Making HerStory...the annual celebration of women in the arts

Making HerStory7: Call for Art

2012-01-05T22:40:00.000-05:00

Call for Art:

“Making HerStory 7: journey of creative spirits”

Washington, DC

The Making HerStory Art Series, in conjunction with The Center for Green Urbanism (Washington, DC), seeks submissions for “Making HerStory 7: journey of creative spirits.”

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. This year’s focus celebrates the journey women artist travel in their quest to explore their inner creativity. HerStory 7 continues to encourage collaboration, growth, and sustainability among women artist. 2011 marked the beginning of a new decade which we coined “the era of our dreams.” As we carry on through this new era in 2012, we continue to travel the journey of creative spirits. In the spirit of collaboration, the Making HerStory series is proud to come together again with the Center for Green Urbanism in co-curating this exhibit.

We are seeking submissions of two-dimensional original artwork in any medium that embodies the artist’s reflection on the theme, “journey of creative spirits.” All artwork should be no larger than 30″W x 30″H in size and must be properly wired and ready to hang. Larger works may be considered on a case by case basis. No saw-toothed hangers or hooks will be accepted. Unframed works should be properly wired and have neatly finished edges. In addition, there is limited space for small sculptured media.

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 1 – 31, 2012. The Grand Opening Reception is scheduled for Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Center for Green Urbanism, Tubman-Mahan Gallery.

Entry Details

Interested participants shall submit an expression of interest of up to three (3) JPEGs (a resolution of at least 300 dpi prefered) of artwork you propose to include in Making HerStory to herstory@thickart.com.

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by February 13, 2012 to be considered. However, early entry is encouraged.

Notification

Artists selected to exhibit will be notified no later than February 19, 2012; however, notification may be provided on a rolling basis from the issuance of this call. There will be a $25 hanging fee for selected artists to reserve their place. Installation is scheduled for February 25 & 26, 2012. Instructions for delivery of work shall be included in notification.

Artwork is to be for sale at prices established by the artist. Artist will retain 70 percent of all sales.

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com.

Art Down to Earth: Carla Jupiter

2011-03-29T14:40:00.000-04:00

Carla Denise is an artist that keeps her art down to earth. She describes it as soulful and funky...

expressionism with an urban edge to which people can not only relate, but also access.

She started taking her art serious in 2000. After moving into a new home, the bare walls overwhelmed her; thus, creating her first painting--a three piece abstract. It quickly became a conversation piece to everyone who visited. She has been painting every since!

Expressing the beauty in life through paintings, her art is influenced by fashion and patterns. She works with acrylics, blending color, shape, and form; celebrating the love of life; dreaming; long summer days; friendship; roots; learning; and positive growth. "Each piece of art carries with it, a moment, thought, or emotion, through it’s vibrant liveliness and movement, concentrating in the area of all things positive.. Everything is and will always be painted in a positive light," says Jupiter.

May her next piece of art be for you! Carla Jupiter is a 2011 Making HerStory participant.

Rising Pheonix: Jade Andwele

2011-03-22T21:59:00.000-04:00

Jade Andwele is a visual artist, writer, crafter, poet, and performer who focuses on healing and community building through multi-dimensional art and creativity. As an alum of the University of Virginia (Women’s Studies & African American Studies) and Howard University Graduate School (Sociology), Jade fuses her scholarly background with the arts to advocate for women, the Black community, and youth with a focus on social justice, and sexual and mental health. She is an active playwright and performance artist as a founding member of the award winning theater company The Saartjie Project in Washington DC.

Jade recently founded the Community He(ART) Project, an arts organization, through which she facilitates creativity workshops and community programs in Virginia. Jade is also a rising graduate student at the Eastern Virginia Medical School where she is completing requirements to become a licensed Art Therapist. When she is not creating and performing, Jade can be found playing at the beach with her pit bull, Nyia. Jade is a 2011 Making HerStory participant. Learn my about Jade by visiting www.jadeandwele.com.

Coloring Outside the Lines: Shawn Yancy is Making HerStory

2011-03-15T06:22:00.000-04:00

"I don't believe in coloring between the lines,"

Many years ago, when we first met Shawn Yancy, it was by chance that we gained a first glance at some of her early art. We were in shear awe that our favorite local news personality was one of us: an artist. The scale of her work was unbelievable in size and complexity and we were instant fans. Making HerStory is elated to boast that it was our platform on which Shawn made her artistic debut.

An award winning journalist, Shawn Yancy anchors FOX 5 News at 5 and 10pm. When she's not telling people's stories on the news, she's telling her own stories through her art. Her most recent mixed media collection was shown through the Art Registry for Dress for Success DC. “It was an exploration of techniques and mediums. It evolved into a collaboration of moods and emotions,” says Yancy.

Shawn has been drawing, painting and creating as long as she can remember. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three sons. This marks her 3rd season supporting Making HerStory. She is currently planning a new exhibition slated to open in June 2011 at the well known Washington Design Center. On Sunday March 20, she will join the H6 team by moderating a panel discussion following the screening of "Who Does She Think She Is," at the Center for Green Urbanism; 2pm; Free.

"Mouth Music:" Stephanie Renee

2011-03-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

March 1st marked the beginning of Women's History Month. The HerStory girls wore their Alice Paul "Jailed for Freedom" pins to get in the spirit. It also marked the opening of "Making HerStory 6: the era of our dreams." On Friday night, tucked away quietly in relax mode at the opening reception in the Tubman-Mahan Gallery, was vocalist Stephanie Renee. The tweets began to flow, Stephanie Renee was in the building...and rightfully so; because, she is making herstory.

Stephanie Renee makes no apologies for her lifelong immersion in the arts and embraced her destiny early--as most of her family remembers (though convincing them that this is how she would earn her living would be a bit more difficult). An accomplished singer/songwriter, journalist, broadcast producer, actor, arranger/composer, educator, filmmaker, and poet, Stephanie is always looking for the next creative mountain to climb. Her latest a cappella EP, "MOUTH MUSIC," is her third solo recorded effort and joins a long list of appearances on other successful releases with such artists as Steal Vybe, Marlon D, Opolopo, Patti LaBelle, and Jill Scott. Her next project is a series of short films tracking her family’s impressive century-old legacy in entertainment, titled THE EMBASSY. Stephanie joins the line up of events for the sixth annual Making HerStory celebration with an EP launch party in celebration of the release of "Mouth Music," on Thursday March 10, 2011 at the Center for Green Urbanism, 3938 Benning Road, NE at 6:30pm.

Light a Fuse: Mary Nichols aka DJ FUSION!

2011-03-01T23:52:00.000-05:00

Mary Nichols, also known as, DJ Fusion, is a Radio, Mixtape, and Club DJ, whose main musical focus is the Urban Music Genre (Hip-Hop, Reggae, Funk, Jazz, Soul/R&B, House, Disco, Electronica, Rock, Disco, World Music, etc.), on the independent and mainstream level.

Nichols founded the syndicated FuseBox Radio Broadcast in 1998 to be a media outlet that consistently exposes the absolute BEST of Hip-Hop and Soul Music from all over the world along with bringing quality interviews, news, and commentary. Along with fellow co-host,DJ, Producer, and Partner Jon Judah, who joined FuseBox in 2004, the FuseBox Radio Broadcast works daily to fulfill its mission and bring great sounds, vibes, and content to the masses.

From its original roots at Rutgers University Radio, the syndicated FuseBox Radio Broadcast is a 3 hour mixshow that has spread to over 25+ international FM & Internet Radio stations and website outlets <http://www.blackradioisback.com/p/fusebox-radio-broadcast.html> as of February 2011.

