Early in his collecting career, Atlanta businessman Paul R Jones became aware that African-American art, although abundant and affordable, was vastly under-represented in public collections. After considerable research, he identified a number of young artists whose work he wanted to support and purposefully sought them out.

The result of Mr. Jones' efforts is a wide-ranging collection with works by such noted artists as Charles White, Herman "Kofi" Bailey, David Driskell, Elizabeth Catlett, Earl Hooks, Leo Twiggs, Ayokunle Odeleye, Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, P.H. Polk and Selma Burke, who created the image of Franklin Delano Roosevelt that appears on the dime.

A significant portion of that collection is now housed at the University of Delaware, where it will promote the study of African-American insight and influence across a broad spectrum of culture in this country, reflecting the University’s commitment to providing its students with exposure to the rich and diverse cultures of our world.

The Paul R Jones Collection on the University of Delaware campus includes a variety of media and stylistic periods. It is significant, but not surprising, to note that many of the emerging artists of decades past whose work Jones chose to support can now be counted among today's most respected painters, printmakers, photographers, and sculptors in the field of American art. Mr. Jones' commitment to these artists and their work is best summed up in the collector's own words, "As my collection 'caught fire'...broader, deeper involvement emerged...respect for and relating to pieces grew stronger...respect for the collection's force increased."