Grandview Heights High School will host an art exhibition featuring the work of Columbus-based, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) artists on Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Grandview Heights High School Auditorium located at 1587 West First Avenue, Columbus. It will remain open to Grandview Heights Schools students throughout the school day on Monday and Tuesday. Admission is free. The exhibition’s title, Amplify, expresses the hope of what the event will achieve: the amplification of the work and voices of these immensely talented, local artists.

From prints of Aminah Robinson’s work to the comic book creations of Vantage: Inhouse Productions, the show will feature a variety of artistic media—all created by local, BIPOC artists. Also on display will be a student-produced magazine which tells the stories of some of the featured artists, as well as a section of student-created pieces that are either inspired by BIPOC artists or reacting to the racial justice movement in the United States.

Amplify is the result of the work of GHHS students Janira Skrbkova and Maria Sipes. Sophomore Janira Skrbkova says, “We wanted to put a spotlight on local artists—specifically BIPOC ones—because historically they haven’t been given the same attention as white artists. We thought this would be a good way to expose the Grandview Heights Schools community to art they might not otherwise see. The hope is that the event will prompt personal reflection and appreciation for the art.” The students have been advised throughout the process by staff members Marc Alter, Bethany Black, and Kevin McCarthy.