What does it mean to be an American? In this solo exhibition, Lanette Blankenship explores this question through interviews with a U.S. Marine, documentation of his uniforms, and his perspective on military service. Her work examines themes of sacrifice, American values, and the duty of protecting our country. Featuring paintings, drawings, sewing, and mixed media, the exhibition offers a deep and varied look at these ideas.

Solo Exhibition Opens December 2025 Gadsden Museum of Art

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This portfolio showcases various artworks from Lanette Parker-Blankenship's artistic career, accompanied by creative writing. It also highlights short stories from her Chronicles of the Golden Daggers.

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This portfolio explores both new media and traditional media representations of powerful women warriors—goddess-like figures who wield beauty, charm, and cunning as weapons of influence. These independent leaders defy traditional gender roles, using their intelligence and allure to manipulate others, often steering them toward peril or national upheaval. Through diverse artistic techniques, this work reimagines the femme fatale as a sovereign force—both captivating and dangerous—challenging perceptions of strength, leadership, and the power of feminine influence in history and myth.

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Human ingenuity is driven by our ability to push the boundaries of what we can achieve by solving complex problems. Curiosity and a sense of adventure have always been at the heart of human progress. When we come together as one people, united in purpose, we can accomplish anything. Outer space represents the final frontier for humanity—a vast, unexplored world with places yet to be discovered. How do we reach it? What will it look like when we do? As an artist, I may inspire new ideas, but that doesn't mean the vision will be exactly as I imagine it—that's the essence of inspiration. Can we build these technologies? What are our capabilities, and do we currently possess the necessary technology to make this dream a reality? Let's explore this question together, for I am just as curious as you about the true potential of what Space Force could become.

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With AI's rise, artists question its role in creativity. Yet, AI enhances artistic expression, serving as a research tool, idea generator, and creative collaborator. Rather than replacing artists, it expands possibilities and innovation. This portfolio features AI-generated and digital art, blending technology with human creativity.

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This section explores questions of religious freedom in the U.S., focusing on spirituality, cultural diversity, and Neo-Paganism. Between 2018 and 2020, Lanette Blankenship studied the rise of Neo-Paganism, particularly within a group in Birmingham, Alabama. By participating in their spiritual classes, she gained insight into their holistic healing practices and efforts to preserve ancient traditions. Her work highlights the importance of respecting diverse belief systems. In 2020, she presented her findings in a solo exhibition at Stephen Smith Fine Art Gallery in Bessemer, Alabama.

Lanette Parker-Blankenship attended Arizona State University from 2011 to 2014, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts in Art. Her thesis research involved conducting interviews with individuals, centering on conversations around often taboo topics such as politics, religion, and sexuality. During her time in Arizona, many discussions revolved around the perspectives of Alabama’s role in civil rights and the Civil War. These dialogues led her to explore deeper questions about the impact and costs of the Civil War on the United States. Her research was primarily focused on writing and documenting these conversations through the medium of drawing, offering a unique artistic lens on complex social and historical subjects.