Tulsa school teacher's paintings showcased in exhibit

Inspired by her father, portrait artist Charisa Dené Jacobs celebrates the expression of Black male identity through dressing professionally.

Her solo exhibit, “The Professional and Other Works,” opens 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition gallery, 9 E. Reconciliation Way, as part of the Tulsa Art District’s First Friday art walk. The opening will last until 9 p.m. and will feature live music.

Jacobs’ paintings in the show are portraits of imagined American Black men all dressed in timeless suits or western wear. The paintings are life-sized oil portraits that measure 3 feet by 4 feet.

Jacobs describes herself as biracial, with a white mother and Black father.

“Growing up, I would see my father wear tailored suits and beautiful dress shoes on a daily basis,” she said.