An art exhibit in the Mohawk Valley is highlighting women through paintings as part of Women’s History Month, but also the women behind the brush, in a art exhibition called Women Painting Women.

The Women Painting Women exhibit honors not only the subject of the artwork, but the artist as well. 

“Its meant to be an empowering activity for women everywhere,” said artist Yulia Levkovich.

Levkovich is the leader of a painting class that helped to create the exhibit. 

“Painting women, first of all, it kind of changes that male gaze. Also, women traditionally we’re usually painted in family portraits,” said Levkovich. “So we’re celebrating each other in a sense.”

The exhibit is currently displayed in Little Falls, and has a wide variety of backgrounds represented on the walls. 

“It's everything from art, culture, business, law, everything and it's they're quite fascinating women,” said Mary Ellen McGillan, executive director of Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, where the exhibit is being housed until April 6.

“Lawyer or a doctor, it could be just somebody that's inspired generally by life or just somebody that's a mother,” said Levkovich. 

“And this is Women’s History Month, so it made perfect sense for us to feature this show in our gallery to celebrate the accomplishments of women in history,” said McGillan.

 It takes about 12 weeks to paint one portrait, and each artist contributed four. 

“The experience of painting. It's actually quite an intimate experience. You get to know you get to sit with this subject. You get to know them, you get to actually put some of yourself into the subject,” said Levkovich.

Levkovich chose her subjects for their contributions to Utica and the art community. 

“Because as people themselves, their warmth and they’re welcoming. Character is just wonderful to work with, and inspiring and encouraging,” said Levkovich.