Public Spaces Art Series

Anthropomorphic Stories: Interpreting Aesop’s Fables and Children’s Classics in Gond-Inspired Art

Chapel Hill Public Library | May 8 – July 9, 2026

ARTIST: Sampada Kodagali Agarwal

This exhibition brings together the timeless wisdom of Aesop’s Fables and beloved children’s animal stories, reimagined through the intricate visual language of Gond-inspired art. Rooted in the indigenous traditions of central India, Gond art is known for its rhythmic lines, detailed patterns, and deep connection to nature and storytelling. Animals take on human emotions and voices, revealing moral truths that feel both ancient and immediate. Through vibrant forms and flowing compositions, each work transforms storytelling into a living, breathing landscape.

The Living Lineage

Chapel Hill Town Hall | April 10 – June 11, 2026

An Artist Ummah Group Exhibition

The Living Lineage is a group exhibition by Artist Ummah which brings together seven emerging and established artists devoted to the disciplined study of the classical Muslim arts. The exhibition features work in Persian miniature, tezhip (Illumination), embroidery, Arabic calligraphy, and ever-evolving forms rooted in these artistic lineages. Together, these Muslim-American artists draw from a rich artistic inheritance to cultivate education and understanding, inviting broader audiences into a living tradition that builds bridges between art, identity, and community.

Featured artists: Alina Azeem, Habibe Kocak, Hiba Chohan, Kulsum Tasnif, Maryam Etemadfar, Nigam Ehsan, Noureen Shaikh

Learn more about Artist Ummah: