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
• New 'Career Day' designed to Help Serious Artists Succeed
• Letters to Woman Made
• Gallery News Briefs
• Holiday Bazaar Is Place To Shop For Gifts
• On-Line Registry Reaches Collectors, Artists Worldwide
• Exploring Not-For-Profit Galleries In Manhattan
• An Artist To Know
• Learn About Breasts in Art And Health October 14
• Worthy Organizations
• Member Editorial
• Poetry Corner
• Call for Words
• Please + Thank You
• Dear Friends
• Woman Made Gallery Calendar
• Member Profile
• Artist's Statement Need Help?
• Special Thanks To…
• Call For Artists
• Sponsor an Exhibit
• WMG Wish-List
• Newsletter Contributions
• Newsflash
• Previous Newsletters

Letter from the Directors:

Robin Barcus' Dandelion Dress appears on the cover of the WMG 2001 "Her Mark" datebook. Click here for Order Form.)

Welcome to the Fall edition of the Woman Made Gallery Newsletter. Although the year is not yet over, we already have a useful and unique tool to help us prepare and organize for 2001. Woman Made's 2001 calendar, "Her Mark," with the cover image of artist Robin Barcus in her Dandelion Dress reaching high into the sky is now available at the Gallery (Click here for Order Form.)

Eighteen artworks gleaned from WMG's slide registry grace the pages alongside sixteen powerful poems selected from our open call by poet Jackie White, associate editor of Rhino. Thanks to the perseverance of our faithful designer, artist and WMG member Ruby Barnes, who gave so generously of her time and talent, "Her Mark" is a beautiful little spiral-bound book, with treasures to be found at every turn of the page. Just 500 copies were printed of this first edition of "Her Mark," so order yours now.

Also available at the Gallery and around the Chicago area is the CD "Big Fish, Little Fish, Volume I: Emerging Women in Chicago Music," with 16 songs covering the musical spectrum from rock to acoustic funk to alternative country. Sales of the date-book and the CD benefit Woman Made Gallery, and both items make great gifts.

This year's 7th Annual Member's Show was a spectacular exhibition as all of you who attended the opening reception experienced first-hand. Artwork by 85 artists reminded us again of the value and importance of diversity. The preparations and lay-out for installation were laborious and time-consuming but we were successful as many compliments ensured us. But mounting the show is a BIG task, so next year the Member's Show will be juried by a neutral panel of 3 WMG members to lift some of the burden from our shoulders. This approach will make the exhibition more competitive and will keep the accepted entries between 50 to 60 works (which is plenty for our space), while also giving jury opportunities to some of our members.

Critique/Professionalism Workshops To make sure that your chances for acceptance into shows at Woman Made Gallery or anywhere else are as high as possible, take advantage of the many programs we offer to help you in your artistic career. No matter where you are as an artist, Woman Made has an opportunity for you to garner knowledge, receive feedback and network with other artists. Our ongoing Exhibiting Professionalism workshops and our individual portfolio reviews have already helped many artists to feel more apt in dealing with the professional and organizational side of being an artist.

If you are ready to take the next step--approaching galleries for representation and/or acquiring a solo show--sign up for our in-depth Career Day with respected artist and former gallery director Janet Bloch on November 11th (read the next article).

If you like to share your progress and be inspired by other women artists, please participate in our free art critique sessions on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2-4pm led by artist Mary King. (details in this newsletter). Because space is limited, registration is required for all of our workshops. Don't wait for the New Year to start positive artistic habits; the time to begin is NOW.

Regarding WMG membership: we continually have new members join the Gallery, but each month there are members who do not renew. If you previously supported WMG and have not renewed your membership, please consider renewing today. You are missed! We need all of our members, and if you have offered to volunteer and have not heard from us yet, please accept our apology. Board of Directors Secretary Roberta Reb Allen will be contacting you as she organizes our volunteer efforts.

We greatly appreciate the time, talents and generosity of all our members. Thank you!

New 'Career Day' designed to Help Serious Artists Succeed:

CAREER DAY, AN IN-DEPTH WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS serious about pursuing exhibition careers, is a new WMG offering scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This workshop is not for those just beginning their artistic endeavors; rather it is for visual artists who have exhibited in group shows and/or have finished art-school and are preparing to seek gallery representation and solo exhibition opportunities.

We will start off the day examining portfolio presentation materials, including slides, resume and statement. After lunch (included in the workshop fee), a group critique will focus on the presentation of finished works. The workshop will close with tips for finding the right gallery for your art.

