Necklaces like this one, along with paintings and metalwork, all by nationally known artist Amanda Outcalt explore the roles of women in society in an exhibit running Monday through Nov. 19 at Slippery Rock University's Martha Gault Art Gallery.

SLIPPERY ROCK — Paintings, necklaces and metalwork by Amanda Outcalt, a nationally known artist who explores the roles of women in society, will open Monday in the Martha Gault Art Gallery, 102 Maltby Center at Slippery Rock University.

The exhibit continues through Nov. 19.

Outcalt, based in Norfolk, Va., said her paintings and metalwork deal with the changing roles of women. She in interested in the tension some women feel between traditional roles such as motherhood and career independence.

She said she uses the goldfish in many of her paintings because though the creature traditionally represents abundance, happiness and good fortune, it can also symbolize entrapment.

Outcalt said her jewelry captures the diverse roles of women, especially changing ideas about womanhood in family, body image, health issues, love, and building a career.

Outcalt has exhibited her work around the U.S. She received her bachelor's in fine arts from East Carolina University.

An opening reception is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Call 724-738-9000.