Making Their Mark- Women Artists In Rural Midwest Communities 

About

Inspired by the #5WomenArtists social media movement and challenge put forth by the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Watermark Art Center will host a public networking session and panel discussion regarding women artists in rural Midwest communities on March 14 from noon – 3pm. The public is invited.

The first hour is reserved for meet-and-greet networking opportunities with regional artists and arts organizations. Following the networking session the panel will convene to discuss the following questions:

What is currently influencing your work as an artist?
How does your community impact your work?
What are your challenges as a practicing artist?
In your creative career where have you found support, guidance and opportunities?
What can we do to increase opportunities for women artists in rural areas?

The panel will be comprised four women artist/art advocates: Delina White (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), master artist and traditional Native American Apparel Designer, jewelry maker and Beadwork Artist; Moira Villiard (pronounced “mee-ree”), community organizer, curator and passionate arts educator concentrating her efforts around issues of equity and justice, youth empowerment, and acknowledgement of Indigenous land, culture, and history; Su Legatt, artist, educator and community organizer who works with various organizations to create cultural events that help to improve the social structures and relations within rural communities;  Hillary Kempenich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), advocate for the arts, education, social justice and Native issues; and Heidi Jeub, a multi-disciplinary artist and advocate who uses her traveling studio to expose the foundations of art and design to communities that do not have access to cultural or academic institutions.  Karen Goulet (White Earth Ojibwe Nation) educator and Program Director of Watermark’s Miikanan Gallery, will represent Watermark in the capacity of moderator for the panel discussion.

Watermark is well known for presenting the work of women in the arts as independent and group show exhibitors as well as those who commission work in Shop 505. As an arts institution situated in a rural Midwest community, we consistently strive to ensure women are well-represented in contrast to the art world’s gender imbalance.

March is Women’s History Month. Please visit the Watermark Art Center to view their current exhibits, three of which show the work of women artists: “Portraits” by textile artist Blair Treuer, “Looking for America” by painter Paula Swenson, and “Other Dimensions” by painter and print-maker Natalia Himmirska. Our March Shop 505 featured artist is weaver and textile artist Patty Lovegreen.

There is no admission fee for this event and all the galleries and Shop 505 will be open to the public. More information regarding the #5WomenArtist campaign and actions you can take to support women in the arts are available from the National Museum of Women in the Arts.