Local artist Leeza Dukes is presenting an art exhibit in partnership with Girls Inc. of Owensboro during Black History Month, highlighting a wide range of artistic mediums and collaborative youth artwork. The exhibit is on display at Fetta Specialty Pizza and Spirits.
The show will culminate with an invitation-only closing reception currently planned for March 19, with a tentative rain date of March 26.
Dukes said the exhibit is rooted in both artistic expression and community collaboration.
“I am a Black American artist, proud to be born and raised in the United States, and I’m also glad to be living here in Owensboro, Kentucky, doing art because of the multicultural community,” Dukes said. “I’m working with Girls Inc. on this project, and they will be contributing their artwork while I’ll also be displaying my own.”
Dukes has worked with Girls Inc. of Owensboro on numerous projects over the years, including fundraising initiatives in which collaborative artwork created by the girls is auctioned to support programming. She said the partnership continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
“I love working with them,” Dukes said. “When I say do things, they are right on top of everything. We make paintings or mosaic art or whatever the project is, and a lot of times someone buys the entire collection.”
The exhibit will showcase Dukes’ versatility as an artist, with pieces spanning multiple mediums, including painting, mosaic art, and fashion design. She said visitors can expect to see artwork inspired by music, particularly Motown, as well as mixed-media pieces and hand-painted denim designs.
“Even though I’m a Black artist, I don’t focus solely on Black people as my subject matter,” Dukes said. “I work in many different mediums, and that’s what you’ll be seeing at this exhibit.”
Dukes, who has lived in Owensboro for nearly 14 years, said she became involved in the local arts scene soon after relocating and has long advocated for broader recognition of artists of color in the community.
“Especially here in our town, people aren’t always aware that we have strong working artists of color,” Dukes said. “That awareness is important, and it’s not just about me. It’s about maintaining opportunities for artists and showing what’s here.”
Dennis Weafer, owner of Fetta Specialty Pizza and Spirits, said hosting local artists has long been a priority for the restaurant.
“We love to do it,” Weafer said. “We want to support art and anybody involved in it. It feels great to be a part of something like this.”
Weafer said nearly all of the artwork displayed at the restaurant is created by local artists, helping make the space unique.
“We just want to support local artists,” he said. “It makes it different. You don’t see this everywhere else.”
Weafer said the featured exhibit will temporarily replace existing artwork in the main dining area, prominently displaying Dukes’ work and pieces created by Girls Inc. participants in recognition of Black History Month.
“We’re very happy to be a part of it,” Weafer said.
Dukes said the closing reception will focus on celebrating the exhibit while recognizing Girls Inc. members and their families, adding that she hopes the show continues to build awareness of Owensboro’s diverse and growing arts community.
“It’s a small town, but it’s a good town,” Dukes said. “People here love art, and there’s a lot going on.”
