National Museum of Women in the Arts

ifty-one percent of visual artists today are women, yet only 5 percent of the art on display in U.S. muse- umsF is by female artists. Enter the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), with its mission to recognize women artists across the world by exhibiting, preserving, and researching their work. Located in Washington, D.C., NMWA is the world’s fi rst and only museum dedicated to women’s contributions to the arts. NMWA celebrates its 25th anniversary this You ARe year, and if the museum’s accom- plishments over the past quarter century are any indication, there’s a bright future ahead for this groundbreaking institution. NMWA opened in 1987, after starting in 1981 as a small museum INVITed located in founder Wilhelmina Cole The National Museum of Women Holladay’s Georgetown home. Avid art collectors, Holladay and her in the Arts celebrates 25 years. husband uncovered “art’s blind spot” in the 1970s when they found that BY MARTHA-PAGE ALTHAUS most of the world’s great art museums did not display work by Elegant Entry women. The Holladays set out to PATRONS ENTER THE MARBLE LOBBY rectify this oversight, and their TO VIEW WORKS SuCH AS SARAH personal collection of some 500 BERNHARDT’S SCuLPTuRE APRÈS LA TEMPÊTE (AFTER THE STORM), works by female artists became the OPPOSITE PAGE. foundation for the museum. In 1987,

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NMWA opened in its current to the present. They range from Sibylla Merian, one of the foremost collection highlights location, 1250 Ave. NW, paintings, sculptures, and prints to natural history illustrators of the three blocks from the White House. artists’ books and video works, 17th century. { Lavinia Fontana { among many others. ’s Sheep by the avinia Fontana (1552–1614), one of collection highlights Renaissance work includes Sea and Camille Claudel’s small Bologna, Italy’s leading painters in NMWA’s permanent collection leading Italian painters Lavinia sculpture, Young Girl with a Sheaf, Lthe late 16th century, was the first continues to grow, with more than Fontana’s Portrait of a Noblewoman highlight the 19th-century collec- woman in Western Europe to gain 4,000 works by some 800 women and Elisabetta Sirani’s Virgin and tion. And famous American artist widespread recognition as an artist. artists. The museum’s diverse Child, as well as hand-colored ’s impressionist prints Famous for her portraits, Fontana moved to Rome in 1604, where holdings date from the 16th century engravings by German-born Maria also reside at NMWA, as do Pope Paul V commissioned her portraits by Sarah Miriam Peale as a court painter. and sculpture by actress Sarah Portrait of a Noblewoman is a Bernhardt (see page 63). Berthe marriage portrait of an unidentified Morisot’s impressionist paintings, Bolognese noblewoman. The dog represents marital fidelity, and the such as The Cage, put her in the lavish red dress is similar to most same league as Renoir, Monet, Bolognese wedding dresses and Degas. during this time. Fontana was More than 40 percent of known for her attention to NMWA’s gallery space features detail, seen here in this richly textured dress of velvet, satin, art from the past 100 years. The jewels, and lace. museum’s modern offerings include: sculptor Barbara Hep- worth’s alabaster Merryn; surrealist paintings by Remedios Varo; photographs by Berenice Abbott and Louise Dahl-Wolfe; Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky; Georgia O’Keeffe’s charcoal drawing Alligator Pears in a Basket; Dorothy Dehner’s bronze ➺ sculpture Looking North F; an oil on History 101 canvas, The Springs, by Lee Krasner; MWA is housed in by European women. and contemporary sculpture by a former National Temporary special exhibi- Magdelena Abakanowicz. NMasonic Temple in tions set up on the second NMWA is also at the forefront of the heart of Washington, floor, and 19th-century, another contemporary art medium D.C. Ironically, at one time modern, and contemporary — artists’ books. The museum has women were not allowed works line the third floor. more than 1,000, one of the world’s to enter. The Library and Research leading artists’ books collections. After renovating the Center occupies the fourth 1907 Renaissance Revival floor. Finally, the Perfor- More than a museum building at 1250 New York mance Hall and Auditorium As a private museum with a very Ave. NW, the museum fill out the fifth floor. public purpose, NMWA’s presence opened in 1987, winning On the ground floor, extends beyond the art on its walls. architectural and historic the Great Hall exudes Frequently held lectures, author preservation awards. elegance. Think marble readings, films, and the acclaimed Its 80,000-square-foot floors, crystal chandeliers, Shenson Concert Series celebrate building boasts five floors and sweeping staircases — women in all art forms. Some of the of exhibition space, begin- perfect for museum and great performers at NMWA concerts ning with early masterworks private events. include Midori, Sharon Isbin, Ahn Trio, and Olga Kern. Educational Lavinia Fontana, Portrait oF a nobLewoman, c. 1580; oiL on canvas, 45 1/4 x 35 1/4 in.; nationaL museum oF women in the arts; GiFt oF waLLace Continues on p. 68 ➺ and wiLheLmina hoLLaday; FundinG For the Frame GenerousLy Provided by the texas state committee

