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The Kokomo Art Association kicked off Black History Month in Kokomo with its second annual Black Pearls exhibition. The display features nearly a dozen artists whose work embodies Black wisdom, beauty, and culture.

A reception on Feb. 2 introduced the exhibition to the community, and it will remain on display through Feb. 27. The exhibition is located at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St.

During the reception, guests had the opportunity to meet and talk with many of the artists participating in the exhibition. Works from Sukari Woodson, Janice Purnell, JC Barnett III, Tashema Davis, Sunday Mahaja and Ramona Daniels are featured in a group exhibition on the gallery’s second floor.

Mahaja’s multimedia works highlight her status as the Art Association’s guest artist for February. Also on display is photography exhibit focused on Nigerian culture, entitled “Mama Africa: Journey of a Lifetime,” by local artist and curator Robin Williams. This exhibit includes paintings from artist Oladapo Agboola.

The reception also featured local author and Gilead House founder Reba Harris, who was on hand to sign copies of her first book, “Living Life after the Fires of My Sorrows” as well as to promote her second book, “Saved, but Not Emotionally Healed,” which will publish later this year. The event even had a special musical guest. Pianist Christopher Washington provided a background of jazz during the event.

The Black Pearls exhibit may be viewed during Artworks Gallery’s regular hours, noon until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.