The business FuseBox Media LLC was founded by DJ Fusion & Jon Judah in the mid-2000s to expand on their radio show ventures as well as work with other media extensions (including the official syndicated FuseBox Radio Blog, BlackRadioIsBack.com <http://www.blackradioisback.com/> - an updated re-visioning of their original Exit9HipHop.com site), music production, mixtape hosting and more. Mary Nichols is also a freelance writer, speaker, and panelist. She is a 2011 Making HerStory participant.

Suzanne Njeri Tetu: Biography

2011-02-22T06:00:00.003-05:00

"Purple Maiden"

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Suzanne Njeri Tetu has been involved with the visual, performing and literary arts since early childhood. Relocating to the United States in the mid- 1990s to pursue her creative goals, Suzanne has avidly studied and engaged in the disciplines of drawing, painting, sculpture, dance, theater, literature, and creative writing.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, New York Film Academy, and a certified Kukuwa Dance Workout instructor, Suzanne enjoys all forms of creative expressionism with a passion for the studio arts. During her time in the United States, Suzanne has embarked on a variety of endeavors ranging from commissioned portraits to illustrating book covers and storyboards.

In 2010 she established her art business presenting to the world all that is "Exclusively, Njeri!" Suzanne is a 2011 HerStory participant.

Hot Projects in the Works 2011
Calvert County Student Art Show, Visual Arts Judge
Creative Quarantine with artist Larry Poncho Brown
Commission pieces, child portrait
Commission piece, church history painting

Image of a Dancer: Tawana Alston in her owns works

2011-02-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

"Who am I? I often ask myself the same question. They call me Tawana Alston. The applely core of me exists in being Woman, Wife, and Mother of three beauties. Never before have I truly thought of myself as an artist, but the artistry is woven and intertwined in my heart and head."

Now let’s talk about dance. My passion for dance began as a child about the age of 5. I was like most other little girls dreaming of becoming a superstar...Envisioning myself in a classical ballet like Swan Lake. Thank you mom for helping me connect those early dots. She put me in studio dance classes. It was then when I developed the appreciation, but wasn’t ready to go the real disciplined route. I became an observer of sorts. It was not until I joined the Ebenezer A.M.E [Ft. Washington, MD] Dance Ministry that I felt dance in my heart. It was total reciprocity; Jesus was in and ministry through dance poured out. At the applely core of me, liturgical and interpretive dance seeds were planted firmly. But on this journey I found respect for dance as an art form. Ballet is so necessary…..good discipline! Like Alvin Ailey is to black dance. Modern and lyrical technique is the dance space that comes natural for me. You may see inflections of hip-hop in my choreography. Hip hop takes a shape of its own….steeped in its culture. Young people have it down….as I watch them ticking, locking, popping, jerks/rejerks & choreoing it until the judges say that was the best or that needs work ….Still willing to conquer that New Age stuff though.

My inspiration to dance and choreograph comes from music. I usually internalize the rhythms and lyrics to to the songs. I find balance with movements until they take shape. They help me keep order amid the attention-deficit life of teaching. The finished product usually tells a story. But to smooth out the elements of these 2 worlds, I birthed a new baby called Parallel Visions, LLC. This is my dance company, a place where I can work out this artsy business. Currently, I am a part of the Production Staff at Renaissance Christian Academy, a freelance dancer, and a choreographer."

She's Making HerStory: Anike Robinson...in her own words

2011-02-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

"As an artist, writer, high school teacher, and activist, I look for opportunities to educate people through a variety of methods. I am an advocate for diversity in the arts, the classroom, and the media. I was raised during an era when South Africa still had the shackles of apartheid tied to its feet; supported and paid for by American dollars. Even as a young student, I learned firsthand how to organize, educate, and disseminate information about Apartheid and other issues of concern. By watching and working with TransAfrica, I learned how protests, film festivals, and fundraisers could rally support and influence public opinion. In the 1980’s, constant and accurate media coverage and the challenge of organizing people in support of sanctions against Apartheid helped to open the prison doors of Nelson Mandela and hundreds of other freedom fighters imprisoned on Robin Island. So what does this have to do with me as an artist and creator of Sweetroot?

Almost twenty years later, the lessons learned about local and national politics have served me well as an artist. My work incorporates prose, wood, resin, found objects, and other materials to tell stories. My first collection entitled, "The Memoir Series," included 14 paintings ranging from 20”x20” to 20”x 60” in size. This collection chronicles my life as a child growing up inside the household of an activist.

My latest work explores the world of myth, magic, and the overlapping worlds of religion and the unseen world. The unseen world, that seems fused to my dreams, blooms in my waking life in the form of mixed media paintings, talisman, and objects."

Anike Robinson is a supporter of Making HerStory and is a 2011 participant.

The Center for Green Urbanism-DC Host of 2011 Making HerStory

2011-01-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Established in 2010, the Center for Green Urbanism (CGU) is a 3,200-square foot facility located in Washington, DC’s Ward 7 on the edge of Fort Mahan Park, a national park site and gateway to the Fort Circle Park Trail. The mission of CGU is to create a business-friendly environment that provides small to midsize businesses with affordable office space and services in a sustainable and energy-efficient “green” demonstration facility. CGU is the brainchild of environmentalist and photographer, Zandra Chestnut, along with husband, Dennis Chestnut, a Washington, DC community leader and Executive Director of Groundwork Anacostia River, DC.

What’s CGU all about?

An Environmental Model

· Powered with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting and appliances and solar shade window treatments

· Purified drinking water system and other water-saving devices

· Eco-friendly interior design ( windows and wall coverings) by Design Scheme Interiors

· Aggressive recycling and reuse practices

A Business Incubator

· Offering short and long-term office space for small to mid-size organizations and start-ups

· Spacious conference room and event space with a 120 person capacity

· Wireless Internet

· Network fax and copy machine

A Fusion Between Green Urbanism and Art

· Home of the Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery, named after Harriett Tubman and Dennis Mahan

· Year-round art exhibits, many focusing on Sustainable Art projects.

2011-01-24T09:00:00.003-05:00

***Special Exhibition***

Making HerStory 6

Call for Entrants:

“Image of the Dreamer Makers”

Baltimore, MD

The Art with Joe Series at Peace & a Cup of Joe Café, with the Thickart Collaborative, in conjunction with “Making HerStory 6: the era of our dreams,” presents “Image of the Dream Makers,” a pictorial celebration of women in the arts.

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. This year’s focus is found in a renewed energy among many of the artists in the Making HerStory family. HerStory 6 is about collaboration, growth, and sustainability. “Image of the Dream Makers,” celebrates the women artists who contribute to the fabric of our history through their creativity. This exhibition is unique in that it celebrates women in all forms of art—not just those who create 2-D work. Its focus is on the women who create the art, not just the art itself. Women artists will be celebrated from all genres in this exhibition: visual art, literary arts, culinary arts, music arts (signer, songwriter, producer, etc), theater arts (playwright, actress, director, light tech, etc), and the list goes on and on. If this call reaches you and you think you’re an artist, you probably are.

We are seeking electronic submissions of individual “self-portraits.” Self-portraits can be traditional self-portraiture, images taken by another, or a graphic. Images should be submitted in JPEG format, preferably 300dpi. Portraits should date no further back than 2009.

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 4 – April 16, 2011. As part of “Making HerStory,” there will be a Tea to celebrate this exhibition on Saturday April 2, 2011 at Peace & a Cup of Joe.

Entry Details

Interested participants shall submit an expression of interest of up to three (3) JPEGs (a resolution of at least 300 dpi prefered) of Portraits to herstory@thickart.com. The curator will select one image for use in the exhibition. Entrant should also fill out and return the attached form with biographical data. There is NO FEE to participate in this celebration. Portraits are for exhibition purposes only and will not be for sale.

