Among the many events that the Kent House of Alexandria is hosting multiple events to celebrate and remember local Black stories during Black History Month, a very special one is a showcase of the art of Mary Vinson, whose work is inspired by Clementine Hunter.

“I learned how to do it as a child at age five,” said Vinson. “I started drawing with a stick in the sand. And then everybody went to look at it and they said, ‘Well, this child is drawing really good.’ So, later on in my life, I started drawing on paper, when I could afford it. And then, everybody was saying, ‘This art is really good.’ So, then I decided to put my art into books.”

Kent House’s showcase of Vinson’s work will be the first of its kind. It will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, starting at 1pm. The event is free, and visitors have a chance to meet the artist herself. 

Vinson said she wants to encourage other artists to put their work out there.

“I want to encourage the people who come to see me that all they gotta do is just start putting theirs on exhibit,” she said. “If they see I do it, they’ll do it too.”

Vinson said she is excited to see everyone and encourages all artists to “just show up!”