An exhibition about famous Women Artists will be showcased at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History on August 26 through October 26th featuring original paintings by Augusta artist Rhian Swain. The exhibit includes 15 portraits of female visual artists who have made an impact on the arts.

Women have been amazing artists, just as talented and pioneering as their male counterparts, yet often unrecognized by the general public. “Breaking the Barriers” shines a light on some of the women who have made remarkable achievements in the visual arts. The exhibit includes portraits of Louise Bourgeois, Augusta Savage,  Berthe Morisot, Yayoi Kusama, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Hilda Af Klint, Frida Kahlo, Kara Walker and many others.

A reception with refreshments, and artist talk is open to the public on Sunday September 8^th from 3pm to 5pm at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, located at 1116 Phillips Street, Augusta, GA 30901.

Rhian Swain is an artist who works in many mediums, including acrylic, watercolor, multi-media and digital painting. She loves to explore cultural and social issues and infuse symbolism into her pieces. Humor and bright colors are often found in her work. Her recent focus has been on merging figurative and abstract techniques that evoke an emotional impact. In 2023 she was inducted into the National Association of Women Artists and received an NEA grant to create “Breaking the Barriers: Women Who Impacted the Arts”.  She currently serves on the boards of the NAWA South Carolina Chapter and the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

Rhian is best known locally for her Arts in the Heart “festival people” artwork. She recently had a painting on exhibit in Soho, NYC and three paintings on exhibit in the Burroughs Chapin Museum in Myrtle Beach South, Carolina. She also created one of the murals on the Fifth Street Bridge Project in April 2024. Rhian also has an exhibit “21^st Century Goddesses” now through October 14 at the Ellis and Ann Johnson Gallery in the Jessye Norman School of the Arts.

For more information call the Museum at 706-724-3576.