From left to right: RJ Strickland (guy with hands up), Jay Ali (sound guy), Lupe Seaton (artist/wearing black hoodie), EPICMUSTDIE (rapper/ guy with hands in his face), artist Dricasso, Angeli, artist Yung Grotke, artist Bri Olabode, rapper KB Devaughn, DJ/producer Cassius, rapper HeyDeon, DJ Gennessy and DJ/producer Dezzie Gee. Courtesy RJ Strickland.

If we know anything about Rise Long Beach, it’s that its founder, RJ Strickland, puts on a variety of art- and music-centric community events, from Summer Jam to StreetCon to his latest, a Black History Month Art Show at Expo Arts Center this Sunday in collaboration with Force of Nature.

Sounds by NiceGuyxVinny and HddnJmz will fill the space with artists such as, in no particular order: Carlos Spivey, whose paintings and quilt work portray images of love, beauty and sacred totems true to the soul and spirit of his African-American heritage. Photographer Nikki Boutte whose images of lost legends Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant have made waves, and Shelton Gillis whose fine art combined with his love for sport send a powerful message about positivity and determination.

And that’s just three of the almost 20 visual artists slated to show their work alongside performances by featured artists Set THE Versifier, Kristien Owens, Cleopatra Moor, and well, that will run from 3 p.m. to about 6 p.m.

“I don’t just throw a show, I’m trying to give an environment, a place to come network, to be there all day, where you’re there from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and you don’t notice the time go by; a genuine energy,” Strickland said in a previous interview with the Post about Summer Jam. “Social media only does so much.”

For the full lineup of artists, performers and vendors, follow Rise Long Beach on Twitter @RiseLBC.

It’s also worth noting that, unrelated to the show, once you’re at Expo Arts on Sunday, don’t forget to use the restroom. No, seriously. There’s a new mural by artist Derrik Diza in the women’s, and some fresh graffiti art right outside the men’s.

Expo Arts restroom mural is full of familiar, smiling faces that are just a bit off

BHM Art Show is on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 4321 Atlantic Ave. Tickets are $10 presale and can be purchased via Eventbrite here. You can still get in for $15 at the door.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].