Career Day will be led by artist Janet Bloch, former Gallery Director of WMG. Bloch is the three-time recipient of the CAAP grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and a recipient of the Illinois Arts Council Visual Artists Fellowship and the Arts Midwest/NEA Regional Fellowship. She has exhibited nationwide and will have her third solo exhibition at Lyons Wier Packer in October 2000.

The workshop fee is $95 for WMG members; $115 for non-members. Space is limited to 12 participants and pre-registration is required. Bring 5 slides, a current resume, your artistic statement and 2-3 pieces of work. Arrive at the Gallery at 10 a.m. for coffee and introductions. The workshop will start promptly at 10:30am.

Letters to Woman Made:

DEAR WOMAN MADE GALLERY,

Untitled (Pink), a collagraph by Marguerite Perret, is part of the "Science/Fiction" show at Woman Made Gallery from October 13 through November 10.

It cracked me up and scared me to see that in your faqs (frequently asked questions) Chicago is referred to as a conservative city. I live in a tiny rural town in Indiana...I recently quit the board (for the second time) of our little "-----" Arts Council located in "-----", "-". I cannot express the frustration an artist feels while living in this type of community. The council continually struggles with censorship issues because any work that even approaches controversial subject matter could potentially be so poorly received that the organization could be shut down overnight.

And in this area, with it's Christian fundamentalism, racism and bigotry, you wouldn't believe what is controversial. In one installation, we had to worry about the correct place to hang (hide) a head study of an African woman. The worst thing we ever did, in my mind, was during a solo exhibition we had for an artist from "-----". In a patronizing way, we hung a rather sad dark piece for her opening, and then removed it for the duration of the show. The openings are usually a little safer because the same people show up, and there isn't the likelihood that someone new will stroll in and be offended. I was disgusted to have been involved with making the decision to remove the painting.

I am temporarily stalled in my artistic development. I'm afraid to move and I'm afraid to stay. My world is very small, and I'm glad I found out about your organization. I will send some money for a membership. I hope I find the energy to enter a future exhibition.

Nancy Keiser

Gallery News Briefs:

Auction 2001

Woman Made is preparing for our major annual fundraiser, a live art auction/silent auction on March 9th, 2001 at the Three Arts Club. Following are ways you can help to make the event a success:

1. buy or sell event tickets ($60 per person);
2. take out an ad in the event booklet;
3. sell raffle tickets ($5 each or 6 for $25);
4. donate a silent auction item/service;
5. become an event sponsor (by selling from 5 to 10 tickets) and be listed in our event literature; and
6. volunteer time during or before the event.

The greatest incentive to attending or otherwise supporting the event is knowing that you have contributed to a special place, one that cultivates and supports women in their creative endeavors. Please call us at (312) 328-0038 for more information. Thank you!

WMG Board & Staff News

We welcome Cathleen Nagle, Marilyn Maas, Debra Mancoff and Daniel Waterloo to our Advisory Board.
Members of the Board and Advisory Board, as well as staff and other WMG supporters, attended our Open Board Meeting on August 17. We thank all who participated and appreciate the input and productive exchange.
If you are interested in joining the Board or Advisory Board, or if you would like to volunteer in another way, contact the gallery at (312) 328-0038.

Free Workshop Offers Critique & More

BRING WORK TO share - finished or in progress. Ask for feedback or not. Exchange tips for presentation, places to exhibit, sources of supplies and other other professional issues. The Women's Art Critique Workshop is for both beginning and advanced artists.
Led by artist Mary King, the workshop will take place at WMG from 2-4 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month, commencing with September 24, October 22 and November 26.
The workshop is free - no food, no drink, just ART!
Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. Call (312) 328-0038.

Holiday Bazaar Is Place To Shop For Gifts

MARK YOUR calendar for Woman Made's annual Holiday Bazaar, November 24 through December 23, featuring beautiful, one-of-a-kind gift.
We have a large variety of unique arts and crafts items - and members receive 10% off (15% at the Member's Brunch on November 25).

Holiday Bazaar Is Place To Shop For Gifts:

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Woman Made's annual Holiday Bazaar, November 24 through December 23, featuring beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts. We have a large variety of unique arts and crafts items - and members receive 10% off (15% off at the Member's Brunch on November 25).

On-Line Registry Reaches Collectors, Artists Worldwide:

Consolation, a painting by Australian artist Regina Noakes, can be viewed at the WMG Online Artist Registry

THE WOMAN MADE GALLERY Online Artist Registry is coming along nicely. Presently, 14 artists have their own Web pages in the Registry and are exhibiting a wonderful diverse mix of styles, media and subject matter. Included are Regina Noakes, a painter from Australia and Judith Anderson, a printmaker from New York. Both artists are WMG members who participated in the recent Member's Show. Linked to this website, www.womanmade.net could boost your career. Each participant has a webpage with a simple, direct URL.