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by February 11, 2011 to be considered. However, early entry is encouraged.

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com.

Washington, DC Call for Art!

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Call for Art:

“Making HerStory 6: the era of our dreams”

Washington, DC

The ThickArt Collaborative, LLC, in conjunction with Authentic Contemporary Art and The Center for Green Urbanism (Washington, DC), seeks submissions for “Making HerStory 6: the era of our dreams.”

We are seeking submissions of two-dimensional original artwork in any medium that embodies the artist’s reflection on the theme, “the era of our dreams.” All artwork must be no larger than 30″W x 30″H in size and must be properly wired and ready to hang. Unframed works should have neatly finished edges.

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 4 – 31, 2011. The Grand Opening Reception is scheduled for Friday, March 4, 2011, at the Center for Green Urbanism, Tubman-Mahan Gallery.

Entry Details

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by February 11, 2011 to be considered. However, early entry is encouraged.

Notification

Artists selected to exhibit will be notified no later than February 16, 2011; however, notification may be provided on a rolling basis from the issuance of this call. There will be a $25 hanging fee for selected artists to reserve their place. Installation is scheduled for February 26 & 27, 2011. Instructions for delivery of work shall be included in notification.

Artwork is to be for sale at prices established by the artist. Artist will retain 70 percent of all sales.

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com.

She's Making HerStory: Heather Schmaedeke

2011-01-18T10:42:00.026-05:00

Heather Schmaedeke always been interested in art and loves being able to completely immerse herself in the art of creation. "I feel like I have been transported into the work, it’s almost like mediation. What I enjoy most is visual problem solving; working on the interplay of color, texture and medium in the pursuit of creating something new and unexpected," says Heather. For Heather, it is important for each piece to have the space it needs to grow organically, and then react to each addition to the piece. "This allows for a visual dialog between the different elements within the piece, while inviting the viewer to participate in this visceral dialog," she explains.

She likes to use a variety of mediums in different combinations. Her choice of materials is married to the image that she creates. In her own words, "...the subject matter determines the tools that I use to create each piece. When I work in my studio, I am reminded of the spontaneity, variety and mystery that is woven into daily life, it is up to me to notice and savor it. I begin my pieces by unwrapping and examining life’s little nuances and reacting to them as they unfold. I know that a piece has been successfully completed, when the artwork has become more than just the sum of its parts."

2011: The Era of Our Dreams

2011-01-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

"Making Herstory 6," is on the horizon. Our theme this year is, "the era of our dreams." We believe this to be a fitting theme as we transition into a new decade. As artists, we've faced many struggles in the last few years making our futures as artists sometimes unclear. But, we see a new energy arising from the ashes of the last decade and its time to reclaim our dreams.

This year, it is not just about the art. We will be focusing more on collaboration, growth, and sustainability. We are also expanding our idea of art and including other products born from the creartive process.

As always, HerStory is a celebration. We are Making HerStory everyday and this, indeed, is the era of our dreams.

She's Making HerStory: Meet Tamara Thomas in her own words

2010-03-25T18:11:00.000-04:00

"As an artist I create. 'The Art' I channel allows many to experience the creative self of the 'engager' and consider what they/we are co-creating. I am excited to be part of this awareness of the feminine contribution and the re-balancing of feminine and masculine energies on this plane. The 'Art' illuminates women's internal power to create the realities she desires to experience. The 'Art" in this show [H5] include the honoring of systems and names given to systems found in a variety of cultural traditions. Via this process, messages are delivered. Interaction between engager and 'Art' allows for receiving of vibrations of the 'Art." When the receiver makes contact with this vibration...the cycle of creation continues and the 'Art' is sealed in continuance.

'The Art,' ever birthing from many conscious and unconscious influence in my life, possesses spiritual and technical layerings. In it, one can experience the layering of nature, thoughts, perspective, interlacing of chords, thoughts, vibrations, overlapping and inter-acting of dreams and realities--all creations. Materials that contribute to layering, vibrancy, transparency and texture all aide in my desire for 'The Art' to be felt internally, externally, and have 'vibrational' impact continually."

*Tamara Thomas is a native of Trinidad and Tobago. Her mediums include Batik and mixed/multi media 2d works. She has exhibited in both the U.S. and the Caribbean.

She's Making HerStory: Meet Therese Brown in her own words

2010-03-17T17:14:00.000-04:00

"This series, and much of the work I produce, expresses my ongoing relationship to the earth and the theme of introspection. The connectedness of nature and the surrounding world, guides my understanding of what's within myself and how I fit into the whole.

My work uses a variety of techniques, but almost always includes some film, traditional darkroom printing, and/or alternative/historic print making such as cyanotypes. These hands on methods of photography help me slow down the process and offer the element of surprise, with the cyanotypes in particular producing a unique, one of a kind artwork for each print made."

*Therese Brown resides in the SanFransico Bay area with her husband and two children. She has been a photographer for over 22 years.

She's Making Herstory: Meet Ras In Her Own Words

2010-03-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

"London born Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday, is a six-year freelance designer and illustration junkie who resides in Washington, DC. Her clientele consist of BBH, Big Chair, and Children's Hospital. This bohemian painter studied graphic design at the School of Visual Arts. Find her at your nearest coffee shop sipping on a lovely mocha, or walking around town looking for her next inspiration."

She's Making Herstory: Meet Patricia Steck in her own words

2010-03-12T12:08:00.000-05:00

"I paint because I can't remember a time when I didn't. Painting and drawing is what allows me to express my thoughts, my disappointments, my past and present experiences. It also gives me the opportunity to engage, perhaps connect with people I'd never meet in an interesting way. I tend to gravitate to using imagery, double entendre, and metaphor to tell a story in my paintings.

I choose Gouche as my medium because it allows me more freedome with color intensity. I can lay the colors down dry brush, giving a more flat but funky, rich color...or, wet brush which lets the texture of the paper show through giving the images a dreamy quality the same way traditional watercolor can be used."

*Pat Steck is currently on staff at the Arts and Cultural Heritage Dvision at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, MD. She holds an Associates Degree from the Maryland College of Art and Design and has worked in the field of graphic design for over 25 years.

Art is the Intersection

2010-02-22T02:02:00.000-05:00

When Michelle d. Parrish created the "Making HerStory" brand concept, it sort of just happened. An exhibition that she had developed turned out to be a woman only showing and happened to fall at the start of Women's history month. She thought it would be a good idea to tie the two together. Little did she know that other fellow female artisans would agree. Since that time, she's met dozens of women artists with whom she's talked, laughed, mentored, broken bread, and created. She's found much diversity among the women she's met making the opportunities to learn and grow astounding.

What amazes her most is the "oneness" she feels among the women she's met in HerStory. "The stereotypical boundary lines of difference do not exist in HerStory. ...Not in age, race, skill level, genre, ethnicity, religion...it does not exist," says Parrish. Her favorite example of that of the relationship between she and co-curator, Jennifer Judelsohn. "Jen is Jewish and I am Christian; so, when we began working together we had to find balance on weekends because she observed on Saturday and I on Sunday. In our desire to respect one another, we found an amazing number of similarities between us." HerStory 5 is their second year working together as co-curators, but they have been friends since they met a few years prior.

As an artist, Parrish's style is organic which most would say is an overflow from her personal style. She is connected to and believes in the creativity of each woman with which HerStory has come into contact. She firmly believes that once an artist participates in the program, she is forever art part of HerStory. As Parrish to eloquently puts it, "We make art. We are women. In those things, we are one. Art is the Intersection by which our paths cross and we connect."

What is "the Inclination to Rise?"

