An event showcasing the perspective of area women in the arts is coming to the offices of the Columbiana County Democratic Women’s Caucus Sept. 12-26. Opening day features events and music from 6-9 p.m. Submissions from local artists are welcome and will join others from a similar, previous Carroll County show.
The show, entitled “A Woman's Perspective Experienced Through Art” came about after the women-centric show at the Carroll County Arts Center, said Joyce Campian, an organizer of the upcoming event. “Many of us involved in this in Columbiana and Carroll Counties know each other,” she said. “I knew people on the board there who put the art show together, and it was quite a success. We wanted to bring many of the pieces from that show to our offices for another show, while inviting more submissions from the county here.”
Artwork from the show by Michelle Mulligan.Submitted
The Carroll County show featured works in just about any media imaginable, said Campian. “There were photographs, videos, quilts, painting, sculpture, wood carving and jewelry, just so many wonderful works.” That spectrum of creativity carries through to the upcoming Columbiana County show, which is open to any woman with an artistic bent, whether amateur or pro. “We want to keep it as casual and inclusive as we possibly can,” Campian said. “It's not juried or judged. We just want women to give us their perspective, their personal experience, through their art.” There is no charge to participate in the show or to enjoy it over the weeks it hangs in the Columbiana County Democratic Women's Caucus offices.
Guidelines for the show are still being hashed out, and Campian said the best thing to do to get more information, and to submit, is to contact her at jcampian@yahoo.com. “Again,” she said, “this is meant to be very casual. We want women artists to participate and express themselves. That's the focus, rather than formality.”
At the opening of the show Sept. 12, there will be music from well known local artist Susan Hagan, who will perform a mix of music, including some of her own compositions. “We're also hoping to add some performance art, but that's still in development,” Campian said. Refreshments will be available for the Sept. 12 opening as well.
The show is already prepared with more than 20 entries, and Campian hopes to add another dozen or so at least. “Though our space is limited. We can't get too big this first time out.”
Campian spoke of the kinds of artworks seen at the Carroll County show which are also making their way to Columbiana County. “”We want women to think about the kind of social phenomena they've experienced in their lives. What has that meant to them? It's however women see that personally, in their own experience.” Some of the top submissions coming from the earlier show feature a trio of Barbie Dolls in various professional roles breaking an overhead glass ceiling. Another shows off a black box, each side depicting the artist's unique experience, with the bottom panel a mirror, enabling viewers to place themselves in the work itself.
Artwork from the show by Cheri Bell.Submitted
If you happen to enjoy the artwork you find at the show, many of the pieces will be available to purchase.
Whether the show becomes an annual event is still undetermined, Campian said. “I know it is being considered, but it's early to know how this will all come together in the future.”
The Columbiana County Democratic Women’s Caucus offices are at 134 South Market St., Lisbon. You can follow the Columbiana County Democratic Women's Caucus on Facebook for continuous updates on the group’s events and activities.
