Acrylic paintings, digital collages and mixed media works are just a few of the types of media on display at the Constellation exhibition this February.

Gemini Arts hosted the showcase honoring African American artists in recognition of Black History Month. The space is open every Friday for viewers. This event highlighted artists from around the country, captivating onlookers.

“I watched it, and the longer I watched it, it was like ancestors jumping out at me,” Sandra Hamlin said of one of the art pieces when she visited Feb.20. “It felt spiritual.”

A live poetry reading that night was a unique aspect of the showcase. Guests could write poems inspired by the artwork. Most parked themselves in front of a work and scribbled on pads of paper, glancing up every once in a while to get more inspiration.

Hamlin, a short film writer, admitted to not having much experience in writing poetry. But when she sat in front of a mixed-media painting of a mask, the words came to her with ease.

“It inspired me,” Hamlin said. “I could feel moving. I could feel the moving in that frame.” 

Overcome with emotion, she admitted to tearing up.

“It being Black History Month and all the things going on in the country right now, it just really moved me,” she said.

Along with a number of others, Hamlin shared her poem with the crowd. The guests listened intently and celebrated each other’s poetry about the different works on display. Hamlin’s poem, “Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown,” concluded to ample applause and excited cheers.

This was the first time the gallery had the chance to spotlight African American artists exclusively. Gemini Arts opened in April 2025 in the Rosewood neighborhood, welcoming artists in the Columbia area looking for studio space and a positive environment in which to create.

“We put out the word about this place, and people came out of the woodwork,” said resident artist Ron Hagell, who played a large part in transforming what used to be an empty building at 2847 Commerce Drive into what is now Gemini Arts. 

Since opening, Hagell said things have worked out smoothly. Not only was the space highly sought by renters, but its focus on hosting exhibitions and workshops was immediately magnetic to guests looking to immerse themselves in art culture. 

“Every time we put out the word for a new exhibition, we have an opening night for it and plenty of people come,” he said.

Gemini Arts’ next exhibition is called the Echoes of Georgia O’Keeffe and will open March 6, available for viewing Friday evenings through April 17.