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The art exhibit opens its doors to the community from today to June 14 in the Multicultural Art Gallery on the second floor of OU's Baker Center, according to a news release. Events begin with an opening reception on Friday, April 8, from 6- 9 p.m. A special presentation of performance and spoken art will begin at 6:45.
The sister event, "Women Speak," an evening of story, dance, poetry and song, will be presented in the Baker Center Theater on May 12 from 6-9 p.m. All activities and events are free and open to the public.
According to founder/curator Kari Gunter-Seymour, "The WOA events showcase the way in which female artists respond to this region as a source of inspiration with the intention that this gathering of artwork and spoken word will prove to be greater than the sum of its parts as visual and verbal themes begin to emerge through the intertwining of the artwork and language. As a result, this confluence of ideas and inspirations becomes an empowering experience for artists and community alike."
In the release, Gunter-Seymour points out that many people look down upon Appalachian woman. The Women of Appalachia Project encourages participation from women of diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences to come together, to embrace the stereotype, and to show the whole woman.
This year's event will highlight the work of 33 artists, including painters, ceramicists, jewelers, photographers, fiber artists, musicians, storytellers, dancers and poets. Artists hail from Athens, Meigs, Morgan, Vinton, Hocking and Jackson counties, the release stated.
Sharing the spotlight is the work of regional women from the Sisters in Recovery Collective. It is titled "The Clothesline Project," a spinoff of the national effort to inform the public and assist with the healing process for victims of domestic violence and rape.
"Women heal and grow through connections with other women. There is something instinctive happening, like when our foremothers went to the well to gather water a natural connection is made," Evelyn Nagy, director of the rural women's recovery program, said in the release.
A reception will follow both events, giving attendees an opportunity to speak with the artists directly about their work.
For more information go to www.womenofappalachiaevents.com.
