LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An exhibition in Louisville is highlighting the power of storytelling through art, bringing together voices from across the African diaspora.

At the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, artists are using their work to share personal and powerful narratives that reflect history, identity and culture.

“There’s a message in art, and we tend to look at TV and movies, but oftentimes we don’t go to galleries and see that single image that has so much meaning in it,” said Aukram Burton, executive director of the center.

The “Celebrating the Black Experience” exhibit features a wide range of art forms, from hand-built porcelain and papier-mâché to hand-quilted pieces.

Artist Debra Harley said her work is rooted in family history. After discovering unfinished quilt tops created by her great-great-grandmother, she was inspired to complete them and carry on that legacy.

“To be able to continue to practice the art and to do it for art’s sake, that’s what keeps me doing it and keeps me practicing,” Harley said.

For J. Everett Young, the exhibit marks a return to traditional techniques after working in digital art. He said reconnecting with foundational skills has been an important part of his artistic growth.

“I feel a lot of digital artists need to get back to that, or if they’re not in that, they should, because that’s where a lot of the fundamentals come from. And so, I’ll draw and I’ll paint, just to keep my skills up,” Young said.

Young said that his work also represents a fresh start in a new city.

“It’s nice to know that Louisville has a large community that is willing to take in new people, such as myself,” he said.

Organizers said the exhibit encourages visitors to engage with stories that span generations and cultures.

The exhibit is on display through mid-June and will travel across the state through December.