Ken Calvert is an internationally acclaimed artist, skilled as an illustrator, painter, graphic designer and muralist. A resident of St. Louis, he is credited with the cover painting of the Missouri Historical Society publication, “Discovering African American St. Louis”. He has also painted murals for the St. Louis City Hall and the U.S. Army Troop Support Command. His celebrated painting of Ndumba Tembo, one of the last great Tchokwe leaders, was part of the 2002 Anheuser Busch "Great Kings and Queens of Africa," series. Mr. Calvert is not just a painter, but a profound interpreter of the natural world, while exhibiting a great sensitivity for modernist innovations.
Celebration is a word often used to describe Calvert’s work which is full of life, color, and movement. He captures each facial expression with profound skill and creates complex compositions that radiate with emotion. One can almost hear the music or talk with the subjects in some of his paintings. In this way he offers the viewer snippets of urban African American culture.

Education:
BFA, Lindenwood University
St. Charles MO, 1978

Professional Membership:
Zuka Arts Guild, President, 2001-present
Kendex Public Art, President, 1998-2001
Deep Morgan Neighborhood Arts Council, 1983-1988
Creative Coalition, 1974-1981, President, 1975-1981
Citizen's Participation Organization, 1970-1974
Aesthetic Alliance, 1972-1974


Honors and Awards:
2000 Commissioned by Anheuser Busch for painting of Chokwe Chief Ndumba Tembo, for the “Great Kings and Queens of Africa Series”.
1997 Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center, Romare Bearden Award
1990 Missouri Lottery, Real Winners Award for the Arts

Selected Solo Exhibitions:
2006 Ordinary People,
Kremp Gallery Jasper, IN
2003 Urban Cultural Visions, Beach Institute
Savannah, GA
2000 Ourstory, Vaughn Cultural Center
St. Louis, MO
1998 Inaugural Exhibition, Savannah State University
Savannah, GA
1992 Cultural Echoes, Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center
St. Louis, MO
1990 Ophelia Parrish Gallery, Northeast Missouri State University
Kirksville, MO
1989 View from the Inside, Chosen Image Gallery
Philadelphia, PA
1988 Directions and Traditions, Litho's Gallery,
University City, MO
1987 Busch Center Gallery, St. Louis University
St. Louis MO


Selected Group Shows:
2010 Generation to Generation, Zuka Arts Guild
Vaughn Cultural Center
St. Louis, MO

2007 Just Jazz Exhibition, Zuka Arts Guild
Regional Arts Commission Gallery
St. Louis, MO

2006 Urban Nomads Exhibition, Zuka Arts Guild
Southwest Arts Center
Atlanta, GA

2004 Urban Nomads Exhibition, Zuka Arts Guild
Vaughn Cultural Center
St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Artists Guild
African American Artists Exhibition
St. Louis, MO

2002 “Art on Call” GALLERY VISIO
University of Missouri
St. Louis, MO


Murals:
2009 "Generation to Generation" 4'h x 12'w
Designed and served as art director
Zuka Arts Guild
St. Louis, MO

2004 “The Second Sunrise” Carr Square Village
4'h x 15'w
St. Louis MO 2004

2002 “Urban Nomads” 5’h x 16’w,
Designed and served as art director
Zuka Arts Guild
St. Louis, MO

1997 "Cornerstones of Courage and Culture" City Hall,
7'h x 12'w
St. Louis, MO
"It takes a village to raise a family"
Carr Square Village,
St. Louis, MO

1979 "Progressions in Color" 25'h x 50'w
Designed and served as art director
Creative Coalition
St. Louis, MO

1977 "The Emergence of Pride", 25'h x 50'w
Co-designed
On the wall productions / Creative Coalition
St. Louis, MO

1974 "TROSCOM in Action", 5'h x 10'w, Federal Center,
St. Louis, MO