SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - When boxing legend Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016, countless Schuylkill County residents recalled moments they shared with "The Champ" when he frequently came to train in Deer Lake.

The Walk In Art Center, 110 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven, is encouraging people to share those memories on Jan. 12 during the monthlong tribute exhibit to Muhammad Ali."He was just such a big part of Schuylkill County and he just so happens to have a birthday in January," Lisa Robinson, executive director of the art center, said Wednesday."When he passed away, people were constantly sharing their stories."The art center will host a free open mic night from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 12 to give people the opportunity to share their stories of "The Champ" and show their own memorabilia. People can register to share their stories during the event at

www.walkinartcenter.org."People want to tell their stories," Robinson said. "They want everyone to love Muhammad Ali as much as they loved him and what better way to do that than have everyone with that same passion in the same room at the same time."Meanwhile, the art exhibit opens Saturday. It features more than 50 paintings, photographs and items of memorabilia. Some of the items will be for sale. The exhibit is open through Jan. 31from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.Robinson said Mahanoy City native Gene Kilroy, who was Ali's former business manager, will have items from his personal collection of memorabilia on display.