BHFA 2026

Description

OH Art Foundation Presents
Rephrasis en Noir: The visual interpretation of Black Literature
Curated by: Candace HunterLocation: OH Art Foundation, 2nd floor of Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL 60609Exhibition Dates:  2/19/26-3/15/25 Application Open: 10/20/25 - Deadline: 11/24/25Opening Reception: Friday, January 16th & Feburary 20th, 2026, from 7 to 10 pm
About the Exhibition:
Think of the literary prowess that examines, expresses, and undergirds Black culture. In the spirit of the breadth of Black thought and imagination   -  i.e., Black folks be thinkin' -  this exhibition opens its walls to works that respond to our literary greatness.Often, good literature helps us see. What did you see when when you first read Toni Morrison's Beloved or The Bluest Eye? Did James Baldwin's essays or his retreat to Southern France make you see America's injustice or the hillsides of a free land, or both? Did Giovani's Room or Beale Could make you see color, or line or  shape? If literature, Black literature, has impacted how you see and how you create, how do you share these stories when you are a visual artist? We'd like to see what you see. Share with us how you have responded to our best, our finest literature. And its ok to think big, heck, Toni did.
This exhibition, (the second African American Art) 2nd Black History Festival of the Arts group exhibit to by OH Art Foundation held at Zhou B Art Center, will showcase these inspired worlds by the best of Chicago's rich Black talent pool.

Eligibility & Guidelines:

Open to artists 18 years or older
Must reside in the United States (Midwest-based artists especially encouraged)
All 2D visual media will be considered (painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, digital, etc.)
Submissions Fee: $25.00

Artwork Requirements:
Submissions may include, but are not limited to: paintings, drawings, photography, digital, and mixed media on the wall. Works should be thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and relevant to the themes of the exhibit. All submitted works should be original, and artists may submit up to 3 pieces for consideration. No sculptures or installations.
Artwork Size Restrictions: Larger works are encouraged. All work must be no larger than 12 ft width x 10 ft height including frame and ready for wall hanging.
Shipping: Artists will be responsible for shipping and delivery to and from the gallery.
Art Sales: There is a 40% commission on all gallery sales
Participation Rules: By submitting your art to us, you grant Oh Art Foundation and Zhou B Art Center permission to publish your work in print, online, and in social media for exhibition and marketing purposes. All artwork will be attributed to the artist. By participating, you certify that you are the rightful owner of the art and that it does not infringe in any copyright violations.
About the Curator:

About OH Art Foundation:
OH Art Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization found in 2013, currently housed in Zhou B Art Center in the Bridgeport neighborhood in Chicago, IL. The mission of the OH Art Foundation is to strengthen Chicago communities by offering accessible art education, exhibitions & events, and programs that promote understanding of diverse cultures through art.
We believe in the power of art to bring people together, creating spaces for dialogue and understanding. By providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohartfoundation
Join OH Art Foundation: https://www.ohartfoundation.org/join-us

About Zhou B Art Center:
Founded in 2004 by the internationally acclaimed Zhou Brothers, Zhou B Art Center was created as a site of exchange between local artists and the global art community while promoting the contemporary convergence of Eastern and Western visuality in the United States. Located in Chicago’s historic Bridgeport neighborhood, the Zhou B Art Center’s mission is to engage cultural dialogue through contemporary art exhibitions and programming with an international scope.The Zhou B Art Center provides galleries, studio spaces, and a collaborative environment to a thriving community of talented artists and curators. The purpose of the Zhou B Art Center is to nurture the creativity and growth of its nearly 50 resident artists while providing groundbreaking exhibitions open to the public. On the Third Friday of each month, the center hosts a free exhibition and open studio event where locals can explore the main galleries as well as resident artists’ studios. This event is the perfect opportunity for Chicagoans and tourists alike to support the numerous artists involved with the Zhou B Art Center.

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