[1][2] It has become a platform for emerging artists that also provides educational workshops for children and adults in collaboration with organizations such as Project Row Houses and SHAPE Community Center.

"[2] Barnes and Trotty were also founding board members of the African American Heritage Museum led by Dr. Robert Galloway that began in February 1988 and opened later that year.

Located in a small space of approximately 800 square feet at 2101 Crawford Street in downtown Houston, the museum's first exhibition featured work by Texas Southern University students curated by former professor and sculptor Carroll Simms.

[7] The Barnes-Blackman Gallery moved to the Collective's first location at 1501 Elgin near La Branch in November 1989, with the first show taking place on February 11, 1990 in conjunction with Houston Fotofest.

[17] Through after school and summer programs, Saturday classes, and workshops in art forms such as videography, ceramics, dance, literature, painting, and photography.