The Art of Speaking Out: Stop Book Banning Art Exhibition Opening

The Art of Speaking Out: Stop Book Banning is a celebration of the enduring power of art to defend the freedom of expression. Through a curated exhibition of thought-provoking works, a wide range of artists across multiple mediums respond to the growing tide of censorship and book banning in America, transforming creativity into a powerful act of advocacy.

The exhibition opens October 1, 2026 at The Mercantile Library, Cincinnati, with an opening reception Thursday, October 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition remains on view through October 30, 2026.

Each piece stands as a testament to the belief that when words are silenced, art can give them voice. Together, these works invite conversation, inspire reflection, and affirm the essential right to read, question, imagine, and create. A portion of proceeds from artwork sales will benefit PEN America and the Mercantile Library, supporting their shared commitment to protecting free expression, championing literature, and preserving our cultural and intellectual heritage.