DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Area History Museum will celebrate Black History Month with an exhibit of artwork by Dowagiac artist O’Larry Collins.

The exhibit, “Burning Memories: The Artwork of O’Larry Collins,” opens to the public on Tuesday, with the public invited to a reception from 4 to 6 p.m Wednesday.

Artist O’Larry Collins was born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and moved to Dowagiac with his family at a young age. Though his family only spent a couple of years in Dowagiac before moving to Chicago, Collins loved Dowagiac and moved back as an adult in the 1970s.

Today, Collins owns Creekside Greenhouse and the art and clothing store Art enah Suit in Dowagiac.

While he works in many mediums, O’Larry Collins specializes in woodburning art. His woodburning artwork features an eclectic array of subject matter from local barns and scenery to Civil Rights icons and blues and jazz music legends.

“I like anything with an old look to it, but I really like 1930s and 1940s imagery,” Collins said.

In addition to next week’s opening reception, Collins will be on-site working on his next piece on from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Feb. 21. Patrons are welcome to visit with the artist and see him create his next masterpiece.

“We are excited about having O’Larry Collins exhibit his art at the museum,” said Museum Director Steve Arseneau. “His iconic works are a great way for the entire community to celebrate Black History Month.”

The Dowagiac Area History Museum is located on the corner of Division and West Railroad streets in downtown Dowagiac. Admission to the museum is free.

For more information, call the museum at (269) 783-2560 or visit dowagiacmuseum.info.