ORLANDO, Fla. — For Black History Month, one local artist paid tribute through her intricate works of stained glass.

The Black History Committee of Orange County selected JoKeeta Johnson Savariau's work for this year’s celebration.

What You Need To Know

  • The Black History Committee of Orange County selected JoKeeta Johnson Savariau's work for this year’s celebration

  • Savariau's stained glass work is displayed at Spark The Arts in Orlando

  • From the Black Panthers to Zora Neale Hurston, she says that each time she places a piece of glass, she gets excited to see her works come to life

In her studio, there is no hiding any cracks or imperfections.

“You can only cut it once, so you make less mistakes,” said Savariau of the glass she works with.

When it comes to glass, just like with history, the past cannot be undone.

“Here it's all real, all facts,” she said.

It is a meticulous craft, but as an artist, Savariau said she welcomes the pressure.

“Each piece that I create is like a new baby each time,” she said.

And Savariau said her works of art are inspired by those who inspire her.

“I am cutting out the face for Ruby Bridges," said Savariau. “She was a little girl in elementary school who was the first to integrate the schools in New Orleans. So the piece that I'm working on is the famous piece of her leaving the courthouse and being escorted to school.”

Savariau is a cervical cancer survivor and connected with the medium during art therapy, as she worked through paralysis caused by a surgery. 

“So, after learning how to walk all over again, I started taking lessons," she said. "And every time I made a piece, I sold a piece. So I got hooked.”

Now, she has her own space inside the Spark The Arts gallery in downtown Orlando, where she creates works of art focusing on subjects who carry personal meaning for her.

“I started out featuring mostly Black ancestors, Black leaders, Black historical figures, current leaders," she said. "Because it's something that I can identify with, it's something that I have a love and passion for."

From the Black Panthers to Zora Neale Hurston, each time Savariau places a piece of glass, she gets excited to see her works of art come to life.

“It makes me feel really great because I feel like I'm one step closer to an accomplishment — one step closer to honoring the legacy of these people who have done amazing things. That have done things that have directly and indirectly impacted my life,” Savariau said.

Inside the Orange County Administration building, more than a dozen of her works were displayed for Black History Month. She was selected by Orange County Art and Cultural Affairs and the Black History Committee of Orange County to curate the exhibit titled “Living the Dream.”

Deloris Batson, president of the Black History Committee of Orange County, said she knew right away when seeing Savariau’s art that it was perfect for this year’s Black History Month celebration.

“This is so unique, because we want Americans, African Americans, other Americans to come out and enjoy JoKeeta’s beautiful art," Batson said. "Understand why the art is hanging and remember the sacrifices that we've all made to make America a beautiful place today."

Savariau said she hopes many people can connect with what she’s created.

“To see themselves in the pieces, to open up their hearts, hearts and minds and be open-minded and accept differences,” she said.