2 exhibit closing receptions happening this week in South Dallas

South Dallas Cultural Center is hosting the closing of exhibitions by artists Lakeem Wilson and Quel Hynson this Thursday with receptions from 6-8 p.m.

Lakeem Wilson exhbit is inside the Arthello Beck Gallery. Quel Hynson exhbit is inside the Youth Gallery + Lobby.

Quel Hynson's art combines flowers with human life and figures. Sometimes, flowers even take the space of heads in some of the art.

Lakeem Wilson, a South Dallas native known for his murals and paintings throughout the city, created the Life in Black Ink exhibit featured inside the Arthello Beck Gallery at the center.

Among the gallery walls are newer works from the past year featuring ink-drawn portraits on watercolor paper. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s more behind the center wall and a section of vibrantly painted works, such as the Welcome to South Dallas banner.

The banner was designed not only by Wilson, but members of the community who lent their talents to elements of the buildings and people featured. Each letter contains a different landmark, event, entertainer, or celebrity such as: Big Tex and the ferris wheel at Fair Park, the view of the Dallas skyline from South Dallas, dancers, and Forest Theater.

Other pieces included prominent pop culture icons in Black culture such as Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, and Soulja Slim. Images of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in their moments from college sweethearts to inauguration day also made appearances on a section of one of the walls.

Another striking piece featured is the 1619 Project mural with a vibrant scene of boats, trees and waterfronts marking when enslaved Africans were forcefully transported to America.

In addition to the closing receptions, the center will host a collage lab workshop in the art gallery, presented by Black Press. Inspired by the Black Press Collage Lab, participants will come together to cut, clip, remix, and reimagine the stories using archival magazines provided by the African American Museum.

The exhibit, which is free to the public for viewing, is on display in the Arthello Beck Gallery through February 5. South Dallas Cultural Center is located at 3400 S. Fitzhugh.