraits now stand on the building at Harriet Tubman Square, celebrating Newark’s enduring creative legacy.

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In 2023, Audible, Inc. unveiled a new series of public artworks in Newark, New Jersey, as part of the third phase of the Newark Artist Collaboration. Mixed media artist Danielle Scott created Young, Gifted, and Black, a mural honoring seven women whose achievements opened doors for Black women artists and strengthened Newark’s cultural landscape. Each went on to build distinguished careers in the arts and established a foundation for the next generation: Bisa Washington, Camille Billops, Eleta J. Caldwell, Gladys Barker Grauer, Margaret Slade Kelley, Nette Forney Thomas, and Victoria “Viki” La Beaux Clark Craig. Their portraits now stand on the building at Harriet Tubman Square, celebrating Newark’s enduring creative legacy.



​25th Anniversary Essence Awards
The highlight of Margaret’s career was when Susan L. Taylor then Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine,
​put the spotlight on her work at the 
25th Anniversary Essence Awards.
“Though this event occurred many years ago, it continues to be the defining moment that introduced my work to national and international audiences and influenced the path of my artistic career.”
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Today, Margaret celebrates over 25 years of
​Playing for Tips, ™

Thank You,
 Susan L. Taylor
Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement and Editor Emerita of ESSENCE. 

Essence Magazine put the spotlight on
​Margaret’s work
​at the
25th Anniversary Essence Awards Telecast
​


​Honoring the achievements of African Americans in various fields, the show, taped live, in 1995 at the New York City's Paramount Theater
Essence 25 by Khephra Burns
“ I Know Who I Am.”
Performed by Oprah Winfrey

 
Honorees: General Colin Powell, Janet Jackson,
 Stevie Wonder, law student Zoe London & Birthing Project founder Kathryn Hail., and  the Mad Dad,

Hosting: Natalie Cole & Sinbad 

Presenting:  Samuel L. Jackson, Lawrence Fishburn,        Will Smith, Bill Cosby,  Louis Gossett, Jr. and Jane Pauley

Performing: Toni Braxton, Natalie Cole, BB King,
​Kenney G, Eddie and Jerald Levert, John Secada, Cheryl  “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, Desiree, and Brandy


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TCEF/Art of Giving 
celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the United Negro College Fund
​
UNCF/TCEF/Art of Giving
​Luncheon 2019

​Sponsors:
​BNSF Railways
Melvin Inglehard 
Ken Hampton Sr. Financial Advisor Edward Jones
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In connection with the foundation’s 2018 fundraising efforts, a private exhibition of Margaret’s work was hosted in the home of Lorenzo and Corliss Littles, Esqs. More than twenty original works were installed throughout the residence for invited collectors and guests. Artwork sales from the exhibition contributed to the foundation’s scholarship fund and supported its mission to expand educational opportunities for local students.
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The Tarrant County Education Foundation is committed to awarding scholarships to students in Tarrant County based on academic excellence, community service, and financial need. The foundation also provides coaching in effective scholarship application techniques and engages students in STEM Art projects that encourage exploration of creative and technical career paths.
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​Dr. Arlene Slade Barnett, Cynthia Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, and Pastor Shirley Pace, founder of TCEF
Cynthia Marshall,  Keynote speaker, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Mavericks. In February 2018, Marshall became the first black female CEO in the history of the National Basketball Association. ​, 
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​
New Orlean Jazz & Heritage Festival Congo Square 2008
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"Margaret Slade Kelley’s portrait of New Orleans’ native son is as timeless as his music. With a nod and a tip of his hat, Slade Kelley’s Kermit conveys his delight at exploring and expanding the territory first trod by Buddy Bolden a century ago. Her classic forms convey the jazzman’s spirit echoed in the cultural verity of this courtyard scene. The palette captures the City’s centuries-old patina. Slade Kelley’s embraceable classic is drenched in timeless authenticity." Art4Now
Editions: 100 Artist Proofs


double-signed (Kelley and Ruffins) and numbered 25" x 35" prints.

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General Motors' Chevrolet Division  
​celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Essence Music 
​Festival - 2004
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EVENT July 2004: Margaret Slade Kelley was commissioned by General Motors' Chevrolet Division to create an image for their new SSR in celebration of the Coca-Cola presents the 10th Anniversary of the Essence Music Festival. The custom painted hood is unique. This SSR also comes with a standard solid-color hood, allowing the auction winner to display Kelley's work on the wall of a home or office.



​On October 2004 
Essence will Auction
the Special SSR t
o Benefit  the
New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
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Satchmo Festival 2005
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This piece entitled, "Black & Blue," is exquisitely printed by
Master printer, John Castronovo of Tech Photo & Imaging.
The finished size is 30" x 40."
and is offered in a limited edition of 250 giclees
In addition, 25  artist proofs.
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Margaret Slade Kelley is classically trained, her rendition of New Orleans' native son
Louis "Satchmo." Armstrong was commissioned by the French Quarter Festival, Inc.
for the Satchmo Festival held August 4, 2005.
 
This was to be the last music festival of New Orleans,
Louisiana before the disaster of Hurricane Katrina,
August 29, 2005.


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