2010-01-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

Last year HerStory did it's usual tour of Artomatic in support of its participating artists and other women in the arts. It was fantastic, inspiring, and motivating. On that same day, co-curator, Jennifer Judelsohn, hosted "cupcakes and conversation" at her display area. It was there that I saw, "the inclination to rise." It was the theme of Jen's exhibition. As if Jen's work had not always inspired me to think and feel deeply, this theme resonated with me long after I left the event.

This year's theme, "the inclination to rise," is inspired by Jen and her work and its appropriate connection to women. I asked Jen to tell me about theme and these are her words:

"Life is not for the faint of heart. In the natural course of things, everything moves toward a state of entropy, chaos, decay, and death. In my own life, I have dealt with a chronic illness for more than twenty years and have come face to face with this sense of decline.

In the past few years I have began a journey in which I follow the impulses of my body— to rest when it wants to rest, and to move when it wants to move. Often I get up only because I have an “obligation to rise.” On days when I have no such obligation, I have allowed myself the time to rest.

For a while, I thought I would never get up if I did not have a reason. Yet, over time, I have found that I have 'the inclination to rise'...

...a call to spirit to move beyond the ordinary, to rise up in the face of pain, exhaustion, deep fatigue. Though the experience is personal to me, the query is universal: What inspires the soul to rise above the obstacles and challenges and natural propensities of life? Perhaps it is a desire for connection, a curiosity to discover something new, an experience of something inspiring or beautiful, or a sense of adventure. Perhaps it is all of these things and more."

HerStory5 Is Here!!!!

2010-01-04T22:44:00.000-05:00

The fifth anniversary of Making HerStory is here! We gearing up and getting ready but we can't do it without you. So we're calling on you:

Call for Art:

“Making HerStory 5: the inclination to rise”

The ThickArt Collaborative, LLC, and Neshama Soulworks Studio, LLC, in conjunction with the Peace & a Cup of Joe Café (Baltimore, Maryland), and Beanetics Coffee Roasters (Annandale, Virginia), and friends, seek submissions for “Making HerStory 5: the inclination to rise.”

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. Making HerStory highlights art by women in many forms: visual, written and spoken word, and music. This year’s event will mark the fifth annual celebration of women in the arts. In celebration of HerStory’s fifth anniversary, five youth female artists, ages 6-18, will be provided scholarships to participate in this year’s exhibition.

We are seeking submissions of two-dimensional original artwork in any medium that embodies the theme of women’s inclination to rise.” Nude or risqué material will not be accepted. All artwork must be no larger than 30″W x 30″H in size and must be properly wired and ready to hang. Unframed works should have neatly finished edges.

Each venue has limitations of space, so a variety of sizes is preferred. The curators will determine which venue best suits your work. Individual artists may submit up to three works for consideration.

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 1, through April 23, 2010. The Grand Opening Reception is scheduled for March 13, 2010, at Peace & a Cup of Joe.

Entry Details

Interested participants shall submit an expression of interest including an artist’s statement (no more than 100 words) and a biographical statement (no more than 100 words); and up to three (3) JPEGs (a resolution of at least 300 dpi prefered) of artwork you propose to include in Making HerStory to herstory@thickart.com and jennifer@soulworksstudio.com. An application form is included for your convenience (send us an email for the attachment).

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by January 30, 2010, to be considered. However, early entry is encouraged.

Notification

Selection of exhibiting artists is at the sole discretion of The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio. Artists selected to exhibit will be notified no later than February 7, 2010; however, notification may be provided on a rolling basis from the issuance of this call. Upon notification, exhibiting artists must sign an artist’s agreement with The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio and submit a $25 hanging fee to reserve their place. Installation is scheduled for February 27 & 28, 2010. Instructions for delivery of work shall be included in notification.

Artwork is to be for sale at prices established by the artist. Artist will retain 70 percent of all sales; The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio will receive a commission of 30 percent on all sales.

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com or Jennifer Judelsohn at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

Making HerStory: Women to see at Artomatic 2009

2009-06-14T09:06:00.000-04:00

It took close to three hours to do it, but we made it--through all nine floors of Artomatic 2009. We started at the top making concentric circles while spiraling down floor by floor until we reached the bottom. On seven, Co-Curator Jennifer Judelsohn was hosting "Cupcakes and Conversation" as part of annual event's Meet the Artist Night. We were able to stop there to catch a break and snack on spinach dip with veggies and fresh grapes and cheese. Two hours and five floors later, we're at the bottom--whipped and inspired at the same time.

We were so inspired by what we saw, we thought we'd make a list of some of the must see women in this year's exhibition, including some of H4's own.

In no particular order, Drum Roll Please......

jamea richmond-edwards

Amber Robles-Gordon

Alicia Ensey

Kiddo Foto (L. Boocks)

Pat Goslee

Melissa Tenney

Melissa Burley

Joan Konkel

Atti Vakili Wheeler

Monica Stroik

Sally Tsou

E.B. Kellinger

Sherill Anne Gross

Gwen Zaberer

Sally Babylon

Claire Hackney

Molly Moorstein

Jennifer Judelsohn

Heather Randell

jennifer anne deskins

Blair Anderson

Kim Reyes

Kay Layne

Dorothy Frye

Amy K. Tubbs

Yelena Rodina

Meghan Taylor

Sable Sirens

Lisa Osgood-Dano

Maria Santiago

Akua Walker

Bryanna Millis

Zandra Chesnut

Kiona Cloud

michele late

Roberta D. Eckard

Deborah Addison Coburn

Sybil Irby

Project Mixed Media

Danyell Irby

Erin Antognoli

Karma Krafts by Kimberly

Susan Finsen

Linda Elliff

Victoria Vu

Zenia Bennett

Ashira Malka

Camille Mosley-Pasley

the sisters

While these women caught our eye on our first take of the event, there are dozens more fabulous women (and men) to see in this years exhibition along with musicians, demonstrations, theater, and other art media. It is free to enter with a host of events scheduled through July 5, 2009, 55 M Street SE, Washington, DC at the new Capital Riverfront Area.

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton to Receive 2009 Alice Award

2009-04-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

The Making HerStory team could not have been more elated to have been invited to extend the 2009 Exhibition, "Making HerStory 4: Feminine Reflection," at the Sewall-Belmont House through June 2009. But, to make it even sweeter, the work will be present during the 2009 Alice Award luncheon. Why is this exciting? This year's recipient is none other than Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Secretary Clinton will receive the 2009 Alice Award at SBH's annual luncheon on Monday, June 8, 2009.

Each year, SBH pays tribute to a distinguished woman who has made an outstanding contribution in breaking barriers and setting new precedents for women. This year’s prestigious Alice Award, named after Alice Paul, founder of the National Woman’s Party, will be presented to Secretary Clinton for putting “eighteen million cracks” in the glass ceiling. Under her leadership as First Lady, the Sewall-Belmont House, along with the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Star Spangled Banner, was one of the four nationally significant preservation projects named by Congress in the legislation that established the “Save America’s Treasures” program.

The Sewall-Belmont House and Museum celebrates women’s progress toward equality and their continuing contributions to our society. Through educational programs, tours, exhibits, research and publications, the museum is committed to preserving the legacy of the historical National Woman’s Party – the campaign for women’s equal rights – and bringing the history to life for future generations.

Making HerStory is proud to be a part of the spirit of celebrating womanhood and all the strides that women are making in all aspects of life. HerStory is committed to celebrating women in all genres of art and works to provide encouragement for women to find their creative niche.

Artist Highlight: Pat Ortman

2009-04-21T10:07:00.000-04:00

Meet the Artist: Patricia E. Ortman...in her own words:

"I am a retired Women's Studies professor, a Founder and the Executive Director of the Girls Gotta Run Foundation (http://www.girlsgottarun.org), and an artist (http://www.patriciaeortman.com), not necessarily in that order. There is no order, really, because all of my work informs all of my work. And, it is all prayer. My life is a prayer.

