Grandma’s Walls is an intimate exhibition on loan from the private collection of Beverly Smith, curated by the late Lenwood Sloan, a revered historian, storyteller, and cultural steward in the African American community whose life’s work centered on preserving Black art, history, and lived experience in Lancaster and beyond. Beverly Smith is a pioneering journalist and broadcaster whose decades-long career in radio and television—most notably as the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated radio talk show—has been dedicated to elevating Black voices, culture, and civic dialogue.

The exhibition from Bev's private collection features works by notable artists including Charles Bibbs, Ernie Barnes, and others, reflecting the historical importance and cultural legacy embedded in the works. Much like the walls of Bev Smith’s home—which long served as an informal gallery for family, friends, and community—Grandma’s Walls celebrates art as heritage, storytelling, and intergenerational connection, honoring both the artists and the visionaries who preserved their work.