March is Women’s History Month, and to celebrate, the Poe Park Visitor Center hosted a virtual exhibition. The exhibit showcased 11 upcoming artists’ portrayal of the meaning of women’s history through their imagery and art. The exhibition is free and available to view online here. 

Much of the art showcased in this exhibit did not center itself on women’s history as a whole but rather on the history of individual women. Artists such as Elaine Langer, Anna Francisco, Jill Slosburg-Ackerman and Kimberly Bauer chose to showcase art that is personal, autobiographical, self-aware and self-reflective in nature. Their art is reflective of their life experiences, whether that be as a woman, mother, artist or human. The art of Francisco and Slosburg-Ackerman deals with heavy topics like grief and change, utilizing multiple mediums at once. The works of Langer and Bauer contain nature-filled imagery that touch on life and those we share it with. 

The works of Ernesto Camacho, Dolo Art LLC, Silvia Blumenfeld, Josipa Kecman and Lisa Gathright focus on portraits of women. These pieces capture the strength, beauty and resiliency of women throughout the past and present. They highlight the importance of women in their own histories: as heroes, goddesses and so much more. The art of Camacho, Kecman, Blumenfeld and Gathright focus on everyday women, while the artwork of Dolo Art LLC depicts women as greater beings, goddesses and muses. 

The works of artists Tracy Lynn Hayes and Sika Foyer take a more abstract approach to their artwork. Both artists represent difficult processes women have endured through a nontraditional form. Their pieces remind us of the nuanced experiences women go through in the world. 

What I enjoy most about this exhibit is the ability to view women’s history through so many different perspectives. Yet the exhibit still feels relatable. It demonstrates the essentiality of women in our lives and the relevance of moving through the world as women. In relation to what women’s history means to her, artist Elaine Langer said: “it means my ability to be everything I want to be.” This idea is present throughout the exhibit, whether it be the fact that women made the majority of the works showcased or that much of the art showcased depicts women being the best versions of themselves. 

Celebrate this Women’s History Month by immersing yourself in this virtual exhibit and by celebrating the women in your life!