To culminate Women’s History Month, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will unveil its newest exhibit inspired by women of the South, The Southern Way: Grits, Gals, and Glory on Tuesday, March 29 at 6 pm. The opening reception is free for members and $7 for nonmembers.

Developed by Atlanta artist, Shanequa Gay, The Southern Way: Grits, Gals, and Glory, encompasses a collection of vibrant paintings utilizing multiple mediums. The paintings celebrate the traditions, love, hospitality, and tranquility of Southern women through themes of spirituality, family, and music.

“With more than 38 million African American women living across the United States, there is something noticeably unique about African American women from the South,” said Shanequa Gay. “I have been able to bring these distinctive characteristics to life in The Southern Way. It is my hope that visitors will be inspired by this exhibition and will continue the conversation of traditions, speak to the myths, and sing praises to the African American women of the South.”

The exhibition will be on display at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Boulevard through June 24.