Most of my commissioned art consists of portraits (of people, places, pets) and murals that I develop in close consultation with clients. Murals come either entirely from my imagination or make use of pre-existing images which I alter as artistic needs require. I also paint abstract watercolor prayers and blessings for people or causes I want to support based on my thoughts and feelings about them. I individualize guardian angel collages for the people they are meant to protect. I also paint feminist spiritual icons, as well as flowers, still lifes, and whatever else I am moved to paint...that generally means anything that is beautiful to me. I know it is not hip in the official art world these days, but my feeling is:

'....if eyes were made for seeing, Then Beauty is its own excuse for being.' —from "The Rhodora" by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)"

Artist Highlight: Loretta Thompson

2009-04-09T14:46:00.000-04:00

Meet the Artist: Loretta Thompson, in her own words...

"My intent is to create a piece that represents gesture and resembles a particular emotion, feeling, or situation. The underlying form is the descriptor. The composition of the piece, the materials used, marks made, and position of the figure are the clues to the thought behind the piece. The figures are drawn simply, and masked with multiple lines that cross the surface of the canvas. These lines separate the figure, adding movement, and room for improvisation from the viewer. Though the figures themselves are not detailed, the addition of the lines creates some chaos. The areas created from the lines are painted in with various colors, shades, and textures, giving the piece a puzzle-type look. This work for me is intriguing. First to see if the viewer can see what I have intended them to see. Second, to see what new ideas, feelings and generalizations the viewer has created. My intent is not to be literal, add some mystery, and create work that is more than an object."

Loretta Thompson is a Maryland native. She graduated from The University of the Arts in 2003 with a BFA in Sculpture, and George Mason University in 2007 with a MA in Arts Management. Loretta is a sculptor and painter, and in 2007 ventured into the mural arts field. Artists that have inspired Loretta include Degas and Rodin, because of their ability to represent the human figure in motion on paper and in 3-dimensional form. Today Loretta is the Community Programs Manager at Sitar Arts Center in DC, where she teaches youth, manages the Center’s gallery, and organizes opportunities for young people to become engaged in the arts.

Artist Highlight: Marina Reiter

2009-04-07T17:09:00.000-04:00

Meet the Artist: Marina Reiter, in her own words...

"Through a masterful use of color and shape Marina Reiter's paintings exhibit a visual playfulness. In them, soft colorful shapes drift together in space, often intersecting and interacting to create new colors. Although Reiter considers herself to be an abstract artist, at closer glance, her paintings transcend beyond the basics of abstraction or surrealism. With their unique curves, each form has a distinct, almost joyful personality — an oddly human trait for shapes painted in oil. Each painting is an exploration of relationships, and she often derives inspiration from personal connections. According to Reiter, "An artist’s friends, family, people we loved, emotions we feel, hopes and aspirations that we have [live in these paintings]." As a result, Reiter describes her forms as "souls" that crave interaction, as each shape stretches across the canvas, pensively reaching out in search of connectedness— with both joyful and melancholic results.

Born in Moscow , Marina Reiter's work has been exhibited worldwide. She currently resides in Washington , D.C. , where she is a member artist at several galleries and organizations. "

Artist Highlight: Susan Brandt

2009-03-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

Meet the Artist: Susan Brandt, in her own words...

"I Am Not Afraid (Title of this work)
Sometimes recovery is one day at a time, like this piece is one letter at a time. Hours spent finding letters, cutting them out, pasting them on would not let me forget Louisa May Alcott’s words 'I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship.' "

Susan Brandt graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan, School of Art where she received the Richards Award for fiber art. Now Susan works in a variety of media, acrylic paint, cut paper and fiber (cross stitch, tapestry weaving, knitting). A theme of much of her work is dehumanization - of herself, of groups to which she belongs (woman, mother, Muslim), of other minority or marginalized people. Her work is often an effort to assert her own personhood, to promote understanding of people’s feelings, to explore the societal consequences of denying the humanity of the people around us.

Artist Highlight: Meet Nora Stinley

2009-03-30T09:49:00.000-04:00

Meet the Artist: Nora Stinley, in her own words...

"It’s true; women are beautiful. But if you look more closely, you’ll find we are more than that. We are heads of state, masters of art, Nobel Laureates, musical geniuses, activists, scientists, Pulitzer Prize winners. We are also mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. We are grace and grit, elegance and intelligence. Yes it’s true; women are beautiful. "

Nora Stinley received her training in fine art and art therapy at The George Washington University and continues to live and work in the Washington, DC area. Using a broad scope of media, Nora has exhibited in many venues across the city and strives to convey empowerment and action through her pieces. Nora feels that art is a witness and a testament to the human experience, and truly believes in the power of creation.

Artist Highlight: Nil Navaie

2009-03-24T09:09:00.001-04:00

Meet the Artist: Nil Navaie, in her own words....

"Growing up in Istanbul where East meets West and in a bilingual/bicultural family helped Nil Sismanyazici-Navaie have an intercultural and interconnected world vision. Her international and multidisciplinary approach reflects on all her work. In her artworks she primarily focuses on human forms as well as the fusion and the balance it creates with nature and objects.

In her latest works she has been applying the collage technique in which she uses mixed media (pencil, oil and acrylic paint combined with handmade materials, raw papers, digital photographs, stones, wood, glass, sea-shells, and more). She believes art, in any form, has the power to create a positive change and thus founded the Arts for Global Development, Inc. (www.art4development.net) –an international, educational, volunteer based 501(c)3 initiative that facilitates the creative sector and the stakeholders of development to empower socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and communities worldwide, particularly children, youth, and women."

Nil is a communications strategist, the founding director of Arts for Global Development, Advisor to various arts-infused international development projects, and the creator/editor of internationally known "art’ishake" e-magazine that aims to provide an outlet for interdisciplinary and international exploration of the concepts and practices of creative social innovation. Nil has given numerous presentations, led trainings, published works, curated exhibitions, and organized "edutaining" events primarily on the arts and its involvement in achieving socio-economic development, including the Millennium Development Goals. In addition, she creates mixed-media art and has participated in numerous exhibits on both sides of the Atlantic. After attending Mimar Sinan Fine Arts Academy in Turkey, Nil continued her studies in International Relations at the University of Maryland and received her Master’s degree in Development Management from the London School of Economics in the UK.

Artist Highlight: Meet Gwen Zaberer

2009-03-20T10:48:00.001-04:00

Meet the Artist: Gwen Zaberer...in her own words,

"My artwork depicts the beauty of the female figure. It is a theme throughout my artwork celebrating its elegance through line, shape, and movement. I paint female icons throughout history focusing on their spirituality and their power. I am drawn to the stories of goddesses, muses and saints and recreate their stories in my artwork. I am a painter, printmaker and papermaker. My paintings are acrylic on canvas with imitation gold, silver or copper leaf. I decorate the surfaces with swirls and patterns to lead the viewer through the story of the painting. I also create collages of handmade paper and prints. I paint female figures within the collages, adding natural and found objects. I make my own paper from Western and Japanese fibers. My art encompasses the beauty of the paper itself. My most recent work comes from when I was young, I remember reading about women in history and being amazed by their strength and power. As l reread those stories, I am finding parallels between religious saints and mythological goddesses, which are portrayed, throughout my artwork."

Gwenn Zaberer was born in Philadelphia, PA and now resides in Arlington, VA. She holds a BFA in Printmaking and Art Education from the Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and a Master’s in Teaching from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. In January 2009, she received National Board Certification to teach art from elementary to middle childhood. She is an art teacher at Long Branch Elementary in Arlington County in Virginia. She has been teaching art to children from ages 4-18 for 14 years. She believes that art and creativity are essential to a child’s education. As an art teacher, she receives a sense of accomplishment bringing art into children’s lives. Zaberer has shown her artwork in Philadelphia, PA, Northern Virginia and Shepherdstown, WV.

