This newsletter is divided into the following articles. To read any one of these articles, please click on the text of the article title.

Letter from the Directors:

Hooray! Woman Made begins its eighth year on July 1st and we are shining as brightly as this summer sun. The gallery is growing every day thanks to the perseverance of many hard-working women. We are thankful to all our supporters. This venture that started in 1992 as a private art studio for two women has evolved and grown into a public art sphere where women are accepted, valued and empowered. But there is no time to rest on our laurels. We need your passion to equal ours. Dreams can only come true if we continue to strengthen women’s voices in the arts until they flourish.

August has become our official Member’s Month. The annual Member’s Show opens on Friday, August 6th from 6-9pm and it is always a gala event. We encourage you to become a Woman Made Gallery member (unless you are one already) in order to be part of the Member’s Show next year. Members are invited to participate in our annual Open Board Meeting on Thursday, August 19th from 6-9pm. Join the staff and board of Woman Made and hear what exciting events are planned for the future. Voice your opinions, make suggestions and share your ideas and insights with this ever-growing and supportive community of women. We want to hear your voices! All events at WMG are opportunities to meet and network with others who support equality for women in the arts.

As an added service to women artists we decided to offer monthly portfolio review sessions starting in September, 1999. On the third Saturday of each month, the directors of Woman Made Gallery or other established women artists will be available to give honest and open feed-back to anyone who desires it. The cost will be $30/$25 for members per 45 minute sessions. Call to sign up!

On October 2nd you’ll have the opportunity to meet Judy Chicago in person during her introduction to the “Chicago in Glass” exhibit and the promotion of her new book, ‘Women and Art: Contested Territory’, co-authored by famous art critic Edward Lucie-Smith. This fund-raising extravaganza will start with a workshop by Vicki Leon, a California based artist, on ‘Art Collecting for a Feminist World’, followed by a preview of several works designed by Judy Chicago and executed in glass by Vicki Leon. Thanks to Judy Chicago all proceeds from this event will go to Woman Made Gallery.

Woman Made Gallery will initiate two new educational programs this fall. In a slide and lecture series, titled “Two Artists You Should Know,” WMG invites contemporary women artists to show slides of their work as well as the work of a noted woman artist who has been an inspiration to her. Another quarterly program will be geared to children, ages 6-12 and their parents, who will gather at WMG on a Sunday afternoon to view the show on display and to learn about accomplished women artists in history. Look for details in our Fall Newsletter!

You can see we’re busy working to make this organization stronger and with your loyal partnership we can only succeed. Thank You.

Beate Minkovski, Executive Director, Janet Bloch, Gallery Director
& Pamela Callahan, Assistant Director

Art Connection

My name is Rachel Weaver. I moved from California to Chicago about two years ago to take a job as an art education administrator. I’ve been wondering lately why I have always put my daily work life before my studio time, and why I put other things way before promoting my paintings and collages. (I speculate I am not the only one out there with priority problems!) There are a million reasons and too many unjoyful excuses. Turning 30 recently made me realize that following my dream to make and show paintings is an adventure I owe myself. If I only live once, I might as well use a lot of paint.

As a result of my soul-searching, I am finding it increasingly important to keep in contact with other practicing artists. Visiting friends’ studios or talking with them about recent work are things that nourish my creative energies. Most of us recognize the potential resource of inspiration we have in each other, I know it’s just a matter of getting connected…..

I am interested in gathering a small group of artists to meet 4-6 times to paint/draw on-site, visit studios and museums, attend gallery openings or share other experiences that might enrich our lives and artwork. If you would like to save your creative spirit a place at the table, please email me at Rwazul@aol.com or call me at 773.878.2648. Find out if she can be called too for people who don’t have computer access.

9/9/99

On Thursday, September 9, 1999 from 7-9pm, WMG is hosting a fabulous fundraiser: a 9/9/99 Party where you can nosh and nibble on an all-you-can-eat buffet, preview the Reflections exhibition, watch 9 performances, get 99-cent tarot card readings or tattoos and much more---all for $9.99! Earlier in the evening at 6:30pm at Glessner House Museum, art historian and Reflections juror Debra Mancoff will be giving a lecture entitled “Strange Beauty: Jane Morris & 19th Century Female Aesthetics”. Afterwards, choreographer Margi Cole will explore traditional and contemporary images of the female essence through a site-specific modern dance work performed by the Dance COLEctive. They will dance down Prairie Avenue to the steps of Woman Made Gallery where the party will be in full swing. Join us for a night not soon forgotten!

