Columbus – On Thursday, Nov. 5, the King Arts Complex will host the opening reception for Shelbi “SheL10” Toone’s career‑spanning exhibition, A Village Folk Artist. The event, timed with Toone’s 40th birthday, runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and celebrates the artist’s deep ties to the city’s Black arts community.
Roots in a Growing City
Toone’s family has long been woven into Columbus’ cultural fabric. Her grandfather, James Roseboro, served on the City Council; her father is a longtime member of the Columbus Arts and Theatre Council (CATCO); and her mother sang with the Jazz Arts Group. Growing up surrounded by local artistic royalty, Toone says she was “brought into creating because it’s part of who I am, part of where I came from.”
From Solo Dreams to Community‑Driven Work
Originally conceived in 2020 as a solo show reflecting the optimism of a “clear‑vision” future, the exhibition was postponed by the pandemic and redirected toward the Poindexter Village Museum and Cultural Learning Center, where Toone serves as project director and site manager. The new show now reflects the community’s requests, from a quilt commissioned by King Arts to a painting honoring the politics of Poindexter Village.
Exhibit Highlights
The gallery space is organized into several thematic sections:
- Mural work – framed photographs of large‑scale public murals.
- Graphic design – an updated peace sign incorporating Adinkra symbols.
- Fine arts – butterfly paintings and a colorful Sankofa bird.
- Folk art – a rain stick created in dedication to Poindexter Village.
- Photography – a wall of “ShelShots,” Polaroid portraits of mentors and collaborators.
Toone explains that the exhibition’s tone has shifted from personal optimism to a form of activism, saying, “We need to continue to have those voices of optimism given the crazy climate we’ve been living in. Love is at the core of everything I do.”
Community Voices
Visitors will also encounter a quilt made by request for King Arts and a painting commissioned by the Ohio History Connection, both illustrating how Toone’s work responds directly to community needs. “When I started, it was just ‘I want to make this butterfly.’ Now I’m making things based on what the community asks for,” she notes.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the exhibition, Toone continues to lead the development of the Poindexter Village Museum and Cultural Learning Center, a project aimed at preserving the historic neighborhood’s legacy while providing educational resources for future generations. The opening of her solo show marks a milestone not only for the artist but also for Columbus’ vibrant cultural scene, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a nurturing ground for Black artists and community leaders.
Local residents and art enthusiasts are invited to attend the reception, meet the artist, and explore the rich tapestry of works that celebrate Columbus’ artistic heritage and the power of community collaboration.
Original reporting: Matter News (Columbus) — read the source article.
