Ginny Baughman
Women’s March (2016)
cut paper
16 x 20 in.
$800
Through my art I want to promote a dialogue about issues and experiences that are close to my heart. My ideas flow through my art as I create narratives that speak directly to my viewers about these things. This artwork was created after my experiences at the Women’s March on Jan. 21, 2017.
My husband and I traveled to Washington DC in January of 2017 to protest for women’s rights after the failed election of the first woman president. I remember worrying about what we were getting ourselves into, but it would turn out to be the experience of our lives. Everyone was so friendly to each other as we stood listening for over five hours on the Capitol Mall. I remember the sea of people as we turned to march toward the White House, ending up on the front lawn chanting: “Welcome to your first day, we won’t go away!” and “Woman’s rights are human rights!” There was no destruction, no breaking and entering, just people like us expressing our thoughts. We left feeling good about what we had done and it became a memory that we’ve treasured.
On January 6, 2020, my husband and I sat in our living room and watched another protest. Although we didn’t agree with it, it did make us think about our protest four years earlier. Then suddenly it turned very different and violent. We watched in horror as the attack unfolded on our nation’s capital. We couldn’t believe that this was happening! I have to admit that after this watching the events of that day unfold, I’m uncertain how to feel about our protest. Our treasured memories will now be forever marred by the events of Jan. 6, 2020.
In closing, I would like to share a prayer from my son, Rev. Aaron Baughman, the Sunday after the attack:
God of love,
We condemn acts of violence,
Especially the acts of violence that happened at our capital this past week.
We also condemn those who incited such violence.
We add our voices with that of the pope,
Who reminds us that,
” violence is self-destructive, always.
Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost,”
Lord we pray for all of those who have been corrupted to believe that lies are truth. May you bring them healing and to full health.
We pray for the families of those who were injured or killed while doing their job to keep people safe.
We pray for the peaceful transition of power,
We pray for unity.
We pray for your holy spirit to be poured out upon us this day.
Amen
© Ginny Baughman