Poppy’s Preservation of Art (PPOA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Black art through one of the most unique private collections in existence. At the heart of PPOA is the powerful legacy of Keith “Poppy” Williams, an accomplished collector, world traveler, and visionary who devoted his life to discovering and safeguarding art that reflects the Black experience across generations and continents.
With over 2,000 rare and historically significant pieces, our collection includes fine art, Black Americana, memorabilia, and cultural artifacts gathered throughout Poppy’s lifetime. These works reflect not only artistic excellence but also deep cultural meaning, capturing the voices, struggles, and triumphs of Black people across the African diaspora.
PPOA is committed to making this invaluable collection accessible to the world. Through a dynamic combination of online experiences, traveling exhibitions, and a forthcoming physical gallery space, we bring this art to new audiences, locally and globally.
Keith B. Williams (1941–2010) was a global executive, a devoted family man, and a passionate collector whose vision laid the foundation for what is now Poppy’s Preservation of Art.
Born in the Bronx and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY, Keith’s early passions, jazz, electronics, and community service, set the stage for a life of thoughtful exploration. After graduating from NYU and Harvard Business School, Keith went on to a distinguished career in finance, eventually serving as International Treasurer for Levi Strauss & Co. for over two decades.
As he traveled the world on behalf of Levi’s, across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, Keith was quietly building something extraordinary: a collection of thousands of pieces of Black art and cultural artifacts, gathered lovingly over 23 years. Paintings, posters, figurines, rare objects, and African American historical pieces filled his home not just with beauty, but with stories of identity, resilience, and pride.
Keith believed that art was a vessel for truth, and that preserving Black culture wasn’t just a passion, it was a responsibility. His service on the boards of major arts organizations like ACT Theatre, ODC, and the Bay Area Black United Fund reflected that commitment.
Before his passing in 2010, Keith made one wish: that his remarkable collection would not remain hidden, but would be shared so others could experience the richness of Black heritage through the lens of art.
In honor of that wish, his wife Renee and daughter Quineen launched Poppy’s Preservation of Art, a nonprofit committed to carrying his vision forward.
To engage 10,000 youth and young adults (ages 15-25) across the U.S. in the next 3 years, through community -centered art education, historical storytelling, and hands on workshops. We help young people: Understand history through art to build strong cultural identity, strengthen creativity and leadership skills
Exhibit Activations Educational Programming Collection Care & Preservation Digital Experiences Gallery Launch FUNDING FOR IN-KIND SUPPORT Volunteer Hours Marketing Support Venue Access Pro Bono Services
$3M Goal Seeking 10 partners at $100k each multi-year pledges Project-based gifts - 30% from grants, 30% from merchandise sales.
Partner with 100 educational & cultural institutions, Recruit 500 mentors, volunteers, and creative professionals Host 24 curated programs annually, showing 422 + pieces each year Build a network of 10,000 art & history enthusiasts.
Poppy’s Preservation of Art is committed to equity in the preservation and access of art. We recognize that Black artists and cultural histories have been historically excluded from institutional support, funding, and visibility.
We believe access to art and cultural heritage should not be limited by race, income, or background. Our work centers on removing barriers, expanding public access, and investing in artists and communities that have been marginalized.
Equity guides our collecting, programming, partnerships, and stewardship as we work to preserve culture with fairness, accountability, and respect.
Organization name
Poppys Preservation of Art Corporation
2024
Mission Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Space: Office or Other, Funding: Unrestricted, In-Kind Donations, Volunteers, Funding: Program
Demographics Served
Black/African American, Youth & Children, General population
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director & Board Chair
Local Counties Served
Sacramento
Address
1174 NATIONAL DR STE 20Sacramento, CA, US