Mercer Redcross

Mercer Redcross is a pioneering art collector, author, and cultural advocate dedicated to championing African American art and heritage. In 1985, he co-founded Philadelphia’s renowned October Gallery with his wife, Evelyn, establishing one of the nation’s longest-operating physical galleries dedicated to Black artists. Driven by a belief that acquiring art is deeply rooted in personal connection, Redcross spent decades traveling to artists’ studios, building relationships, and assembling a vast, culturally significant collection that spans pivotal historical works and vibrant contemporary expressions. Guided by his enduring philosophy of “Connecting People with Art,” his collection reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving Black creative legacy, educating new generations of patrons, and making art an accessible presence in everyday life.