Here's what participants have to say about the new Registry:

Sandra Beck "I think the black background, for starters, is magnificent. It sets the artwork off clearly and dramatically. The organization of all the selections on the opening page of my site (artists gallery, about the artist, exhibitions, etc.) is simple, clearly arranged and elegant. The quality of reproduction is impressively accurate. I have two other websites with two other galleries and out of the three, Woman Made Gallery's website exhibits the most precision and integrity in terms of reproduction of color and detail in the artwork. Overall, I am duly impressed by the presentation."

Roberta Reb Allen "I am really thrilled with it and have immediately started to put the URL on my cards, resumes, etc. and give it to people I know. People who have checked it have been really impressed. Having participated in several art Web sites and looked at others, there are a number of things which impress me about the site. First, I like having a Web page with easy direct access. There is no long URL to access the page directly nor does the viewer have to go through layers of other material to get to it. Although it is part of the Woman Made Gallery site, it is still like having your own site. Secondly, the design of the page is simple and elegant and very easy to navigate. In addition, the fact that the artist can have a large number of her works on line (rather than a measly 2 or 4) is particularly important as it really gives the viewer a sense of your work. You also did a magnificent job of scanning the slides. I couldn't be more pleased. Finally, the e-mail feature is another great plus. All in all it is thoughtfully and beautifully designed!"

Exploring Not-For-Profit Galleries In Manhattan:

by Maureen Burdock
artist and member of Woman Made Gallery

In early June, 2000, I took a five-day exploratory trip to New York City. I stayed at the Chelsea International Hostel, which is one of the most economical places to sleep and shower in Manhattan. It is also within easy walking distance of Chelsea and Soho Galleries. My goal was to visit several galleries and museums in search of exhibition opportunities. My method was to seek out the places appropriate to my work and status: contemporary art spaces open to exhibiting multimedia work by emerging artists. Most of these galleries are run as not-for-profits. I enjoyed visiting these places; I looked at current exhibitions carefully, then approached directors, staff, and other artists in order to engage in conversation about the work and about the gallery. The availability and friendliness (or lack thereof) of the staff gave me a good idea about the potential of working with each organization. Below I have listed some of the most interesting and accessible spaces I visited, in the hope that this information might be of some use to other emerging women artists like myself.

A.I.R. GALLERY: 40 Wooster St, 2nd Floor ~ New York, NY 10013-2229 ~ tel. 212-966-0799
Friendly staff here, knowledgeable about their organization and their artists. A member-run co-op. Members are juried in. Dues are quite steep: $800 per year, plus shared expenses of show announcements, postage and receptions.

CERES GALLERY: 584-588 Broadway, Suite 306 ~ New York, NY 10012 ~ tel. 212-226-4725
Good experience here. Very nice director: Olive Hardy Kelsey. This not-for-profit is self-defined as feminist. Though it is not publicly a women's space, its membership is all female. Again, this gallery is supported by its members, and fees are rather high.

ART IN GENERAL: 79 Walker St. ~ New York, NY 10013-3523 ~ tel. 212-219-0473
Not a terribly welcoming experience here. But this is a good-looking not-for-profit that was showing nice oil paintings, largely figurative, with high-gloss finishes. They also have an artist in residence program. Art In General's facilities are donated by General Tools Manufacturing Co., Inc.. Submissions are accepted throughout the year and reviewed every four months.

EXIT ART/THE FIRST WORLD: 548 Broadway ~ New York, NY 10012 ~ tel. 212-966-7745
Everything from large-scale, mixed media sculptures and installations, to contemporary two-dimensional work is shown in this gorgeous, spacious gallery. Artists' materials may be submitted for review on an ongoing basis.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN ARTISTS: 41 Union Square West, room 906 ~ New York, NY 10003-3278 ~ tel. 212-675-1616
I had a fun and stimulating conversation with one of N.A.W.A.'s executive board members, as I happened upon the annual members' show in a Chelsea warehouse gallery space known as Atelier 14. I viewed many and diverse works exhibited here. This organization was established in 1889, since which time its mission has been to provide exhibition opportunities for women, and to increase public awareness of the importance of women's art. Members are juried in, and annual dues are reasonable.

NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: 583 Broadway ~ New York, NY 10012 ~ tel. 212-343-0460
A great little unpretentious contemporary art museum, seemingly less afraid to show content-rich, innovative, interesting work than many other spaces. I saw an original Hothead Paisan comic strip by Diane DiMassa here!

THE KITCHEN: 512 West 19th St. ~ New York, NY 10011 ~ tel. 212-255-5793
Laboratory for experimental mixed media work. Offers symposia, workshops and events to the public.

ARTISTS SPACE: 38 Greene St., 3rd floor ~ New York, NY 10013 ~ tel. 212-226-3970
This is a very beautiful, large, well organized space with friendly, approachable staff. Its mission since 1973 has been to foster diversity and experimentation in the arts. It maintains a computerized artists file of 4000 artists, and holds twenty exhibitions annually. Submissions are accepted year-round.

THREAD WAXING SPACE: 476 Broadway, 2nd floor ~ New York, NY 10013 ~ tel. 212-966-9520
This is a really great place that not only organizes exhibitions of cutting edge visual work, but also arranges performances, readings, panel discussions about contemporary art-related topics, and more.

This list of galleries, and the brief description of my encounters with them, will serve only as a jumping off point for those beginning this process of searching for exhibition spaces. I am finding that careful research in advance of making contact is critical. It is also imperative to expect multiple efforts in starting a conversation with directors and staff, and then to persist in building a relationship with these organizers. This process can take months or even years; and it is critical in order to build rapport and earn respect. There are no short cuts.

An Artist To Know:

Sharon Guy's sculptural breasts will line the walls at her WMG solo show Breast-Alert, opening on October 13.

Sharon Guy's sculptural breasts will line the walls at her WMG solo show opening October 13th, 2000.

TO SOME SHE IS the breast artist, some may even call her the boob lady, but after listening to artist Sharon Guy, you soon find out it's not just about breasts. On the first glance it's all about breasts. On a second, closer look it's about so much more.

Guy began her artistic exploration of breasts in 1990 while in graduate school. She was building a lot of objects that made reference to torture and seduction, which lead her to think about the body and its form. "I was tired of making references to the breasts. I decided I was just going to do it," said Guy. By the time her graduate thesis rolled around in 1992, she had cast some 60 breasts. Today, she has some 360 breast casts of women who range in age from 7 to 92, including her 30-year old daughter, Jessica (Guy has another daughter, 28-year-old Jennifer, who lives in California).

Sharon Guy will premiere her work at a Woman Made solo exhibition, Breast-Alert, opening Friday, October 13. The casts will line the walls of the parlor, an idea that she loves. "I like the reference to the parlor as a sort of shrine to all women past and future. I see the room as a place for all women to understand the deep sense of beauty and awe, " she said. Many of the casts came from women Guy met at the Michigan Women's Music Festival. "Women were absolutely enthusiastic about the project," said Guy. "I think there is a certain sense of mystery about our own bodies." "I think there are two things that happen. First, women are amazed to see themselves in 3-D, since we are always seeing ourselves two dimensionally, say in a mirror. They are able to hold their cast and really look at it, and themselves." "And second, women compare themselves to other women and realize there are no norms - we are all beautiful because of our history and experiences".

Guy finished the last of the casts eight years ago, put them in storage and became a world traveler. She and her husband, David, worked in the Peace Corps before returning to the United States four years ago. During her travels, Guy began her current body of work, painting the jug women of Ethiopia. "The images of the jug women have begun a discussion about how different but yet how similar we all are," said Guy. "I began to question what I had to offer as a Western woman. Ethiopian women have this strong sense of community - a support system, a network. We've lost that because we don't have time to make that connection." "Picture these women carrying these huge jugs on their backs," said Guy. "We all end up carrying a jug. Whether it's obsession with beauty, health, status, thinness - we all have issues - we all have our jug."

Today, Sharon Guy and her husband reside in the peaceful countryside of Harvard, Illinois, where Guy has begun to explore the landscape's depth of color and shape. Reflecting on showing her artwork to others, Guy said, "If there is one thing I want people to come away with, it is that they got a glimpse of themselves."

Learn About Breasts in Art And Health October 14:

In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Sharon Guy's 'Breast-Alert' solo exhibition at Woman Made, the Gallery will host a seminar, "Be Informed, Be Amazed" on Saturday, October 14th, 10a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $10.00 per person and includes lunch, catered by FLO restaurant.

Fom 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., New York art historian/educator Rebecca Rosenberg will speak on "Breast Imagery in Art and Mythology". Rosenberg received training at the University of Nevada-Reno and at the Art Institute of Chicago. She taught Art and Art History in Carson City, Nevada and served for two years as the Associate Curator of Education for the Nevada Museum of Art.

