Artist Laura James is a well-known painter and illustrator that's bringing gospel narratives to life through scriptural depictions and her vibrant painting style of the Black American experience. As part of Women's History Month, News 12 is highlighting James and her new exhibit entitled "Black is Blessed."

Twenty-two of her paintings are now on display at the Sheen Center for Thought & Culture in lower Manhattan.

Her exhibit Black is Blessed: The Art of Laura James is co-sponsored by the office of Black Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York. James says her body of work speaks to everyone.

As a self-taught painter and illustrator, James has been an artist for nearly 30 years. She says growing up, there were very little images in Christianity that reflected her. James says she discovered the Ethiopian Christian art style of painting, which is depicted in her collection displayed on the walls at the Sheen Center.

Many of the works were created by using acrylics on linen and wood.

Black is Blessed: The Art of Laura James runs from now through March 12.