The Art of Maternitya, a mini art gallery within Destination Maternity on Madison Avenue in New York City, is thrilled to present "The Art of Belly Masking to Belly Casting," as its current exhibition.

This unique exhibition will bring together the ancient tribal art form of belly masking and its modern interpretation, belly casting. While they express individuality, both mediums exemplify the beautiful journey of pregnancy and celebrate the pregnant body through its many stages.

As a pioneer of belly casting, artist Francine Krause is one of the first artists to work in the field of prenatal fine art sculptures. Krause first discovered this art form in 1986, when she created an original belly casting of her own belly during her pregnancy and has since devoted her career to creating art that personifies the beauty of this nine-month journey.

This exhibition will also feature small sculptures of mother and child by artist Laine Holman. As a mother and an artist, Holman naturally progressed to incorporate in her works the universal experience of motherhood. She conveys her reverence and love for her role as mother in her art and considers it to be her greatest blessing in life.

The exhibit runs from September 29 through January 31, 2008. For more information, visit www.destinationmaternity.com.