The Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria presents:
The International Women’s Day Art Show
33 women artists March 7-17, 2013.
Organizers Betty Myers and Joan McHardy share their vision of equality for humanity through the positive power of women working together. Each of the 33 artists in the exhibition has created an image of a woman or a girl. “We believe that the strength of women of all cultures, abilities and ages in Victoria can help to ignite social justice throughout the world.” Several hundred people attended the exuberant opening on March 8 at the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill. |
Michelle Jacques praises the collaborative spirit of the event and diverse participants. Women of all cultures, abilities and ages are included. International Women’s Day focuses on the achievements of all women. “Yet these contributions are thwarted every day by lack of opportunity and respect,” she notes. The curator believes ending violence against women is a global priority, seen recently in the One Billion Rising demonstrations.
“We are living in a time when grassroots movements can change the world,” she says. Michelle leaves Toronto after 15 years of curatorial work at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Her ongoing commitments with Vtape, the Feminist Art Gallery and Fuse magazine explore culturally diverse viewpoints, political issues and contemporary culture. “Victoria is a spectacular location with lots of tales to tell,” she says. “And telling a story in a way that promotes diversity is a political strategy.” |
EACH OF THE 33 ARTISTS IN THE SHOW IS SPECIAL.
BECAUSE OF LIMITED SPACE ONLY 8 ARE PROFILED BELOW.
Patricia June Vickers Ph.D, is from the Gitxaala village in BC and now lives in Victoria. “Weeping Woman with Grouse” records an extant pole in Kispiox in Gitsan territory, near Hazleton.
The pole tells a sacred story (adaawx) owned by hereditary chief Walter Harris. The women is weeping because her people are starving and the red background suggests emotional fire. “There are different kinds of starvation,” notes Patricia, “both spiritual and physical.” As a mother, grandmother, scholar and teacher Patricia employs transformative methods to ease collective and individual suffering. |
While attending a lesbian Passover Seder last year, Annie became interested in the matrilineal ancestry in her family. Thinking about her own grandmother, who died when Annie was six, led her to unravel some meaningful messages in the family tree.
The prominent photo in the collage features Annie’s mother as a young girl, with her own mother. “I see my own anger and sorrow at the separation in my mother’s face” says the text on the collage. Annie feels closer to her ancestors by moving back in time. “They seem like real people to me now,” she says. With just a few memories, facts and photos Annie created a relevant story that resonates through the generations. |
Sue Hara (right) is a well-respected local potter with many years experience. A gardener, floral designer and member of the Ancient Forest Alignment, Sue feels passionately about the state of our fragile planet. “My Gaia sculpture is a personification of the feminine energy of the earth,” says Sue Hara. Her original idea for the sculpture was a tortured being with a bleeding heart. But, while gluing vegetation to the chicken wire and paper mache frame, the earthy beauty of the goddess unfolded. “Then I recalled it was a celebration after all,” Sue says. |
Avis Rasmussen offers kudos to Betty and Joan for organizing the Women’s Day show. During the 1970‘s, Avis worked on the Royal Commission for the Status of Women, and the Status of Women Action Group in Victoria. “In terms of recognition, women artists have made great strides forward,” says Avis. The “matriarchs” in her painting include Avis’ mother in the wedding dress and her grandmother in a serious business suit. Avis is the young child sketching. One of the first women to attend school board meetings in Saanich, Avis’ grandmother ruffled some patriarchal feathers. |
Eva enjoys taking part in community events and projects. Her painting “Listening and Seeing: Filmmaker Kemi Craig” profiles a fellow artist with whom she directed a short film Routes in 2006.
Routes was part of the Voice It! project initiated by the Intercultural Association for anti-racism education. |
For this show, Christine used two self-portraits completed 12 years ago at the Victoria College of Art. Working intuitively, with materials on hand, the artist used dressmaker pins to adhere the portraits, then added details and a decorative gold frame.
“I’ve working with Betty on several painting projects,” says Christine, “then she asked me to be in this show.” |
Web Design, Content and Photos:
Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine.
For ten years she operated an art & framing shop.
She has a History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria.
[email protected] 250 598-4009