#5WomenArtists

I love being a docent the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA). I've been volunteering at the museum for 7 or 8 years now, and it's one of my favorite things. I miss going in to the museum. The museum is a great community, between our visitors, the staff, and the other volunteers. I miss my fellow docents, and I miss our amazing security guards. I've had the opportunity to meet several artists during my time at the museum, including being asked to show Edwina Sandys around the Womanhouse exhibition. She's an amazing sculptor...who happens to be one of Winston Churchill's grandchildren. 

Several years ago, the museum created the #5WomenArtists campaign. The campaign focuses on a simple question: Can you name five women artists? Most people can't. Since the launch, other museums and institutions around the world have highlighted artists in their collection. It's a great hashtag to follow on social media if you're looking for something to break up the monotony of your doomscrolling. 

Earlier today I led a virtual highlights talk for the museum featuring eight artists: Rachel Ruysch, Louise Bourgeois, Alma Thomas, Judy Chicago, Miriam Schapiro, Marisol, Suzanne Valadon, and Mickelene Thomas. All of these artists inspire my own work, particularly Alma Thomas, Judy Chicago, and Miriam Schapiro. I did a piece last month inspired by Louise Bourgeois and her spiders. Talking about art, even for just an hour, makes me feel a little more normal. Whatever that means these days.

Now you know about nine women artists. I hope you'll get out there and find five more. 

One more day left in February!

Details:
Stitches: satin, back stitches
Thread palette: DMC 550, C550 (all 3 strands)