In correlation with Women’s History Month, the University Women’s Center is sponsoring an exhibit in honor of women’s achievements. The exhibit is the 16th annual Women in the Arts Gallery, a thought-provoking art exhibit to celebrate women, Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at the Shaw Center for the Arts. Sharbari Dey, event coordinator and graduate assistant, said the event is a crucial part of Women’s History Month.The gallery, which will feature more than 20 artists from across Louisiana, is a collection of more than 30 pieces of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photographs and collages that celebrate women. The gallery is free and open to the public, and there are no dress requirements.Debangana Banerjee, graduate print making student, has three pieces in the show: one oil painting, one water color painting and one etching.Banerjee said the event is important because it’s a place where gender issues can be brought up.”Including an art show in the celebration of Women’s History Month obviously lends another dimension to the concept,” Banerjee said.But Banerjee said the gallery should be open to all artists, regardless of gender.”I believe the theme and the perception of an artist is the important issue here,” she said.Banerjee said she felt Women’s History Month is important because it “can be a stage to express thoughts on women’s social, cultural, educational and economic conditions.”Joanne McMullen, retired University administrator, is also in the gallery with two crocheted wire pieces.McMullen said Women’s History Month is important because it celebrates women in our time, and women’s artwork should be celebrated.”While I don’t believe that one’s gender impacts upon creativity, I do believe that women’s art explores beauty, even that found in the ordinary,” McMullen said.University students said events like these that celebrate women are important.Cameron Tinker, computer science freshman, said it would be interesting to see the art gallery.”It’s important for women to know they can express themselves as equally as men express themselves,” Tinker said. “Women are a very important figure in society. It helps to see things from a woman’s point of view as opposed to a man’s.”Samantha Dupaquier, civil engineering freshman, said she would also be interested in going to the exhibit.”I like art displays, and I think the motivation for this one makes it even more special.” Dupaquier said.While the Women in the Arts Gallery is a big part of the University’s celebration of the month, the Women’s Center has a month-long calendar of events that center around women and their achievements.”We hope that these programs inspire women at LSU and in the community to motivate themselves and others around them through their creative talents, volunteering, opinions, life experiences and peer group interactions,” Dey said.—-Contact Catie Vogels at [email protected]