The city of Oberlin, Oberlin City Schools and the Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA) have agreed to continue a collaborative project in celebration of Black History Month, according to a news release.
Once again, the city has partnered with the Oberlin High School Art Department and Firelands Association for the Visual Arts, also known as FAVA, to coordinate an exhibition of artwork depicting historical figures created by Oberlin High art students, the release said
In addition to being displayed in an exhibition at FAVA Gallery, 39 S. Main St. No. 210 in Oberlin, select pieces will be used to produce light post banners to create a public art display in downtown Oberlin.
Working under the instruction of Mallory Krotine, art teacher at Oberlin High, students chose historical figures from Black history to create portraits for the exhibition, the release said.
The pieces were submitted for jurying by a panel of community leaders to determine inclusion in the art display and to award prizes.
Twelve pieces were chosen to be part of the art display of light post banners in downtown.
This year’s banners can be viewed along South Main Street between College and Vine streets throughout February, the release said.
Banners from previous years again will be displayed along North Main Street and on College Street, between Professor and Pleasant
streets to promote the continuation of this project, according to the release.
“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,” said Kathleen Jackson, executive director of FAVA, 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.”
Diane Ramos, communications manager for the city of Oberlin, said in the release that the city prides itself on both its role within Black history, as well as its vast contributions to arts and culture.
“It seems only natural to honor these rich traditions in a collaborative effort, bringing together our schools, local organizations and residents in celebration of Black History Month,” Ramos said. “(And) 2025 marks the third year of this project, and we are excited to continue these partnerships as we highlight the many talents within the Oberlin community.”
The Black History Month Gallery Exhibition will be on display from Feb. 1 to March 2.
An opening reception and awards ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 1 in the gallery, and the awards presentation will start at 1:30 p.m.
Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
Visiting the gallery and attendance at the opening reception are free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Ramos at 440-775-7217 or [email protected].