Ken Calvert is an internationally acclaimed artist, skilled as an illustrator, painter, graphic designer and muralist. A resident of St. Louis, Calvert was the Missouri Arts Council’s 2023 honoree for “Artist of the Year”. he is credited with the cover painting of the Missouri Historical Society publication, “Discovering African American St. Louis”. He has also credited with the "Cornerstones of Courage and Culture" mural, St. Louis City Hall and the "TROSCOM in Action" mural, U.S. Army TACOM. His celebrated painting of Ndumba Tembo, one of the last great Tchokwe leaders, is included in the Anheuser Busch "Great Kings and Queens of Africa," collection. Mr. Calvert is not just a painter, but a profound interpreter of the natural world.
Celebration is a word often used to describe Calvert’s work which is full of life, color, and movement.

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

Professional Membership:
Zuka Arts Guild, President, 2001-2013
Kendex Public Art, President, 1998-2001
Deep Morgan Neighborhood Arts Council, 1983-1988
Creative Coalition, 1974-1981, President, 1975-1981
Aesthetic Alliance, 1972-1974


Honors and Awards:
2023 Missouri Arts Council’s honoree for “Artist of the Year”.
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:
2012 Ken Calvert Brush and Canvas" 10th Street Gallery
St. Louis, MO
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
:
2014 Hands Up Don't Shoot
Central Library
St. Louis, MO
2010 Generation to Generation, Zuka Arts Guild
Curator/artist
Vaughn Cultural Center
St. Louis, MO
2007 Just Jazz Exhibition, Zuka Arts Guild
Curator/artist
Regional Arts Commission Gallery
St. Louis, MO

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

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

St. Louis Artists Guild
African American Artists Exhibition
Curator/artist
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” 4'h x 15'w
Carr Square Village
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" 7'h x 12'w
City Hall,
St. Louis, MO

"It takes a village to raise a family" 4'h x 8'w
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