Warner Robins CME Church hosting art exhibit for Black History Month: ‘Ordinary to Extraordinary’

WARNER ROBINS — As the nation celebrates Black History Month, organizations across the country are honoring the contributions of the Black community—including Warner Robins CME Church, which is hosting an art exhibit and a series of special events throughout February.

The exhibit, titled “Ordinary to Extraordinary: African American Everyday Heroes,” will showcase artwork from church members, featuring paintings, photography, mixed media, and 3D pieces.

Quebec Jacobs, the exhibit’s organizer, said the exhibit wants to showcase art and talent from the church, but also give young entrepreneurs a platform to promote their businesses. She said this year’s theme is all about being young, Black and gifted, a perfect fit for Black History Month’s broader celebration of Black achievements.

Church members of all ages were invited to participate, Jacobs mentioned.

“We decided that we would still include the art, but also include an opportunity for the youth to highlight or show off their businesses,” she said.

This is the church’s second year hosting the event. Last year’s exhibit focused on the arts while also introducing young church members to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs.)

“Our youth in the church that were interested or didn’t even know about the different HBCUs could get additional knowledge and make some educated decisions about where they wanted to attend school,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs is hopeful the exhibit will highlight Black achievement from an age range that may often be overlooked.

“Our community is filled with a lot of talented young people, and talent doesn’t necessarily have to come from someone who’s an adult or who’s older,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs also hopes the church can also impact the local art scene, with plans to host more exhibits and community art classes in the future.

“If it starts at Warner Robins, maybe it can become an outreach,” she said. 

Jacobs said the exhibit is among several Sunday events that will celebrate the church’s history. 

Feb. 16 invites churchgoers to represent their legacy by wearing clothing representing their favorite team, school, church, fraternity or sorority. 

Feb. 23 is the church’s 49th anniversary, featuring a guest preacher and inviting attendees to wear colors representing their generation. Warner Robins CME Church was founded through a merger of two congregations, each with over 100 years of history.

“For us, it’s more about our heritage,” she said.

The art exhibit will be displayed in the church’s Family Community and Life Center starting Feb. 16 after service and will remain open throughout the month.

“Even those that don’t attend on Sunday will still get an opportunity to see it,” Jacobs said.

Warner Robins CME Church holds Sunday services at 10 a.m. and is located at 200 Othal H. Lakey Circle.

For more information, visit the church’s Facebook page or website.