From 12:30-2 p.m., Carol Southard, RN, will discuss important issues concerning women's breast health. Southard, of the Wellness Institute in Chicago, is a volunteer speaker for the American Cancer Society.

Seating is limited, so please make your reservation early by calling the Gallery at (312)328-0038.

Worthy Organizations:

Dead Horse Gallery

This arts organization is run by three artists: Kim Schoel, Mindy Tousley and Peter Bablua who are dedicated to offering a service to emerging as well as established artists from diverse backgrounds and styles. Their philosophy is to be inclusive stylistically in order to promote diversity and expose the public to a wide variety of art. In addition to gallery space, Dead Horse Gallery offers a slide library and a soon to be webpage that will feature exhibiting artists and artwork that is for sale on the net. Please send proposals for future shows to: Dead Horse Gallery, 14900 Detroit Ave., Suite 311, Lakewood, Ohio, 44107. Telephone: (216)228-7214.

Museum of Decorative Art

The Museum of Decorative Art is located in a historic landmark building known as the Krause Music Store. The facade of the building was designed by Louis Henry three years before his death in 1925. The facade is constructed of terra cotta tiles which are made of clay, then glazed.

The museum displays a collection of decorative art and objects with an emphasis on the Victorian, Art Noveau, Art Deco, and arts and crafts from the periods 1870-1930. Included in the collection are prints, furniture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, books, architectural details, and commercial art.

The purpose of the Museum is to offer the community a place to exhibit, appreciate and learn about the decorative arts. The museum supports itself by offering for sale selected antique, vintage, and contemporary items that are from the periods contained in the permanent collection or are inspired by them. The sale of these pieces will help to maintain this historic building and will help to purchase additional art objects for the collection.

The Museum of Decorative Art is located at 4611 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. For more information, call (773)989-4310.

Member Editorial:

Finding Our Own Voices

Drawing the Line on Self-Censorship
By Suzanne Scott, WMG Advisory Board

Most of us agree that censorship is not a good thing. We easily feel anger at New York Mayor Guilliani for attempting to cut off funding to the Brooklyn Museum because they dared show Chris Ofili's Virgin Mary created with elephant dung. We applaud the work of Alice Neel, who boldly thumbed her nose at critics who were uncomfortable with her nude self-portrait and her honest depictions of a nude pregnant woman. Some of us may even believe that our goal as artists is to disturb, to make people think in new ways, to disrupt the cultural mores of a white-middle-class-male world.

But many of us deal less effectively with our own internal censors. When someone else says we must not paint a nude female gazing straight out of the canvas, we at least know what we are dealing with. When that judgment comes from our own heads, it's another thing altogether.

For women artists, self-censorship is even more insidious than external censorship. Ultimately, it is lethal to our artistic processes. Time and again, I hear women say they feel stymied in their artistic development because of their fear of being judged. One artist friend of mine spends only a few hours in her studio every few months because she experiences such horrible fear and anxiety when she allows herself to paint with her authentic voice. When we edit ourselves before paint hits canvas or charcoal strikes paper, we cheat not only ourselves but also other women who may find their own anger-or comfort, inspiration and courage-from our work.

How do we overcome that authoritarian internal voice that would have us be less than our true selves? I do not pretend to have the answers. I know only that the more deeply we allow ourselves to enter into our own experiences through our art, the more we touch universal feelings and truths. As women artists, we need to support each other and stand with each other through the gut-clutching fear of speaking authentically through our art. Perhaps through that kind of solidarity, we can find our own voices.

What's your opinion? Let's discuss. Email me at SuzanneScott@bigplanet.com. Watch this space for other hot topics in the contemporary art arena.

Poetry Corner:

Paint Box ©
by Susan House

Peculiarity of Being (copper & enamel), by Yevgeniya Kaganovich, appeared in the recent Garments show.

1. Green Algae, Blue Sea

When I worry, I sit at the edge of the sea and watch waves breaking
over algae and shell fish clinging to the rocks.

At the surf's edge, small things scurry, pop up, burrow down.
Life continues to emerge from the sea.

After we are gone, something will still be happening.

2. Clouded Sulphur

I hear a new breeze rustling
its way through the trees,
coming lightly towards me.

Then dry leaves began to fall all around,
drifting into soft piles on the forest floor;
a gentle letting go of the summer's work,
this yellow leaf fall.

In the stillness after the breeze,
I sit, contemplating the season's end until,
without warning, one yellow leaf arises and
flies off to the west.

A yellow butterfly bringing me back to the present.

