Native Philadelphian Mercer Redcross, III co-founded the October Gallery with his wife, Evelyn, in 1985. The gallery s first location was in the Powelton Village section of Philadelphia. Today, October Gallery is located downtown in Olde City where it continues to promote African American art, artists and consumer education. The Redcrosses have always been collectors. Their initial interests included Lionel model trains, antique clocks and traditional art. Later, they became passionate advocates of African-American art. In 1985 this new fervor stirred a special kind of excitement for them. It led to the creation of a new art gallery in Philadelphia that they called, October Gallery. They understood that art is an ideal medium to communicate culture, history and broad human experiences. Together they strive to make art and art education accessible to all people. Connecting People with Art, has been their mantra for years. This book reveals their stories and numerous art adventures, as well as it chronicles the experiences of many others whom they met along the way.
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Mercer Redcross III graduated from Cheyney University with a BS in Economics. Then, he earned a Masters of Business Administration from Eastern University.
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Evelyn Redcrosss graduated from Temple University with a BS in Psychology. Then she earned a Masters in Journalism from Temple University.