Arts on Main is hosting a Story Shields workshop for middle school students through adults from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the gallery on Main Street, Gloucester.

Story shields are wearable art featuring symbols and shapes chosen to display the personal mythology of the wearer. They are inspired by cultural dances, ancient Igbo motifs, and Yoruba decorative techniques.

The class will be taught by LaKaye Mbah, one of eight Black History Month artists from Virginia whose work is being featured at Arts on Main this month.

Mbah focuses on artwork that assists women and children with recognizing their self-worth by making West African traditions more accessible, said a press release. During the workshop, she will help students build a visual language and create story shields based on shared experiences, as well as what makes them unique as individuals. The class will discuss West African textiles and the history behind the creation of story shields.

Participants are encou...