"Spoken art is so interesting and transient," said Kari Gunter-Seymour, show curator and communication designer at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. "Once you speak it, it’s gone, but the power of your words continues to affect people just as much as visual art."

Just as Women of Appalachia showcases the visual art of the region, Women Speak* offers a venue for ten writers, singers and performers to share their work.

"It is so rare to have a venue to share this kind of spoken art," Gunter-Seymour said. "We are trying to give all artists a chance to be heard and to share their gifts."

The mediums and techniques used during this event are as varied as the physical counterparts on display in the Multicultural Center Art Gallery until March 19.

"This event is about connecting with one another and creating a system of empowerment through the sharing of our experiences," said Gunter-Seymour.

Sherri Saines, reference and instruction librarian at Alden Library, will be performing two poems at the event. She said that Women Speak is a vital counterpart to the gallery exhibit.

"Spoken art is important to humans; it's how we tell each other what's important," Saines said. "In our culture, women are often more able to discuss feelings, which makes it easier for us to form communities. And we all long for community. "

Women Speak will continue until 9 p.m., including a reception where audience members can speak with the artists.

"I think it is so important that when someone feels moved to speak and share their art that they can connect to the people they have moved," Gunter-Seymour said. "It is a celebration of the female artistic community in Appalachia in all forms."