Memorial art exhibition honors Ruthie Akuchie’s legacy

The Mansfield Public Art Commission and the Mansfield Richland County Public Library are hosting a memorial art exhibition honoring the late Ruthie Akuchie, a local artist known for her creativity, musical abilities, and adventurous spirit. A dedication event is scheduled for February 5, 2026, at the library's second-floor atrium, and the exhibition will run through February and March as part of the library's Black History Month celebration. Akuchie's work explores themes of identity, emotion, and lived experience, with her sister Naomi Cantwell and father Rev. El Akuchie sharing personal reflections on her legacy.