OBERLIN, Ohio – A new Black History Month art exhibit featuring the work of Oberlin High School students is now on display at the Firelands Association for the Visual Arts and on banners in downtown Oberlin.

Under the guidance of Oberlin High School art teacher Mallory Tulcewicz, students created original portraits honoring Black historical and cultural figures that were evaluated by a panel of community leaders, according to a news release.

The panel selected 12 pieces of art to be displayed on public art banners that are featured along South Main Street in downtown Oberlin. Additional students’ artwork is included in the exhibition at the Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA).

“FAVA is excited to celebrate Black History Month by showcasing the talented Oberlin High School students as they honor Black Americans through their portraiture projects,” Kathleen Jackson, FAVA executive director, said in the release. “Turning their portraits into banners for downtown Oberlin is a meaningful way to highlight these inspiring stories for the community. We’re so proud to support their creativity and can’t wait to exhibit their incredible work!”

The city of Oberlin, Oberlin City Schools and FAVA partnered on the project that will be on display from Feb. 1 through March 2. Visitors can view the exhibition at FAVA for free during gallery hours which run from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. FAVA is located at 39 South Main Street in Oberlin.

This story was written with the assistance of AI.