Through a fusion of traditional and innovative techniques, his recent work highlights moments in time and their importance within the framework of humanity. Gillespie received his Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of North Texas and later earned his Master of Art degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Currently an arts educator with over 20 years of experience, Gillespie has completed several public art projects in Dallas. Some most notable works include site-specific sculptures for the Bexar Street Corridor, the design for the DART bus station for the DART Green Line project, a statue commission of Ernie Banks for the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and two 8-foot. bronze statues for the Cedar Crest Golf course in Southern Dallas of Walter Hagen and Dr. Charles Sifford.
Gillespie utilizes his artistic and educational practices as a conduit for community engagement. In addition, his administrative work in implementing art programs in collaboration with the African American Museum of Dallas, South Dallas Cultural Center, and other arts institutions across our Dallas/Fort Worth communities, foster an appreciation for the arts for our youth and adults. His curatorial work in galleries and museums nationally provide visual narratives of the African diaspora while highlighting the importance of the visual artist. Emmanuel Gillespie’s work continues to inspire, enrich and challenge our cultural landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that bridges generations and amplifies artistic voices.
