An exhibition featuring the works of the progressive female artist Barbara Shermund will open July 28 at The United's gallery in Westerly, R.I. The exhibition, entitled “Feminine Wiles: The Art of Barbara Shermund,” will showcase 26 original works by the American commercial artist from her lifetime (1899-1978). It will run through Sept. 17.

Shermund’s work puts a lens on the lifestyle of American women from the 1920s through the 1940s via cartoons that include candid captions addressing varying subjects, including women’s rights, women in the workplace, maternity, body image, aging, dating, marriage, and sexuality.

"Barbara Shermund was doing memes 100 years ago," said Guest Curator Hilary Pierce Hatfield. "There is a growing trend in fine art presenting and publishing that focuses on work by under-acknowledged artists whose content and subject offer a remarkable document of Americans’ rapidly changing perspective, experience, and lifestyle. In addition, there is ongoing global interest in the practice of cartooning and illustration, fortified by the popularity of anime and manga. Shermund's style has direct correlations. This exhibition has something for everyone.”

The exhibit will include two special features. On display with Shermund’s art and ephemera from her career will be curated commentary from local women in leadership who were invited to view the works. Women UNITED was developed to involve women who are in essential roles from the regional community. These women are devoted to their roles in their community with careers in commerce, health and wellness, journalism, education, government, and advocacy.

Also coinciding with the exhibition, noted American cartoonist and writer Liza Donnelly, best known from her work in the New Yorker and her popular TED Talk, will give a talk at the United about her own career as a female commercial artist and how women navigate their complex roles in the culture at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4.

The opening reception will be 6:30-8 p.m. July 28.

Call (401) 388-8208 for gallery hours.