3. Lavender

My love ripples across the full spectrum, but
it might have a soft lavender center, if only
I could see it long enough.

It whispers from another end of my energy wave, then
undulates past, parallel and always moving.

My love and I are unmapped electrons circling
a nucleus of hope, and if we pass close enough,
a delicious frisson of joy dances across my skin.

4. White Hot

My anger's white-hot center bleeds out to orange
and ends at a jagged purple rim.
It tastes like ashes and bile and it roars in my ears.
It flashes bright, then plunges into indigo darkness.
Anger chokes me, crushes me; it fries my soul.

5. Silver

Hope flickers brightly just below the horizon then rises and
spills a silver streak across the land. It is chocolate dessert, waiting;
a pretty woman beckoning; faith in the outcome.
Hope fills me and drives me. Hope feeds me and I go on.

Call for Words:

It's A Call for Words
Minds Eye Newsletter is a new (semi-annual) publication seeking submissions of poetry, criticism, profiles of artists/writers, and essays (relating to the arts, social issues, women's issues, gay/lesbian issues, ethnic issues, etc.). There is no limit to subject matter, only that it must be correct, concise and compelling. Also included will be philosophy, line art, fine art and photography.

For submission guidelines send a SASE to Liz Zorn, The Eclectic Press, 416 W. Pike St., Morrow, Ohio 45152. Pays in copies. Deadline for March 2001 issue is Jan. 15, 2001.

Please + Thank You:

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING people who have renewed their memberships and have become new members, and all those who have donated money, items, time and talents.

Roseann Adams, Roberta Reb Allen, Granit Amit, Maureen Andrade, Ulla Anobile, Lora Arbrador, Carol Augustine, Kim Babon, Beatriz Badikian, Elizabeth Baum, Cali Bergold, Kathy Bergold, Carolyn Berth, Sylvia Betts, Amelia Biewald-Low, Audrey Preuss Blessman, Janet Bloch, Shauna Angel Blue, Amy Bouse, Paulette Boyd, Barb Broeske, Maureen Burdock, Edie Canter, Carol Carlsen, Lynda Cole, Mo Cahill, Christine Carpenter, Jan Brown Checco, Cat Chow, Laura Chenault, Kristine Cloud, Tiger Lili Cross, Mary Ellen Croteau, Denise Dabramo, Rosie Divon, Anne Elizabeth, Rosemary Eller, Laurel Fantis, Melissa Fink, Erika Fitzgerald, Cianne Fragione, Anita Flores, Charmaine Frost, Lili Gaines, Yvonne Gajewski, Anne-Bridget Gary, Antje Gehrken and Andy Pappas, Andrea Ginsburg, Julie Gomez, Patricia Hall, Sharon Harper, Allison Hill, Judith Hladik, Susan House, Kathy Joleaud, Marian Jones, Ursula Kammer-Fox, Linda Kardoff, Judith Katz, Kathleen Kirk, Colleen M. Kisel, Pauline Kochanski, Dianne Lancia, Catherine Lundgren, Nancy Maguire, Sheila Malloy, Jacqueline May, Patricia McMillen, Bobbye Middendorf, Barbara Mittman, Michelle Morrissey, Dora Natella, Martha Noakes, Regina Noakes, Leah Oates, Andrea Ondish, Lori Pastuszak, Gisèle Perreault and Peggy Mason, Kat Pukas, Mary Lou Quinn, Rosemary Singleton Rauber, Lori Real-Griyech, Ann Regan, Alyce Ritti, Darrell Roberts, Barbara Schnell, Kim Schoel, Kathy Schuman, Maureen Seaton, Seeding the Snow, Sandra Sheagren, Bill Siavelis, Tremain Smith, Melinda Snyder, Tammy Soper, Diane Sourelis, Kitty Slattery, Joan Stachnik, Kay Stanis, Patty Stegnerski-Sobczak, Dr. Amy Stoeffler, Teresa Sturnfield, Jennifer Syfu, Jere Van Syoc, Mieko Tachibana, Elaine Tearney, Irene Ternes, The Art House, Cheryl Townsend, Peri Irish Switzer, Alma N. Velasquez, Kathleen Waterloo, Helen Weiner, Marcia Banas Welcome, Enid Winters, Sigrid Wonsil

If your name does not appear in this thank-you section, watch for it in the next newsletter.

Dear Friends:

Mystery of Generation is one of several Judith Anderson prints in the WMG Online Artist Registry.