Art Auction

We still need your help in our efforts to get wine, soft drinks, pianist or other musicians for our Art Auction event on November 5th. Silent Auction items, such as expiring airline miles, tickets to sporting and cultural events, gift-certificates to stores, restaurants etc. and services, such as art or music lessons, massage therapy, house cleaning or anything else will make this fundraiser more lucrative for the gallery. Please contact Woman Made at 312-328-0038 for auction donor forms.

words

SISTER SENSE, a monthly open mic for women, takes place on the second Sunday of every month at 7pm at Mad Bar, 1640 N Damen Avenue. It is a FREE event for women of all ages, from all walks of life and at all levels of success. Each month the spoken word feature will also give creative advice or read a piece and explain the writing exercise that had sparked it. New writers can learn from more experienced writers, gain encouragement and network. SISTER SENSE also spotlights a musical feature each month. Hosted by Mars and Krystal Ashe. For more information call Krystal at 773-529-7727 or e-mail SisSense@aol.com
Upcoming Spoken word Features at SISTER SENSE

July 11th - Nina Corwin (WMG member!) reading from her new book Conversations with Friendly Demons & Tainted Saints
August 8th - Sister Spit, an all-girl poetry troupe from San Francisco
September 12th - Kim Holzer

Letters from WMG Members

Thank you for hosting the Exhibiting Professionalism workshop. It is a vital service you provide for artists in varying stages of ‘emerging’. Seeing both good and bad examples first hand of slides, resumes, artist statements, framing techniques and packing materials helps to elevate all of us collectively to a higher level of professionalism. One of the unforeseen benefits of the workshop is the connection made with several new colleagues. Hearing everyone’s ‘story’ helps only to affirm and validate our own ‘story’. What holds special importance for me, also, was Beate’s sharing so much of ‘herstory’ with us, including her tales of juror rejection and doing her artwork solely for herself. They are heroic and inspirational insights. Your presence in Chicago’s art community is important and appreciated. Your warmth and friendliness is welcomed. Thank you! Kathleen Waterloo

The following ‘stories’ are by three women who were among those who attended our last workshop: ‘Exhibiting Professionalism.’

In the last five years, I have left a high-pressure career position, gone back to school at the Art Institute as an undergraduate, and started and ended a part time consulting job. These changes were touted as a siege of insanity by many acquaintances, tolerated by some friends and family, and encouraged by loved ones. My passion to study art was not new found, but a pursuit interrupted by marriage, children, divorce and career. As I gained confidence and focus, others became interested in my work. Although I now have many friends who are professional artists, the “Exhibiting Professionalism” workshop seemed perfectly timed for my needs. I had just had my first set of professional slides taken, and had just started selling work. I needed input from an unbiased, knowledgeable source. The workshop provided this and contact with other artists, at many different stages. The time and energy was well spent. Diana More-Simon

I got married right out of college at age 22. My husband is an actor and a writer, and I had always thought his career should come first. I didn’t think that there could be two creative people in a marriage. That was my incentive to ignore my creative impulses for six years. It was not until we went through a period of separation last year that I discovered my true creative self. I started picking up objects I found on the sidewalk and streets while walking to the train each day to go downtown to work. I’m not sure what possessed me to start bending down to pick up a rusty bolt or a plastic piece of piping.

I am very ‘young’ in my development as an artist. I am a scientist by training, having a Ph.D. in Immunology. I’ve loved photography as a hobby since high school, but had left it completely for several years. Just recently I’ve taken it up again, initially on a fluke. I was looking for a diversion from my life as a full-time mother when I signed up in a class at the Evanston Art Center. This time I’m hooked. I am deeply moved by my photographs of children, capturing very brief moments in their lives that are flashes of emotion and insight. I came to realize I’m an artist at Christmas, when I added great stress to my life to hand-color black and white photos for my Christmas cards to get it just as I envisioned - I would not send them unless they were colored just so. I have not exhibited in any shows, but plan to do so in the future. Thanks for the seminar. Marisa

Call for Artists

You have two options on how to receive guidelines for shows:

1. Send a self-addressed-stamped envelope to Woman Made Gallery, 1900 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
2. Visit our website: www.womanmade.org and print out entry forms or forms listed in the Exhibition section.

August 20 , Extended Deadline for entries *SEEDING THE SNOW - October 15 - November 12, 1999
Artwork that examines women’s relationship to the natural world.
Jurors: Terry Evans, photographer and author Corasue Nicholas, graphic designer, illustrator Sue Sommers, artist, educator, author
*Seeding the Snow is a women’s literary arts journal that focuses on nature.

September 30, Deadline for entries to our annual HOLIDAY BAZAAR - November 26 - December 23
We are looking for women artisans who make unique hand-made crafts, jewelry and small-scale artworks.

