The Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at The University of Alabama includes one of the earliest collections of 20th-century African American art, amassed over decades by Paul Raymond Jones, who has been described by Art & Antiques magazine as “one of the top art collectors in the country.”
Jones donated the 2,000-plus piece collection to the Barefield College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Alabama in October 2008. The collection includes art in a variety of media from more than 600 artists.
With this gift, Mr. Jones wished to preserve the legacy of artists, especially African American artists, spar the interest of future art collectors, and help elevate African American and Southern art in the art world. Jones also wanted to ensure that these genres of art, an intrinsic part of the history and totality of American art, are never lost or forgotten.
Today, the Paul R. Jones Collection aims to share a more holistic representation of American art, with a particular emphasis on supporting underrepresented artists and narratives that have long been excluded from traditional museum and gallery spaces. Mr. Jones believed art is a powerful tool that teaches us to think critically, build community, and weave our own stories into the fabric of American history and art.
The Museum
The Paul Jones Museum, located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, presents a year-round schedule of exhibitions featuring works from the Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at The University of Alabama in addition to hosting guest exhibitions.
The museum honors Mr. Jones’ vision of art, community and continuous learning by hosting lecture series, concerts, workshops, and theatrical performances. The Paul R. Jones Museum serves as a classroom for the arts, where students from kindergarten to college experience learning in a new and exciting environment.
