Students, families and community members came together Wednesday night as the William S. Hart Union School District held its fourth annual Black History Month Art Exhibit.

The event gave students from across the district a chance to showcase artwork honoring Black history, culture and identity through a variety of mediums – from acrylic paintings and watercolor pieces to digital art and even spoken-word performances.

Local artist and author Gloria Locke with Hart Board member Cherise Moore at the Art Exhibit (Sophia Lesseos | KHTS)

Hart District Governing Board Member Cherise Moore said the exhibit is about more than just celebrating one month.

“Black history is American history,” Moore said. “While we are celebrating history through art this month, this is a chance for students to think about the contributions of African Americans to America and elevate those contributions.”

Moore said art continues to be a powerful way for students to connect with each other and express what matters to them.

“Art is a way that people get to express their passions and what’s in their heart,” she said. “You look at what these students have created and you feel empowered, you feel their passion and their love and their desire to know more.”

For students participating in the exhibit, the night was an opportunity to tell stories that are often overlooked.

Avantika Jensen, a 17-year-old student at Academy of the Canyons, said her acrylic portrait was inspired by the empowerment of women of color.

“There are many stories that are untold, especially by media,” Jensen said. “I think it’s important as artists that we represent people accurately and kind of be the change that we want to see in the world.”

Jensen added that art can communicate messages in ways words sometimes cannot.

“I think a lot can be said with art,” she said. “Art has always stood up for people that are underrepresented, so I think it’s important that we continue that.”

Saugus High School student Melody Crockerham said her piece titled “Hair” was inspired by celebrating natural curls within Black culture.

Saugus High School student Melody Crockerham with her sketch “Hair” (Sophia Lesseos | KHTS)

“One of my favorite things about Black culture is the hair, the natural curls,” Crockerham said. “There’s so many different textures and patterns of curls, and I think it’s really cool when you wear them naturally because it’s a good way to show them off and celebrate them.”

Crockerham said the exhibit also marked the first time her work had ever been displayed publicly.

“This is like the first time I’ve ever had my art showcased anywhere before,” she said. “It’s kind of fun to put it out to see what other people thought about it.”

Community members who attended the event said seeing students reflect on Black history through art was encouraging.

William S. Hart School District artists smiling at the hart district (Sophia Lesseos | KHTS)

Community activist Valerie Bradford said the exhibit gave her hope for the next generation.

“This gives me hope that these young people know their Black history, they are expressing their Black history and hopefully passing it on from generation to generation,” Bradford said.

Bradford added that Black history is something everyone should learn from and celebrate.

“Black history is American history,” she said. “Everyone needs to know it, everyone needs to feel it.”

Local artist and author Gloria Locke, who has attended the exhibit each year since it began and presented her illustrated book “First & Famous Black Trailblazers of Santa Clarita” said providing students with a platform like this is incredibly important.

Local artist and author Gloria Locke speaking at the Art Exhibit (Sophia Lesseos | KHTS)

“This is so important to give the students a place to express their gifts and talents,” Locke said. “It represents not only talent, but the heart and soul of what an artist can do.”

She also encouraged students to continue using art as a form of expression, especially during challenging times.

“Don’t ever give up,” Locke said. “Use your art to get out to people to make that statement and sooner or later, people will notice.”

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