An Exhibition
Art of Speaking Out
Artists responding to censorship. Standing against book bans.
An invitational art exhibition confronting the rising tide of book banning in America. Opening October 1, 2026 The Mercantile Library, Cincinnati
Current Exhibition
Stop Book Bans
An Exhibit of Artists Responding to Censorship
The inaugural exhibition of Art of Speaking Out invites artists to confront one of the most urgent threats to intellectual freedom in America today: the coordinated effort to ban books from schools and libraries.
Artists were invited to create original works inspired by banned books, censorship, intellectual freedom, and the importance of protecting the right to read and express ideas.
Opening
October 1, 2026 at 5:30 - 7:30pm
On View
October 1-30, 2026
Venue
The Mercantile Library 414 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
About the Exhibition
When Books Are Banned, Artists Speak
Book banning is not a fringe phenomenon. Across the United States, thousands of titles have been challenged or removed from school libraries — many of them books that give voice to communities long marginalized in American life.
Art of Speaking Out: Stop Book Bans brings together artists whose work responds to this moment with clarity, courage, and creativity. The exhibition is both a protest and a celebration — of the books that have been targeted, the readers who need them, and the artists who refuse to be silent.
The works on view are original, invitational pieces created specifically for this exhibition. Each one is a testament to the belief that art, like literature, is one of humanity's most powerful tools for truth-telling.
Our Mission
Amplifying Voices Through Art
Art of Speaking Out brings artists together to transform creative expression into a powerful tool for advocacy. We create compelling exhibitions that encourage conversation, challenge injustice, and inspire people to speak out. The art and the artists are always the focus.
Art as Advocacy
We believe creative expression is one of the most powerful forces for social change — and that artists have a unique role to play in moments of injustice.
Artists First
Every exhibition centers the artists and their work. Their voices shape the conversation.
Open to All
We create spaces — physical and digital — where art, ideas, and community can meet. Everyone is welcome.
Organizations We Support
Fighting for the Freedom to Read
Stop Book Bans supports PEN America and highlights the mission of The Mercantile Library of Cincinnati.
PEN America
Tracking and challenging book bans nationwide
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights, working to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. PEN tracks every book ban in America, fights back in courts and legislatures, and defends writers, educators, and students facing censorship and persecution.
Visit PEN America →The Mercantile Library of Cincinnati
A literary landmark since 1835
Founded in 1835, the Mercantile Library of Cincinnati is one of America's oldest subscription libraries — a living literary landmark committed to open access to ideas. The exhibition is hosted in their historic space, making the venue itself a statement about the enduring power of books.
Visit The Mercantile Library of Cincinnati →Follow Along
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Get in Touch
We'd Love to Hear From You
Whether you're a visitor, artist, member of the press, or a potential supporter — reach out. We welcome every conversation.