October 30, Deadline for entries FAIRYTALES - January 21 - February 25, 2000
Art by women that is inspired by fairy tales, modern or ancient
Jurors: performance artist, Donna Schudel and writer, Phyllis Moore

December 31, Deadline for entries 3RD INTERNATIONAL OPEN - March 3 - 31, 2000
Art by women in all media and style.
Juror: MaryRoss Taylor

February 2, Deadline for entries CLEANING HOUSE - April 7 - May 12, 2000
Art by women which incorporate objects from the home into their art. All media
Juror: Stephanie Rose Bird

Call for Chicago Area Women Artists!

Establishing a group of women artists to collaborate on a large-scale handmade quilt. (No sewing experience required.) Content will deal with subverting the idea of women as objects throughout art history. Upon completion, the piece will be exhibited at Woman Made Gallery and become part of the WMG permanent collection.

Call for Entries (other galleries)

Deadline 8/30/99 - Seeking experienced and emerging women artists working in all media with a focus on women, body image and eating disorders. Send 10-20 slides, resume, statement and SASE to: Sarah Martin, Moreau Galleries, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN 46556

Call for Women Artists - Gathering of Women A Healing Place
To make an expressive sack 12”x14” in any media. Work must be submitted by August 27, 1999. No Fees. For more information send SASE to Ann Shields, The Pennsylvania State University, HUB/Robeson Center Galleries, 129B HUB, University Park, PA 16802

Call for Papers

Redefining Feminism
WCA Midwest Regional Conference
October 8-10, 1999
Beacon Street Gallery, Chicago

The feminist art movement is now over thirty years old. The conference will address some of the issues that still concern us, the gains we have made, and what feminism means to women of different generations. How do we see the issues that confront us, as women in the visual arts, as we approach the millennium? What are the differences and similarities in the way in which women artist of different ages see themselves in relation to feminism?

We are looking for panelists to present short (ten minute) presentations addressing the issues that will be raised in the two panels that will take place on October 9th.

Morning Session: How do women artists in 1999 see themselves in relation to feminism?

Call for paper from women of all ages to develop a dialogue among generations.

Afternoon Session: What are the important challenges for feminists today?

Call for papers on the role of women’s art and women artists in the continuation of the feminist movement and the larger enterprise of feminism in the future.

Abstracts of no more than 200 words, clearly stating which panel they are to be considered for, should be submitted by July 20th, 1999.

Please submit slides with the abstract if they are relevant.
Send to:

Susan Weininger
Associate Professor, Art History
School of Liberal Studies
Roosevelt University
430 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
Fax: 312.341.3670
Email: sweining@roosevelt.edu

Call for Volunteers

Nothing is more satisfying than to put your efforts where your beliefs are and getting inspired at the same time. Woman Made Gallery offers many opportunities to put your talents to the test. Get more intimately involved and find out how much work it is to keep an organization like Woman Made going. Giving only a small amount of time on a regular basis, once every week for a few hours, twice a month or even just once a month would help immensely. You can’t be part of WMG on a regular basis? That’s O.K. too. How about helping once in a while at an opening, or at a fund-raiser? You can also design flyers or do data entry on the computer. And even if you can’t give actual time or don’t live in Illinois, there is still something very powerful you can do: You can spread the word that we exist and how important we are for women artists. You can supply us with addresses of women friends who would love to get information about Woman Made or you can ask for additional newsletters and give them to your women friends yourself. Think of why you are a supportive member and who else would feel the same as you. This is a wonderful and supportive way to make this organization stronger. Please fill out the volunteer sheet on the backside of the Membership form and return it to us so we can match you with a volunteer task you enjoy or contact our Volunteer Committee Chairperson, Carol Vihon Hirsch at 847-424-0566 to sign up.

Wish List

1. wine, soft drinks and/or food for events
2. CD player
3. office supplies
4. exhibit sponsors or people to give purchase awards
5. our own Women’s building in Chicago
6. a vehicle in driveable condition
7. memberships by everyone who reads this

These are the things we wish we had. We would be very thankful if you can help us get any of them. Please keep in mind that your donations are tax deductible.

Worthy Organizations

The Peace Museum is an educational institution whose mission is to motivate children, teens and adults to achieve creative solutions to the problems of violence. Please check out their website: http://www.peacemuseum.org for more information. An upcoming exhibition celebrating Women’s Peace Initiatives opens June 25th and runs through September 11, 1999. The Peace Museum is located at 314 W. Institute Place, Chicago, IL 60610. For more info call 312-440-1860

Guardian Angel

Last year we were given $10,000 by an anonymous donor who is a woman and an artist (that is all we know.) To our great joy we were surprised with a second donation by the same wonderful angel for $5,000 for this fiscal year. We are very thankful and deeply touched by her unbelievable generosity and great trust into Woman Made and the work we are doing here on women’s behalf. Whoever you are, you are hereby declared our official Guardian Angel who loves us and the arts. Thank you.

