Andre Parnell embraces vulnerability and leans into metaphoric storytelling in his debut exhibit at the Harrison Center, As the Crows Fly. When asked about the inspiration behind creating this exhibit, Parnell mentioned he hoped to return to a foundational style; however, "The process led me somewhere unexpected – away from oil painting and back toward the language of my early illustrations." Furthermore, Parnell rediscovered his ability to speak to the social and political realities of black boy and girlhood.

Parnell was raised in a household surrounded by creativity. His mother was a writer, his father worked in advertising, and his brother spent his time drawing and painting growing up – all of which inspired him to pursue a career centered around art. He graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design in 1992. After about 20 years working in signage and wayfinding design, Parnell decided to step away and explore a more personal path to get back in touch with art through advocacy and community work. "As an Artist at Work selectee, I've become deeply engaged with my Far Eastside community, using art as a tool for storytelling, identity, placemaking, and collective problem-solving."

The pieces in this show focus on the freedom of movement. Parnell gained inspiration from artist Gary Kelly and leaned into illustration through the use of colored pencils and acrylic paint. Crows are seen throughout the work. Parnell describes them as "social, intelligent creatures, known to mirror the behaviors of those around them." Their flight is symbolic of the journey of self-discovery. Through this imagery, Parnell explores what it means to transcend, rise above, and find your own direction amid life's chaos and noise.

When visiting this body of work, viewers are invited to find the courage to evolve and reflect on how they can choose the road less traveled. "I want people to feel permission to question, heal, and imagine what freedom of identity and purpose might look like for them. If my work can spark conversation or open a small window toward self-discovery, then it has done its job.”