In “Kindred Venus,” Ypsilanti artist Iman Hathaway reimagines the Roman goddess through a stained-glass piece. The artwork features bold colors to capture a unified Black femme perspective.

It’s one of 50-plus pieces on display at Riverside Arts Center’s North Gallery for the fourth annual Black Artist Exhibit.

Running through February 27, this year’s exhibit, themed “Embracing Unity Through Art,” celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honors Black History Month.

The exhibit promotes connection through art and emphasizes transformation.

“My objective with this collection is to build lasting landscapes of women of color that reflect the power contained in the viewers who don’t often see themselves depicted in this medium,” notes Hathaway in the exhibit’s program booklet.

Hathaway is one of 28 artists spotlighted in the mixed-media exhibit, which includes acrylic and oil paintings, pencil illustrations, fashion, photography, and more.

“Our theme this year is unity,” said Lynne Settles, who curated the exhibit and addressed attendees during the January 16 opening reception at North Gallery.

“A reminder that while our stories and journeys may be different, we have a shared humanity that connects us all.

“As King once said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the artists, not just for the art that you make, but for the way that you shape conversations, shift the culture, and help the community.”

The exhibit is done in partnership with several sponsors, including Ronnie Peterson and his wife, Gloria Peterson; the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County; and the Palm Leaf Club.

Each piece presents a different perspective and experience from the Black community. A glance around the gallery’s walls shows the breadth and depth of the artists’ creativity.

Ypsilanti artist/muralist Curtis Wallace draws inspiration from childhood, culture, and resilience for his art. He has three paintings featured in the exhibit: “A Visit to Remember,” “The Design of Crack Decisions,” and “When Daddy Comes Home.”

“Using color, texture, and movement, I invite viewers to slow down, feel deeply, and remember who they are,” states Wallace in the exhibit’s program booklet.

“Each piece is a conversation, a healing space, and a celebration of creativity as a force for connection and change.”

Dexter photographer Ryan Henyard fosters unity through making the outdoors more equitable and inclusive for BIPOC, disabled, and queer communities.

One of his photographs, “A Fateful Flourish,” depicts a dancing sandhill crane during sunset at Trinkle Marsh in Dexter.

“Spend a little time outside if you’re able; soak in the sounds of our feathered friends, and grant yourself some space for wonder,” writes Henyard in an Instagram post about the photo.

Collectively, the exhibit encourages people to explore that wonder and celebrate the unity that’s presented in each piece.

“We have seen art over the years really be the beginning and the movement for things to happen for our people,” said Lawrielle West, executive director of the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County.

“Art is a way for change, whether people know it or not, and it’s a lot of bravery to put your heart and your passions into this and display it for a crowd of folks.”

Lori Stratton is a library technician, writer for Pulp, and writer and editor of strattonsetlist.com.

The fourth annual "Black Artist Exhibit" runs through February 27 at Riverside Arts Center, 76 North Huron Street, Ypsilanti. The exhibit is free and located in the North Gallery. Visitors can view the exhibit on Saturdays from 11 am-2 pm. The exhibit’s closing reception is February 27 from 6 pm-8 pm and features a performance by jazz musicians Charles and Gwen Scales. For details, visit Riverside Arts Center’s website.