Artist Highlight: Elnora Wilson

2009-03-12T09:35:00.001-04:00

Meet the Artist: Elnora Wilson, in her own words:

"In earlier years, I created very realistic, picture perfect floral designs using color pencil, pen and ink and acrylic paint. I used strong, pure colors, collected African Masks and was attracted to the flavor and cultural richness of Louisiana and that of Mardi Gras.

Though I enjoy creating in textiles using a variety of fabrics of varying textures that lead the eye throughout the composition, the use of pen and ink creates a strong black and white composition. Whether creating in textiles or in paint, my colors are bright and play off of each other to form an exciting dimensional quality and individual mood."

Elnora, the youngest of seven children, has been a Prince George’s County resident since the age of 10 having relocated from South Carolina with her family. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science degree in art education from Bowie State University and completed additional post graduate course work at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC.

Elnora’s abstract constructivism style of rich textural compositions carries over into her mixed media framed art where she incorporates bold colorful fabrics, leather, oil pastels, water color, and occasionally pen and ink. The use of a variety of fabrics of varying textures, lead the eye through the composition and at the same time, give each piece a relief quality and a three dimensional effect. Her work has been exhibited in various office buildings, and solo and group exhibitions throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Her work is also in the private collection of Bowie State University.

Elnora's professional memberships and volunteer services include: Maryland Federation of Artists, Hyattsville Artist Association, Prince George’s Artist Association, Montpelier Arts Center, Black Artists of D.C, Strathmore Music and Arts Center, and Women’s Caucus for Art.

Artist Highlight: Sherill Anne Gross

2009-03-12T09:28:00.000-04:00

Meet the Artist: Sherill Anne Gross, in her own words...

"My artwork is made only with paper, glue, and patience.
Every part of my art is made only using cut paper; even the signature. The non-straight lines and imperfect circles that are created are layered upon each other to reveal a final realistic image. All of the work is done by hand - no stencils are used.

Each work provides a new puzzle that needs to be solved. Although my repertoire of techniques has grown considerably over the years, I still try to approach each work with a new method of working the paper to see how this will add to the finished art. In 2007 I committed myself to completing a new work every weekday. The resulting one-a-(week) day project saw the creation of 209 new works. Working on such a fixed schedule forced me to develop new ways of approaching subject, technique, and the paper itself. I completed that year having learnt a lot about my work and myself. My artwork is what happens when you run with scissors.

I graduated with a BFA in Studio Art from Florida State University. After graduation I immediately moved to the Washington DC metro area. I spent several years exploring different methods of digital art combined with collage and monoprints. After experimenting with cut paper I found this was my medium.

In the past several years I have had several solo exhibitions both in and outside of the region as well as participating in many group shows. I belong to several local and national arts organizations, including serving as Vice President of the Laurel Art Guild."

Artist Highlight: Susan Feller

2009-03-12T09:11:00.001-04:00

Meet the artist Susan Feller....

Susan Feller graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in Studio Art. A former fiber artist, Feller turned to paper and paints. While immersing herself in the intricacies of papermaking, print, silk screening, and letterpress, she also discovered the peripheral pleasures of digital arts, and has done much work with the computer, finding ways to combine digital imagery with other art mediums, such as encaustics, or painting with wax.

Feller's work has been displayed at the Ratner Museum in Maryland, in national juried shows, and at the Torpedo Factory in Virginia. 2009 marks her first appearance in Making Herstory.

Artist Highlight: Meet Prudence Bonds

2009-03-11T17:49:00.001-04:00

Meet Prudence Bonds...In her own words:

"I depict people living throughout the African Diaspora, and beyond, by using color, texture, and introspection. Since acceptable images of human concepts such as love and beauty are perpetuated through art, literature, music, and the media, my pieces echo the attempt made by people of color to redefine and re-present those concepts in their terms."

Born in Florida and raised in Washington, DC since infancy, Prudence inherited the “creative gene”. Throughout childhood and adolescence, Prudence expressed several methods of creativity including sewing dolls’ clothes and writing poems and short stories to relate to her drawings. As a teenager, she attended the Corcoran School of Art for figure drawing and photography & film development. She began painting consistently in 2001 and in April 2003 participated in the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s 10th Annual Scholarship Fund benefit auction. Prudence donated “Girl Tantalus”, an original work of acrylic on canvas portraying the fabled origins of the word tantalize.

Artist Highlight: Nihal Kececi

2009-03-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

Meet the Artist: Nihal Kececi in her own words....

"I am adept at mixing left-and right-brain pursuits, splitting my time between computer screen and canvas. Experimenting with conscious and unconscious painting process raised questions in my mind about self reflective nature of reality. As an engineer, I try to find a model for any complex system for controlling system variables in a logical way. During the intuitive painting process, I learned that modeling and controlling have not been successful for my style of painting, as my best paintings are created when I allowed my hands and my mind to flow freely. I have been wondering if programmed thinking and focus on control prevents one from reaching their soul. I hope that my work touches your mind, heart and soul."

When Nihal Kececi was 13, her first art exhibition made her a local celebrity in her small town in Turkey. Though she attended one year of visual art school, she also felt a pull toward the sciences, and against her parents’ wishes, decided to pursue a degree in physics. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Nihal began her professional life as a design engineer in Turkey.

An opportunity to work as a research associate at the University of Maryland brought Nihal and her ten-year-old daughter to the United States in 1997. They then moved to Canada when Nihal was offered a position at the University of Montreal—Quebec. From 1997-2004 she worked as a software analyst in USA and Canada. Though she frequently visited art galleries, Nihal did not begin drawing again until 2001, after a 27-year hiatus. From 2001-2004, she spent her time equally between technical projects and painting. A turning point for the artist came in 2003 when a professor who purchased four of her paintings told her, “Nihal, there are many engineers, but not artists. Your contribution to society as an artist will be greater than as an engineer.” Since 2004, Nihal has been painting full time, working in pastel, oil and acrylic.

Artist Highlight: M. Gasby Brown

2009-03-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

Meet the Artist: M. Gasby Brown in her own words...

"I started to paint. My season of artistic creativity took hold of me by surprise, so I started to paint. Without anyone's permission, I started to paint.

M. Gasby Brown has been the New York Correspondent for BET, Financial Reporter for Fox Television’s WNYW in New York, host of WNYC-TV’s “Black Viewpoint” and host of “Starz Talk!," a syndicated radio show distributed to 250 stations across the country. Later she had a successful career as an executive in New York and Washington D.C. In July of 2002 she began to paint. 'For several months, I had a recurring dream about painting trees and other objects. Even when I was awake, the images of painting were vivid and continued to haunt me' Gasby recalls. She made the courageous decision to align the vision with reality and started her painting journey. Her first painting was, indeed, a tree.
Self–taught and inspired by visions, dreams, reality and ideas, Gasby has become a prolific, in-demand artist, capturing a variety of genres including abstract, realism and expressionism extracted from her life experiences and world view. Gasby draws particular inspiration from art greats William Tolliver, Annie Lee, Jacob Lawrence and other greats but has established her own signature painting style with the mixed media works of her 'Praise' and 'Celebration' series. "

Artist Highlight: Mariska Breland

2009-03-04T13:29:00.001-05:00

Who is Mariska Breland?

"I have always been drawn to art, and as a child, it took up nearly all of my time. But, with a creative profession to occupy my right brain, the paints were put high on the shelf where they stayed for over 15 years. A visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, a little free time, and a chance meeting with a wonderful artist got me interested in making art again.

