The Women’s Center and Women Organizing Women kicked off Women’s History Month with the opening of the 12th-annual Women in the Arts gallery last night.
The gallery — located in the Women’s Center — displays women’s artwork, including that of students, faculty and alumnae. The purpose of the gallery is to increase awareness of women’s art and facilitate the exposure and connections of University female artists, said Amber Vlasnik, Women’s Center manager.
Vlasnik said the gallery values diversity.
“We are trying to value all kinds of art,” Vlasnik said.
Some of the artwork on display includes jewelry, clothing, sculptures, paintings and photography.
Kathryn Poplin, an English sophomore who attended the opening, said she appreciated the variety of art in the gallery.
Poplin said she has been to the gallery in past years and has always been impressed.
Chris Andrews, a computer science sophomore who also attended the opening, said he was impressed with the work that goes into the art.
The gallery also has a variety of artists.
Vlasnik said the gallery displays artwork from professional and amateur artists.
This is the first time some of the artists have shared their art with others.
Keila Theiss, a former University student whose photographs are on display, said this is her first art show.
“I’ve always wanted a place to show my art,” Theiss said.
Lulu Ridolfo, WOW vice president, said the gallery is a “great opportunity to enjoy other women’s artwork.”
Ridolfo also said the organization uses the gallery as a way for people to meet WOW members and get them involved in women’s issues.
Vlasnik said the gallery is just one avenue of expression for the Women in the Arts program.
The Women’s Center and WOW will also sponsor a performance art program — including poetry readings, singers, musicians and dancers — March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Reilly Theatre.
The art gallery is free and open to the public throughout March.