Since 1992 Woman Made Gallery has played a major role in providing exhibition opportunities to women artists and educating the public about the artistic achievements of women. We are able to continue and expand our valuable programs due to your monetary contributions and resources. The donations we receive from you help us to fund eight annual group exhibitions and six solo shows as well as the following:

Guided Tours
Woman Made Gallery offers guided tours to groups of up to 30 people. Exhibition calendars are sent to university art departments, women's study programs, arts organizations and high-schools.

Slide Lectures
Woman Made Gallery conducts regular slide lectures, entitled: "Two Artists You Should Know." Each lecture offers a contemporary woman artist the opportunity to introduce her own work and the art of another noted woman artist who has inspired her. Past slide lectures included presentations by Chicago artist Mary Ellen Croteau who also presented the art by Artemisia Gentileschi, and Stephanie Rose Bird who shared her work and the art of Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz.

Professionalism Workshops
WMG's professionalism workshops are for artists who want guidance on how to present their work to galleries. The workshops include tips on slide quality, writing an artist statement and biography, framing and pricing artwork, and approaching galleries. Artists who have participated in these workshops in the past have gained the knowledge and confidence needed to exhibit their work. Also offered are individual portfolio review sessions and free art critique workshops.

Research Library
Woman Made's expanding video and text library on women artists is available to any member interested in research. Videos are loaned to members without charge.

Web Site & Artists' Registry
WMG's website at http://www.womanmade.org provides information and services valuable to women artists and the public. Any woman artists can now be part of our On-Line Artists' Registry. Check out http://www.womanmade.net and let us know if you're interested.

Woman Made Gallery Calendar:

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Please note that the Gallery will be closed on Thursday, November 23, for Thanksgiving and from December 24 to January 9 for a winter break. Thank you for supporting the Gallery in 2000. We look forward seeing you in the new year.

Member Profile:

Meet Anita Flores, a WMG Member since 1997 who has served on the Board in many capacities. Last year, she was President, and she currently serves as Vice President. Anita Flores is Associate Director at the Jane Addams Resource Corporation in Chicago, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the economic base of the communities it serves by providing training and programs for adults and youth.

I became involved in WMG because... AF: My friend Susan House, a long-time member of WMG brought me to the "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" opening. I enjoyed meeting the Gallery directors and the artists. I was so impressed with the art and the mission that when Beate and Janet asked me if I was interested in becoming a board member I immediately said yes. I was really honored. (To this day, that exhibit remains my favorite!)

If I had to carry my most prized possessions on my back, they would be... AF: The Picasso lithograph I bought at a gallery in San Francisco and my wedding ring. There are not many material things I would worry about.

The three women who have most influenced my life are... AF: My mother; Mary LaPorte, the founding executive director of the Jane Addams Resource Corporation and social activists such as Jane Addams, Anna Loise Strong and Mother Jones.

Because... AF: My mom taught me the values that have guided me: hard work, the value of an education, the importance of helping others, open mindedness. Mary LaPorte was the first "business woman" I worked for. She taught me how to develop programs, budgets, and the importance of "process" and the importance of the team approach to management and collaborative decision making. The social activists had vision and persistence, and commitment to social and economic justice.

No one knows, but I love to... AF: Make linoleum block prints. I enjoy the process of creation.

In ten years, I see Woman Made Gallery becoming... AF: A museum with permanent exhibits and its own building. I also see WMG become the leading institution advocating that other institutions include more women in their collections; advising them about selections of pieces for their collections. Also, WMG will curate national traveling exhibits.

Artist's Statement Need Help?:

Beth Ann Bryant-Richards is a qualified writing teacher who can help artists get more exhibitions, grants, etc. She charges $50 per hour (most artists need two hours). For more information call (773)792-9699.

Special Thanks To…:

Video still from Pamela Turner's work Falling Back to Earth: Tomatillo graced the cover of our "Science/Fiction" show invitations.

Ruby Barnes, designer and Jackie White, poetry editor, for our "Her Mark" 2001 datebook. Both gave much of their time and talents and made this debut calendar extra special.
Antje Gehrken and Ellen Rosner for for their work on the "Big Fish, Little Fish" CD project.
All the musicians, production staff and sponsors of the "Big Fish, Little Fish" CD.

