Live reading of 'Sinners in the Sugar Shack': A history of Durhamite Ernie Barnes' Sugar Shack painting

So here’s your invitation: Find your own Sugar Shack. Dance like your liberation depends on it. And when the lights come up, let the art of that moment live on; whether in a photo, a story, or the way your body still remembers the beat. Let it be sweet like sugar.-Alyssa Cuffie OnuohaHappy last day of 2025.This year I published more writing online than ever. And one of my most popular essays was an in depth history of The Sugar Shack painting by Durham native and NCCU grad, Ernie Barnes. So in this episode, I’ve decided to dig deeper into the Durham creative archive and read my research on the painting for you. I spend time with The Sugar Shack as a puzzle to be solved. From the location of the painting to the recently uncovered mystery of two versions, I talk through Barnes’s story, the cultural weight of his work, and how art becomes a bridge between generations. As we close out the season, I hope this episode feels like an invitation. To remember. To honor. And to recognize our role in carrying these stories forward. Thank you for a warm 2025 and I look forward to sharing a new season of the Durham Artist Archive soon. Let 2026 be sweet.Associated SongsI want you - Marvin GayeDance tonight - Lucy PearlRelated ReadingSinners in the Sugar ShackSupport the Podcast🎙️ Love what you’re hearing? The best way to support the Durham Artist Archive is by liking or rating the podcast on your favorite platform—it helps more people discover Durham’s creatives. And if you’d like to go deeper with Durham-focused art writing and podcast reflections, follow us on Substack. Paid subscribers get exclusive perks like a credit in the show notes and a shout out in our season finale for helping preserve these voices.👉 Join as a paid supporter today and keep these stories aliveListen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyRead on Substack👋🏽 Connect with me, Alyssa Cuffie Onuoha:https://www.instagram.com/alwhyssa.artlab/alyssacuffie.com☕ Support the Pod:https://ko-fi.com/alwhyssa✏️ Additional Details:Recorded at Queeny’s in Durham, North Carolina Get full access to The Durham Artist Archive at durhamartistarchive.substack.com/subscribe