A flexible gallery space for art, events, and everything in between
Breath of God: A Love Letter to Black Men and Black Women
Breath of God, A Love Letter to Black Men and Black Women serves as a visual exploration and witness to the celebration of black identity. Photographer Jacquel Curry and multidisciplinary artist Ashli Ognelodh Curry create works that highlight black men and women as vessels of beauty, resilience, and joy.
Each piece carries the beauty of complexity and the quiet power of divine presence that is within the black existence.
For years, black men and black women have long been the keepers of strength and initiators of culture, but oftentimes their labor, love, and light have gone unrecognized or misunderstood.
This exhibition implores the audience towards a different gaze. One that sees black men and black women not through struggle and trauma, but through reverence and pure joy.
These works serve as a love letter to honor those that were here, and those that are still here.
May black men and black women feel seen.
May Black men and black women be cherished.
May Black men and black women breathe freely.
On view August 24-September 25 at the Shell Gallery, with an artist talk on Saturday, August 29.
Take a Piece Home
See something you love? Every purchase made through the Gallery Store goes directly to the exhibiting artist and supports the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
Our store is updated with each new exhibition — so what you see today is a reflection of what's on our walls right now. Once a show closes, those pieces are no longer available for purchase online.
Missed a past exhibition? Interested in a specific artist? Give us a call at (225) 344-8558 ext. 205 — we're happy to help.
COUNTED: Picture the Power Volume II
A project of the Power Coalition Arts Framework
October 5 - December 4
COUNTED is a traveling photography and visual storytelling exhibition centering the people, places, and communities that continue the work long after election day.
Voting is often framed as the final step in civic participation, but COUNTED asks a different question: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE VOTE?
This exhibition invites photographers and visual storytellers across Louisiana to explore the realities of community care, advocacy, organizing, survival, joy, and collective responsibility. Through documentary and artistic interpretation, COUNTED highlights the ways people continue showing up for one another beyond the ballot box. The idea of seeing community in action is a force that is undeniably impactful.
Members 2026
ACGBR Member Group Exhibition
December 13 - January 29
Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge members are invited to submit work for Members 2026 — a group exhibition celebrating the breadth of talent across our creative community. Painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, mixed media, and more. No required theme. All voices welcome. Not a member? Become one today!
The Shell Gallery is a one-of-a-kind exhibition space nestled inside the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center in the heart of Baton Rouge.
Featuring two walls of gallery space, a stunning glass atrium, four wooden podiums, and three movable walls, our 730-square-foot gallery is as flexible as it is beautiful — perfect for art exhibitions, intimate gatherings, keynote presentations, and private events.
Gallery Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Now open on First Free Sundays: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Located at 233 St. Ferdinand St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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