The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History opens a new exhibit entitled “A Thousand Words” featuring artwork by Augusta artists Rhian Swain and Francie Klopotic.  The exhibition will be on display until August 31^st. A reception will be held on July 19^th from 4pm to 6pm at the Laney Museum at 1116 Phillips Street, off Laney-Walker Blvd. The reception includes a brief artists talk, refreshments and music by Sounds of Brilliance, with Grammy-nominated Maestro Sapp.

The twenty paintings Rhian and Francie created were inspired by stories told by the Museum’s Executive Director Corey Rogers and Program Manager Toni Dean, as well as by historic photos from the Georgia Archive and the Museum’s historic archives. Both artists have been involved with the Museum and its programs for many years and were excited to tell stories in pictures worth “a thousand words,” about a part of Augusta’s rich history and culture that is often overlooked.

Francie’s paintings include “Talent Nite at the Lenox,” “Justice for Charlie,” and “Onward Christian Soldiers.”  Rhian’s paintings include “Now and Then – Lessons in Etiquette,” “Celebration of Life – Honoring Veterans and Their Service,” and “Broad Street Fisherman” based on a 1901 archival photo of Augusta 

Francie Klopotic’s childhood was a kaleidoscope of cultural diversity, that she whole-heartedly embraced. She was exposed to musicians like Marc Bolan and David Bowie at a very young age and some of her art reflects that early exposure to glam rock and hippie culture. A self-taught artist, her preferred medium was graphite pencils until only a few years ago, when she tried painting with acrylics for the first time and fell in love it. Recently she began working in oils and creating monoprints using acrylic, ink and watercolor.  

Rhian Swain is a painter, photographer, designer, illustrator, writer, and former talk show host. She owns RedWolf Advertising, an ad agency that has supported the Laney Museum for 25 years.  In 2023 Rhian was inducted in the National Association of Women Artists. In 2025 She was appointed as Co-chair of the PR Committee for NAWA National in NYC. She's curated several themed shows that featured the work of local and national artists. She currently has two paintings in the Brookgreen Gardens’ Rosen Gallery and has a new exhibition in Augusta & Co. Gallery on Broad Street, called “People.” 

Sounds of Brilliance is an original band of gifted musicians from the CSRA expressing themselves through the creation of music and unique soulful live performances. Lead by Augusta natives Calvin (Cocoa Dylan) Taylor and 3x Grammy Nominated Maestro Daniel (D.U.B.) Sapp.

For more information about the exhibition, or to schedule an artist talk please call the Lucy Craft Laney Museum at 706-724-3576.