TOLEDO MAGAZINE

Black History in Art

Exhibits celebrate culture, heritage

Photo from Women of a New Tribe exhibit at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

Every February, we celebrate Black History Month by remembering and honoring the contributions of African-Americans in the United States.

Photo from Women of a New Tribe exhibit at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

A wide variety of events are planned around Toledo — lectures and luncheons, concerts and stage performances, all highlighting the struggles and accomplishments of black Americans. In addition, several art exhibitions detail the black experience through photography, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other media.

The Art Tatum African American Resource Center and the Kent Branch Library are displaying four artists’ work including this quilt by Alice Grace.

Women of a New Tribe, a traveling photographic exhibition, is on display at the Toledo-Lucas County Main Library downtown. The noted collection of black-and-white photographs portrays black women in many social and physical manifestations. The subjects come from all walks and stages of life. They are mothers and daughters, artists, professionals, and community activists, to name a few. The exhibit is on the second floor of the Main Library through Feb. 28.

PHOTO GALLERY: Click here for photos of some of the artwork

MAGAZINE PAGE: Download a PDF of today's Toledo Magazine

Truth Gallery on Adams Street is filled wall-to-wall with African wood carvings, masks, and statues, illustrating village scenes and other events. The gallery also features works from Toledo area artists and includes paintings, dolls, and jewelry. Gallery hours vary. Information: thetruthtoledo.com.ba50b42f-c3d5-4590-84f3-e148899d6904

The Art Tatum African American Resource Center and the Kent Branch Library will celebrate Black History Month with a mixed-media exhibit of paintings, masks, ceramics, and stencil drawings. It includes the works of local African-American artists Novarro Gibson, Alice Grace, Ameldia Mays, and Ron Jamison. The exhibit is on view in through March.

Dozens of African and African-American-themed artworks are on display at the Toledo Museum of Art. Included are 10 unique handmade books, known as the Ragmud Collection of Folkquilt Stories, by Aminah Robinson, which explore the history of her family, her community, and of African-Americans. Also on display is a soft sculpture and mixed-media piece titled Ben by Faith Ringgold. The piece addresses racial and socioeconomic stereotypes, as Ben represents a "street" person or panhandler.

Contact RoNeisha Mullen at: rmullen@theblade.com or 419-724-6133.