Please note: The Bexley Public Library will close today, April 2nd, at 3:30pm due to the impending inclement weather.
Join us for a discussion and celebration of the history of Black artists in Columbus with local artist Richard Duarte Brown.
Join us for a discussion and celebration of the history of Black artists in Columbus with local artist Richard Duarte Brown. A vital member of the current art scene, Mr. Brown will connect the legacy of Black art in Columbus to his personal work, which itself shines a spotlight on the numerous gifted Black artists in the 614.
Richard “Duarte” Brown is a master artist with the TRANSIT ARTS Youth Program and the Ohio Alliance for the Arts Education's Art in the house program. For more than 20 years, Brown has dedicated his talent to helping young people in Columbus through countless programs including CAPACITY (CAPA’s Youth Art Program), the Short Stop Youth Center, the King Arts Complex, Ohio Alliance for Arts Education’s (and formerly GCAC’s) Artists-in-Schools program, GCAC’s Children of the Future, Ebony Boys, Art Safe and VSA Ohio. Brown has also worked as a high school art instructor at the Arts and College Preparatory Academy in Columbus. His murals can be seen throughout the city bringing comfort and inspiration to countless viewers. Many of his students have gone onto college and careers in the creative industries and many others have simply become important contributors to the well-being of our community by embracing their responsibilities as parents, audience members, arts consumers and more. Brown has the special gift of engaging people from all backgrounds and bringing them together through his creative spirit. Deeply influenced by Mr. William Steele, his fifth grade teacher, Brown wrote a book in 2012-The Steele Influence- dedicated to Steele’s profound impact on his life. He recently graduated from Ohio Dominican and received one of the highest awards from the university. Brown has carried on the gift of an educator who has the power to change a child’s life and inspires young people throughout Columbus to be resourceful and relentless in following their dreams.
Bexley Public Library was founded in 1924 and first housed in Bexley High School, now Montrose Elementary School. The present building opened in 1929 and was designed by architects O.C. Miller and R.R. Reeves who drew upon French and Italian architecture from the 17th century for the design.
The library is located at 2411 East Main Street, at the intersection of East Main Street and Cassady Avenue. Parking is available in our parking lot on Euclaire Avenue and in front of the library on Main Street. Main Street is a No Parking Tow Zone from 4:00-6:00 p.m. weekdays.