Please and Thank You

We would like to thank all those who have become members since the last newsletter publication, and those who have donated money and/or their resources and time to help us:

Patricia B. Allen, Krystal Ashe, Kristine Ashton, Kerry Bacia, Marna Bastian, Geoffrey Baum, Janet Beal, Ina Beierle, Ann Bekker, Cali Bergold, Sandra Bermudez, Marianne Biagi, Patricia Biesen, Susan Blackman and Steve Eisen, Dayna Block, Kim Brenner, Maliaka Bugjo, Kay Campbell, Ophelia Chambliss, Mary Childers, Liz Cochran, Lynda Cole, Laura Coyle, Debra Delbecq, Denise Despres, Yvonne Michelle Dettloff, Marlene Diamond, Smith Dudley, Fran Edmondson, Edith A. Emmenegger, Janine Favia, Melissa Fink, Claire Foreman, Antonia Franck, Michelene K. Frank, Pat Friedt, Andrea Ginsburg, Jane E. Grant, Pam Greenfield, Kathy Greenholdt and Paul Coady, Patricia Guizzetti, Sharon Irene Guy, Lauren Hancock, Cassandra Gordon Harris, Ann Hayes, Kelly Hensen, Jocelyn Hernandez, Melissa Herrington, Heywood Hoffman, Teresa Hofheimer, Patricia Hollopeter, Susan House, Deborah Hughes, Olivia Hurns, Susan Ifergan, Fujiko Isomura, Lucy Jaffe, Joan Painter Jones, Judi Kaczmarski, Ursula Kammer-Fox, Glenda Kapsalis, Catherine Keebler, Allison Kline from Paulette Beete, Elyse Koren-Camarra, Sally Kuzma, Carol LaBarbera, Dianne Lancia, Joan Lipsig, Nora Moore Lloyd, Joyce Lopez, Julie Lux, Velga Malek, Tatiana Mamaeva, Carol Mason, Jeanette May, Janet McGreevy, Marian McNair, Roberta Lindegard Meier, Terri Messinides, Suesi Metcalf, Roberta Mezinskas, Roberta Miles, Peg Miller, Renni Mills, Betty Ann Mocek, Snezha Momchilova, Jo Owens Murray, Cathleen Nagle, Patricia J. Di Naso, Dora Natella, Marisa Naujokas, Martina Nehring, Kristen A. Neveu, Robin O’Harrow, Patricia Otto, Joyce Patterson, Diane Pecnik, Laurie Peters, Nicolas Pliego-Poza, Ruth Praser, Linda Price, Naomi Pridjian, Dr. & Mrs. Joseph and Diana Pulvirenti, Barbara Quigley, Lori Real, Suzen Riley, Gay Riseborough, Alyce Ritti, Lisa Rivas, Sallie Gilmore Roniss, Jean Rosen, Jerry Ruiz, Hedda Saltz, Fern Samuels, Donna Sands, Harriet Santroch, Maureen Seaton, Jeanne Sellegren, Sheila Scacco, Janet Schumacher, Sarah E. Shapleigh, Barbara Sholl, Diana Simon, Sandra Simonson, Marlene Skolnik, Kitty Slattery, Cassandra F. Smith, Patty Stegnerski-Sobczak, Susan Steinfeldt, Priscilla Stratten, Juanita Timm, Carmelita Tiu, Ann Tyler, Janine Favia, Saudia A. Wadud, Kathleen Waterloo, Deborah Weber and Peter Insley, Kapila Wewegama, Irene B. Wilson

Please check our next issue if your name has not been included yet.

A Special Thanks to

Cali Bergold and Café V for donations of food and drink for our events.
Yvonne Galganov from Galganov & Associates in Cambridge, Ontario for donation of the design and upkeep of our webpage
Amy Madden for designing our newsletter
Regina Maniaci for donation of Woman Made mugs for our fundraising efforts.
Dan Fensin from Blackman Kallick Bartelstein, 300 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago 60606 for free tax and audit services.
George Gehrken from Telpoint Communications for donations of computer equipment and maintenance.
Jim Maurer of Sir Speedy at 226 East Ontario, Chicago, IL 60611 for donating part of our newsletter printing cost.
Dian Sourelis for scanning slides for our webpage www.womanmade.org
Rebecca Targ for designing our exhibition invitations.
Pete from Alpha Graphics for donating all printing costs for publicity invites for our November art auction.
Kapila Wewegama for being facilitator at our Board Retreat

Woman Made Gallery Volunteer Survey (We Need You!!)

If you have expressed an interest in volunteering at Woman Made or you have volunteered for the gallery in the past we would like to match you with a volunteer task you enjoy. Please complete this survey and return it to Woman Made Gallery.

Note

If you have a disability and need any accommodation in order to be part of any of our events, please call 312-328-0038 one week prior to selected program.

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