I say now I paint because it’s my meditation, and in the end, there is something to show other than a calm mind (which is a wonderful by-product of the process). I am drawn to images of solitude and reflection, and sometimes loneliness and loss. My art is contemplative, and there is always a fair amount of my soul in it – my mood works its way in with the paints. The works are my mirror – showing the world the place I was spiritually and emotionally at the time when I painted them. I am currently exploring abstract portraiture, which draws from my background in graphite realistic portraits and leans towards my hoped-for future in perfecting the abstract human form."

Making HerStory Meets Pia Taavila

2009-03-03T16:28:00.000-05:00

In her own words, she'll tell you, "poetry is an obsession. It is sweet agony. It leaves me restless, and does not let me sleep until I get up and wrangle with it and nail it to the page. It is a strange bird in the night that sings to me." That's Pia Taavila: scholar, writer, musician, mother.

Raised in Michigan by deaf parents, the single mom of six, holds a PhD in English, Philosophy, and Sociology from Michigan State University. Her first book, Moon on the Meadow, is a thirty-year collection of 126 poems, most of which have appeared in literary journals and magazines. "I love to write," simply stated. In addition to these many talents, Taavila also plays the mountain and hammered dulcimers, the celtic harp, and she sings in the St. Paul’s Masterworks Choir.

HerStory took the time to interview Pia and this is what she had to say:

What inspired you to become a writer?

The sense that if I didn’t write it down, I would dissipate in particles of radiance. In the second grade, I wrote a poem that made my classmates cry. In a good way. Then, in the eighth grade, my English teacher had us read the great poets: Keats, Shelly, Tennyson, and various other dead white guys. I found myself holding my breath a lot. Or weeping. In a good way. Then, I wrote a poem that found a home in the school newspaper, then more in my high school literary magazine, then more in my college and graduate school publications then more in serious literary journals and I thought, hey, I can do this. Maybe it’s just ego: seeing my name in print is a very good thing.

What subjects inspire you the most?

The everyday, the mundane, the humane, the tragic, the ridiculous. The impossibly soft skin at the back of a baby’s neck, witnessing an act of compassion, that cornflower blue along the roadway. Struggling with a decision while weeding. The fragrance of chopped onions under your fingernails. My family… The erotic. The notion that we still open our hearts and love, even though we have confronted the facts and should know better. The smell just before rain.

What impact do you want your writing to have on the world?

When I give a reading and I can hear people sniffling or laughing at the right places, or a fellow jumps up from the back row and shouts, “I love you, Pia!”… when I know I have connected with other humans in this decidedly risky business of living, that is when I have had the impact I wish for… to share our experiences on this earth, to alleviate each other’s sense of alienation and isolation.

Do you remember the first poem you wrote? What was it about? How old were you?

The second grade poem, no. The eighth grade poem that made it into the school newspaper, yes. It was a haiku about the war in Vietnam and it caused my English teacher to decide I was depressed and needed therapy:

"Vietnam

Planes zoom overhead
and all in DaNang lie dead.
The silent bomb falls."

This was followed by a rather emotional recitation of a favorite Keats poem, the first two lines of which are, “When I have fears that I might cease to be/ before my pen has glean’d my teeming brain…”

They weren’t accustomed to seeing a poet in the eighth grade back then. It was as if I were a science experiment about to erupt. It was either keep writing or let them give me a straitjacket.

If you could sum up the theme "feminine reflection" in ten words, what would you say?

Ten words? Not possible for a poet. If you’ll indulge me…

"What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to be a woman in this world of war, of famine, of poverty, of testosterone-poisoned views of femininity? What does it mean to create our spiritual selves given the hostilities we face? How do we define and enjoy our sexual selves? How do we make our art and our safe havens in and from which we love and wage life? How do we accommodate the needs of those we love without losing ourselves? These are the questions that interest me now."

Pia will perform at the opening event on March 5 at the Sewall-Belmont House & Museum. Pia currently resides in Fredericksburg, VA where she a member of Beth Sholom Temple. Pia's last words, "I have fallen in and out of love. Guilty."

Making HerStory Meets Dehejia Maat

2009-03-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

It's been many years since HerStory creator, Michelle d. Parrish and poetress, Dehejia Maat first crossed paths spinning verses on the Open Mic scene along the gentrifying U Street corridor in Washington, DC. Parrish recalls the love bestowed upon her by Maat one nite at the Cave--a part of historic Bohemian Caverns in DC--when Parrish was to perform but had a sore throat. From her bag of all things awesome, Maat gave Parrish a fresh bag of vanilla tea to soothe her throat. From then on, Parrish knew what Maat was about: peace, love, and all things creative. So when the 2009 program for Making HerStory was being developed, it seemed fitting to invite Maat to perform as 2009 marks the first time the series has exhibited in DC.

HerStory interviewed Maat about her work and here is what she had to say:

Do you recall the first poem you ever wrote? How old were you? What was it about?

The first poem I ever wrote was for the Dogwood Tree outside my window where I grew up on 2nd Place in NW. I can still conjure the aroma of its flowers. I was in elementary school about 7 years old. I remember writing about the scent feeling like home, spring time bbq's in the back yard, and colorful birds on my windowsill eating the berries. I was a nature lover even back then, but aren't most children.

What impact do you want your creativity to have on the world?

The impact I want my creativity to have on the world is to inspire more creativity. To give people a view and a path out of the box that they think surrounds them.

When did you branch into visual art? What inspired you to branch out that way?

I started making collage at a young age and water painting with my momma. The same thing I do with my son. I've always been a visual artist but I've never shared that part of myself with anyone outside of my family. My collection has grown over the years from taking design and painting classes here and there. I think I'm ready and confident now to have it displayed. If I can face motherhood, I can face eyes ogling my paintings.

I know the spoken word is meaningful to you. When you approach a mic, what are you thinking?

Spoken word has given me a way to come out of myself and be myself at the same time. I found out that I really love the stage and that anything having to do with performance, I want to be involved in. When I approach the mic I'm always chanting. Never the same chant but always something beautiful like Om Bur Bhuvas Suvaha, The Gayatri Mantra or Aum Gan Ganapataya Namah, Ganesha's Mantra. It keeps me high, balanced, and focused on what I'm about to present.

If you could sum up the theme "feminine reflection" in ten words, what would they be?

Feminine Reflection: 10 words...hmmm + 1 for good karma...
"We will find self in time/Light flooding the cave/arriving"

Dehejia Maat is a poet, actress, yogi, and painter...a deep rooted original Earth woman who greets the dawn chanting while doing Surya Namaskar. She is the theater director for the Dragon Box Theater in Washington, DC and the hostess for the Innneractive Jam Session--a weekly event for artist to transcend the norm at the Artmosphere Cafe' in Mt. Rainier, MD. She has graced many stages from the Kennedy Center to local clubs on Historic U street and has rocked mics from Japan to Toronto. She is the Co-Creator of No Goddess Left Behind Writers Workshop and is a Yoga teacher for Mayor Fenty’s Step Up to Health program. Her current projects are "The Joy of Billie Holiday", an original one woman show and "The Yes that Leads to Infinity," her second book poetry.

"The Girl," HerStory creator, Michelle d. Parrish

2009-03-02T19:27:00.001-05:00

She might just really get it from her momma. The multi-talented Washingtonian comes from a long line of artisans including her mom, 2009 HerStory participant, Candice Lee Mason Parrish. Parrish graduated in 1994 from the University of Maryland at College Park with a BA in English Language and Writing. From there, she began her creative life as a poet and expository writer. A published essayist, she still enjoys writing and is currently a writing coach with the Posse Foundation.

