The Owensboro Black Expo is celebrating Black History Month by inviting the community to showcase their creativity through a poster contest.
Open to all ages, the contest encourages participants to submit original artwork — whether hand-drawn, painted, or digitally created — that reflects themes of Black history and culture. There are no size restrictions for the posters, and participants are free to use any medium, including crayons, markers, paint, or even collage-style designs.
Lisa Bass, vice president of the Owensboro Black Expo, said the contest is an opportunity for people of all artistic abilities to contribute. She hopes participants will take inspiration from influential figures and moments in Black history, including local leaders who have shaped the Owensboro community.
“If you’re 5 years old or 70, and you’ve got a little bit of artistic ability, we want you to submit something,” Bass said. “Just use your imagination and be creative.”
The winner will receive a cash prize. In addition, their artwork will be featured on the organization’s Juneteenth T-shirts later this year.
“We make new Juneteenth shirts every year for the celebration, and we plan on using the winner’s design,” Bass said.
Entries must be submitted by February 27, with a winner to be announced on March 3. Submissions can be dropped off at the H.L. Neblett Community Center or sent via email to [email protected].
Bass said the idea for a poster contest stemmed from a desire to do something meaningful and different for Black History Month.
“Everybody in the community is celebrating Black History Month — the library has several activities going on, the NAACP is involved — so we wanted to contribute in our own way,” she said.
