See, create African-American art at Ohio Historical Center's Soul! exhibit

July 11, 10:25 PMColumbus Family Travel ExaminerWendy Pramik

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Photo by Ohio Historical Society: The Studio

The Ohio Historical Center in Columbus is showcasing the “art and soul” of African-American culture in a 10-month exhibition called “Soul!” on display now through Feb. 28. The art exhibit also offers attendees a studio space where they can create artwork to tell their own stories.

At the heart of Soul! are 119 paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles and mixed-media pieces, dating from 1835-2003, that reflect African-American heritage. The collection is on loan from the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio, and features works by renowned artists from all over the United States including Elizabeth Catlett, an American sculptor and printmaker, and Elijah Pierce (1892-1984), a wood carver and barber from Columbus who’s among the nation’s most celebrated folk artists.

“The exhibit gives people of all cultures the opportunity to recognize the passions in the hearts and souls of these African-American artists and to identify similar emotions and experiences in their own lives,” said Connie Bodner, director of education and interpretation services at the Ohio Historical Center.

Adjacent to the main exhibit is an interactive space called The Studio, where visitors can let their creative juices flow. Some who have visited have created dolls, collages and masks. There’s even a small stage with a theatre curtain, props and costumes for anyone compelled to sing, dance or simply tell a story.

“We want people to feel good and feel empowered,” Bodner said. “We just want people to tap into their own creativity and enjoy the experience.”

The Ohio Historical Center is located at 1982 Velma Ave., Columbus. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children aged 6-12. Ohio Historical Society members and children aged 5 and under get in free. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon-5 p.m., Sunday. Call 614-297-2300 or 1-800-686-6124.