After spending many late nights ripping mics on U Street in DC while a grad student, she met and fell in love with painting. In 1999, she thought by selling her work she could raise proceeds to open a publishing company. But, "the art had other plans for me once I really got into it." Equipped with an MS in Contracts and Procurement and a truly creative mind, she easily found a niche in the local art world curating and developing programs for lesser known artists.

She created Making HerStory as part of the Art with Joe series at Peace & a Cup of Joe Cafe in Baltimore, MD where she has been the Artistic Director since opening in 2003. With the help of friends like artist and curator, Sharon J. Burton, she was able to develop the idea into a full scale celebration of women in the arts. Through the HerStory events, she has made many solid friendships such as that with Jennifer Judelsohn, 2009 HerStory co-curator.

Parrish will tell you that she has no passion for making art, but more of passion for making a way for artistic people. "When I was a spoken word artist, I chuckled at the arrogance of open mic promoters--as if they would have an event if no open mic artists showed up. I believe that art happens through love and that there is no way a venue can remain open if all the artists stayed home...so, we've got to support the art and the people that make it. Without those people, we have no galleries, blues clubs, or band stands," says Parrish when asked about her thoughts on art promotion.

As a artist, Parrish's work is vibrant and laden with texture and underlying patterns. Her paintings, while abstract, are deliberate in structure. In addition to being a writer and painter, Parrish is also a magnificent photographer with an eye for the poetry and irony in life. Her composition in her photographs is much like that of her paintings, organic and utterly feminine.

When she's not painting, she's in the kitchen creating a new dish as cooking is her real passion. Parrish always tells people that if she could be anything, she'd be a caterer. She's welcomes any willing foodie to come sit at her counter.

She is currently the CEO of the ThickArt Collaborative, LLC, as DC based artistic company that promotes artistic ventures, consults for home and office collections, and works to collaborate and build with local artists. Her family has lived in Washington, DC for many generations and true to that history, she still resides in the same neighborhood in which she came of age.

Meet HerStory 2009 Co-Curator, Jennifer Judelsohn

2009-02-26T17:41:00.001-05:00

The Making HerStory series is proud to welcome past participant and long time friend, Jennifer Judelsohn, as the 2009 Co-Curator. Jennifer has been a pillar of support for the program since she and HerStory creator, Michelle d. Parrish, first met. Jennifer became one of Michelle's "go-to" people if she had questions, needed artists, or simply wanted to talk.

Jennifer is an artist and art curator, as well as a psychotherapist and educator. She is the author/illustrator of the book "Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet," an awesome publication highlighting the beauty of her work, but also educating its readers about the Hebrew Language.

Her artistic ability is vast. Her current work as an artist is primarily of works done with acrylic paint on canvas. She previously created a series of mandalas in
Prismacolor pencil on black paper. She also has worked in collage,
watercolor, sculpture, assemblage, and mixed media.

She is a member of the Women's Caucus for Art and has served on the steering committee of WCA-DC for five years. She currently sits on the board of Project Create, an
after-school program of free, professionally taught art classes for
at-risk youth in Washington, DC. She has taught a variety of art classes
for children and adults and is currently facilitating a monthly seminar
on "Artmaking as a Spiritual Practice." She has been curating "The
Evolution of Art" series--which highlights the work of emerging local
arts--at Beanetics Coffee Roasters in Annandale, Virginia, since December 2007.

You can learn more about Jennifer and her work by visiting her website, www.soulworksstudio.com.

Author and Fine Art Photographer, Robin McDougal, to Headline H4's Opening at Peace & a Cup of Joe on March 14, 2009

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Long time HerStory friend and past participant, Robin McDougal, will debut her new book, "Touch Me Here: Passionate Love Letters For the Seasons of Love" at the Baltimore opening of H4. Robin has graced us with her vivid photographs as a past participant in the visual exhibition, so we are delighted that she has chosen HerStory as the venue to debut her latest venture.

Touch Me Here is a collection of beautiful letters that speak to the one emotion shared by all--Love. The book combines the electric emotion of written love letters and the brilliance of Robin's fine art photographs. Robin's collection seeks to provide you with that "sweet nostalgic feeling as you recall the magic of your first kiss, the mixed emotions you get when you see your one true love, the depression of having unrequited love and the insatiable thirst of longing for someone you can't have."

Funds from the sale of this book will help Robin meet her goal of donating $250,000 for the National "Go Red for Women" movement and an additional $125,000 for the "Go Red for Women" movement of the Greater Washington Region. She is actively spreading the message, "Love Your Heart," to American women through e-GLAM Inc.'s Friendship Tour. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America.

Join us for moving readings and a day of doing your part for your heart at the Baltimore opening event for H4 on the afternoon of March 14, 2009, 3-5pm, at Peace & a Cup of Joe, 713 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD. Peace & a Cup of Joe is HerStory's original home and the ownership can't be more excited to have Robin back again. See art, hear words, and have fun.

Fox 5 News' Shawn Yancy to Join 2009 Making HerStory Exhibition

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The Making HerStory art series is proud to announce that long time friend and supporter, Shawn Yancy, has decided to join the 2009 HerStory cast as a visual exhibitor. Her participation in HerStory will mark her first public debut as an artist.

An award winning journalist, Shawn anchors FOX 5 News (WTTG) at 5 and 10pm. When she's not telling other people's stories on the news, she's telling her own stories through her art. Her mixed media and abstract originals are vibrant in style and color as well as intricate in detail and technique. "I love painting on canvas, wood, steel; you name it and I'll paint it. I find beauty in almost everything around me. Life and its many colors inspire my moods and my mind to create," says Shawn.

As with many of the HerStory girls, Shawn has been drawing, painting and creating as long as she can remember. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and three wonderful sons.

The Making HerStory art series is proud that Shawn has chosen our celebration for her debut. Make HerStory!

The Historic Sewall-Belmont House to Serve as Main Venue for H4 Exhibition

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The Making HerStory art series is proud to announce its newest alliance with the historic Sewall-Belmont House in Washington, DC. SBH will serve as host to the main exhibition this year marking the first time Making HerStory will be held in Washington, DC. In 2008, the series brought two exhibitions to the city marking its entry into the District of Columbia. 2009 will be the first time the main event is held outside of Baltimore, MD. In addition to SBH, simultaneous exhibitions will be held at Peace & a Cup of Joe Cafe' (Baltimore, MD), which is the original home of the series, and Beanetics Coffee Roasters (Annandale, VA).

The 4th annual event will open to the public on March 1, 2009 marking the first day of Women's History Month. Please stay logged in to our blog for details on new events and other cool information about women in the arts.

What: Making HerStory 4: Feminine Reflection

Where: The Sewall-Belmont House

144 Constitution Ave., NE

Washington, DC

Peace & a Cup of Joe Cafe'

713 W. Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD

Beanetics Coffee Roasters

7028 Columbia Pike

Annandale, VA

When: March 1-May 3, 2009

Join us for the opening reception on the evening of March 5, 2009, 6-8pm at the Sewall-Belmont House.

The 2009 "Making HerStory" Season Has Officially Begun

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The Making HerStory art series presents "Making HerStory 4: Feminine Reflection," the 4th annual celebration of women in the arts.

Making HerStory was created initially as a way to celebrate Women's History Month and honor art at the same time. We quickly learned that there was a void to be filled in the celebration of women in art--especially those women who were lesser known.

With a little re-direction, the focus of HerStory is to build upon the collective creativity that we share as women artist in all genres and to provide a stage for the voices of those women artists to be heard.

Annually, we come together to celebrate one another in sisterhood and art and to support those who also value our collaborative contribution. HerStory's annual exhbition and programming hopes to create and develop a historical fabric for women in art and create a base from which we can write our history ourselves.