6 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in 2024 at Columbus Museum of Art
Celebrating the work of Black artists is not simply for a month, but a lifetime. While we will continue to uplift Black art and creativity all year long, here’s a list of ways to celebrate Black History Month at the Museum.
1. Participate in an Open Studio session with Joziah Pollard
Join Joziah Pollard during Open Studio on February 10, 10:30 AM–3:30 PM for Paws and Claws: Create Your Own Mythological Creature! Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Joziah Pollard is an illustrator, character designer and story artist. A lover of storytelling, he consumed copious amounts of fantasy books, television and movies in his youth before deciding to pursue art as a career. He has illustrated several children’s books, storyboarded for animated television series and live action commercials. He graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art and Design and spends his free time thinking of new tales to spin for his nieces and nephews.
Open Studio experiences are included with admission to CMA, materials and supplies provided.
2. Enjoy free pop-up performances by the Columbus Cultural Orchestra
Join us for free performances by the Columbus Cultural Orchestra on February 10 and 25, 2:00–3:00 PM. This small chamber ensemble will showcase a diverse range of music, including jazz, hip hop, R&B standards, and classical infusions.
3. Replenish Well & The Yoga Carriage — sign up for a yoga class located inside the Museum
Every month, we offer a yoga class with our neighbors from Replenish Well & The Yoga Carriage, a local Black owned business for hospitality, care and well being. February’s class will be held on Thursday, February 8, from 6:00–7:00 PM. The program is $10 with registration. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, find beauty in contrast. Practice the power of cooperation within the body. Be prepared to stretch the body, build heat & cool down. Let’s bring more right brain | left brain balance back into the body.
4. Join a CMA docent for 10 Minutes on the Dot
Learn more about the works of Black artists featured in our collection every Saturday in February at 11:00 AM. 10 Minutes on the Dot is a pop-up experience that focuses on just one work of art for 10 minutes. This program is free with general admission, no registration is necessary.
5. Connect with Black artists on view in a recent re-installation of our contemporary galleries
Highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary art, New Encounters: Reframing the Contemporary Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art features works by 24 accomplished Black artists including, Dawoud Bey, Nari Ward, Barkley Hendricks, Kerry James Marshall, Benny Andrews, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Carrie Mae Weems, Nick Cave, Lauren Halsey, Kevin Beasley, Jack Whitten, Vaughn Spann, Melvin Edwards, Cameron Rowland, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Leilah Babirye, Gordon Parks. Lorna Williams, Simone Leigh, Barbara Chavous, Naudline Pierre, Charles Wilbert White, Clifford Prince King
6. Discover 10 Black artists whose works are currently on display in our Ross Wing
Our permanent collection is home to hundreds of works by Black artists. Discover 10 that are currently on view now — Benny Andrews (Gallery 1) Jacob Lawrence (Gallery 1 and Gallery 4); William Hawkins (Gallery 2); Aminah Robinson (Gallery 3, Center for Creativity — CATS and Wonder Room), Elijah Pierce (Gallery 4, Center for Creativity — CATS and Wonder Room), Lula Mae Blocton (Hall between Gallery 6 and Gallery 7), Adrienne Hoard (Center for Creativity — SHAPES), Queen Brooks (Center for Creativity — SHAPES), Margaret Burroughs (Wonder Room) and April Sunami (AEP Foundation Ready Room).
Plan your visit today, columbusmuseum.org