Woman Made appreciates the following individuals and organizations for their ongoing support of the Gallery:
Our Board members for their continued hard work, devotion and board pledges.
All Advisory Board Members for their support.
Carolyn Anderson, for donating $50 beyond regular membership.
Anne Elizabeth for donating two cases of wine.
Rosemary Eller for donating $100 beyond her membership.
Dan Fensin, Blackman Kallick Bartelstein, 300 South Riverside Plaza, Chgo. 60606 for free tax & audit services.
Yvonne & Mason Galganov, Galganov & Associates in Cambridge, Ontario for design & upkeep of our Web sites.
George Gehrken, Telpoint Communications for donations and maintenance of computer equipment.
Kathy Greenholdt for doing a fabulous job in designing and editing our newsletters.
Kendra Miller, for grant-writing efforts.
Ann Regan for donating $65 beyond her membership.
Liz Staller for donating folding chairs and a slide screen. Rebecca Targ for designing our exhibition invitations.
Andy Pappas, Highpoint Services for continued generous annual support.
The Sara Lee Foundation and the Mayer & Morris Kaplan Family Foundation for general operating funds.
Our anonymous "Guardian Angel" for repeated generous monetary gifts. Thank you!

Call For Artists:

You have two options for obtaining guidelines for shows:

1. Send a note (with a self-addressed-stamped envelope) requesting the show prospectus of your choice to: Woman Made Gallery, 1900 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616.

2. Click on http://www.womanmade.org/calexhibits.html and print out entry forms in pdf format for the exhibition you wish to enter or print out a generic Entry Form: http://womanmade.org/entryform.html. All 2000 shows, except for the Members' Show, are for women only.

PREJUDICE, January 19 - February 23, 2001
Deadline for Entries: October 27, 2000
Art by women and men that deals with issues of prejudice. All media (up to three works).
Juror: Ursula Kammer-Fox

HOLIDAY BAZAAR, November 24 - December 23, 2000
Deadline for Entries: October 31, 2000
Unique hand made crafts, jewelry and small-scale artworks by women.
Jurors: WMG Directors

FOURTH INTERNATIONAL OPEN, March 2 - 30, 2001
Deadline for Entries: December 15, 2000
WMG invites women from all backgrounds, all ages, and from all corners of the globe, to submit artwork. All themes, styles and media will be considered. First prize: Solo Exhibition in July 2002. Second prize: $400. Third prize: $200.
Curator: Mary Jane Jacob

BEYOND THE SURFACE, April 6 - May 11, 2001
Deadline for Entries: January 24, 2001
Open to all women artists who are in love with surfaces and experiment with layers, glazes, textures and various materials in their art. One artist will be selected to receive a Juror's Award of $100 and a one-year contract to participate in the WMG On-Line Artists' Registry.
Juror: Melanee Cooper

DEAL WITH IT, May 18 - June 15, 2001
Deadline for Entries: February 14, 2001
This exhibition is for work by women that depicts confrontational subject matter. The work chosen will be challenging and thought provoking with a commitment to communicate without compromise.
Juror: Sharon Harper

Sponsor an Exhibit:

You can become an exhibit sponsor or give an exhibit purchase award! An example of exhibit sponsorship is providing $500 for printing and mailing expenses of invitations for the show you like to support. Your name would be printed on the invitations and in our newsletter.

You might also want to give a purchase prize for a select exhibition. This means that you would commit to buying one artwork from one exhibition at a prize you like (example: price to exceed $500.) Your name and /or company would be credited on all printed materials and on our Web site.

For more information contact WMG at (312)328-0038.

WMG Wish-List :

1. Books and videos about women artists for our research library
2. Copy Machine in working condition
3. Exhibit sponsors or people to give purchase awards
4. Folding chairs and folding tables
5. Membership from everyone who reads this so all our wishes can come true!
6. Office supplies (pens, laser and copy paper, etc)
7. Our own Women’s building in Chicago
8. Wine, soft drinks for opening events.

Donated items have to be in working condition and are tax-deductible.

Newsletter Contributions :

Woman Made News is produced quarterly. Send newsletter contributions to Cali Bergold, Woman Made Gallery, 1900 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616. Or e-mail your entries to gallery@womanmade.org WMG reserves the right to edit articles for clarity and brevity. Entries for Winter 2001 must be received by November 15th, 2000.

Newsflash:

Due to personal family hardship, Mary Jane Jacob had regretfully cancel jurying the 4th International Open Exhibition. Replacing her as juror will be former gallery director and distinguished artist, Janet Bloch. Ms. Bloch is the three-time recipient of the CAAP grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and a recipient of the Illinois Arts Council Visual Artists Fellowship and the Arts Midwest/NEA Regional Fellowship. She has exhibited nationwide and had her third solo exhibition at Lyonswier Packer in October 2000.

Please Note: The Entry Deadline for the International Open has been extended to December 22, 2000. Click Here for the calendar dates of 4th International.

Previous Newsletters:

Click here to read our previous newsletters.