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Trailblazer interesting to you and others.” WILHELMINA COLE In an attempt to research Clara HOLLADAY FOuNDED NMWA IN 1981. Peeters, a woman artist whose work they had seen in ’s Kunsthis- uce

torisches Museum and again at l Madrid’s Prado Museum, the ooth ooth Holladays discovered there was not b a single woman artist in H.W. re Janson’s History of Art, the authori- clA tative book on art history. It meant ble that those who had studied in onor A America knew none of the great h the

women artists. Thus the educa- F

tional focus of their collection was t o giF ;

born: “To show the contribution of S women to the history of art.” “When you really and truly get into the collecting of art, it’s so meaningful to you that it has a life

of its own,” said Holladay, in an Art the in Women interview with Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art. o F eum muS

The Holladays amassed a l collection of more than 500 works

Getting St-ART-ed by women. Noteworthy purchases A nAtion The birth of the National Museum included pieces by Vatican painter Lavinia Fontana and Spanish of Women in the Arts painter Sofonisba Anguissola. In 1981, they opened their home for n April 7, 1987, national museum of vast potential guided tours, and six years later, in.; 24 x 30 onite, NMWA opened in influence.” NMWA opened at 1250 New York

Ave. NW. m AS on il the heart of Washing- That’s quite the contrast from o ton, D.C., to great when Holladay and her husband, Today the museum continues to fanfare. Balloons Wallace, began collecting art in the grow. The collection includes works filled the air, the National Sym- ’50s and later discovered the rarity by more than 1,000 women artists. 1937; SKy, rot O t phony performed, and guests came of women artists in major muse- More than 80 education and eon

from across the U.S. and abroad. ums. The two had always shared outreach programs are held each l The art critic Paul Richards an interest in art: An amateur water- year. Twenty U.S. and European

covered the milestone occasion for colorist, Wallace had a master’s committees spread NMWA’s to ted the Washington Post, writing: “Do degree in architecture. And mission. The museum’s Library and edic A not be misled. Washington’s Holladay worked part time at the Research Center continues to be d it Wilhelmina Cole Holladay, the National Gallery of Art. She also the world’s information leader on museum’s founder, has accom- served on the Corcoran Gallery of female artists. A -Portr plished something radical. No Art’s board of directors for ten years. “I truly feel that the arts are player in the art scene here has a Meanwhile, the Holladays meant to be shared,” Holladay says. this self-portrait shows Kahlo congresswoman, was visiting collection highlights hlo, Sel F hlo,

deeper understanding of power casually bought artwork for their “You can buy art, you can hang it A (1907–1954) holding a letter to Kahlo in her studio when she K and money and of how our system Georgetown home. A friend who on your wall . . . but great art has a A { Frida Kahlo { Leon Trotsky. Kahlo had a brief learned that Trotsky was affair with the exiled Russian assassinated. Kahlo rushed works. Despite her white-glove was a great collector, Richard life of its own. There is a longevity ne of the most iconic leader in the late 1930s while he toward the painting with a knife graciousness, hard-working Billie Brown Baker, cautioned them: “If of great art that has very little to do paintings in NMWA’s was seeking asylum in Mexico. to destroy it, but Luce inter- Holladay is a warrior and a winner. you are going to be collectors, you with the individuals who for a time O collection, and the only In 1940, Clare Booth Luce, vened and convinced the artist

She has called into existence a must have a focus. It will be more during their life possessed it.” Frid (right): Art work by Kahlo on view in D.C., an American ambassador and to sell her the portrait.

66 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 67 National Museum of Women in the Arts NATIONAL 25 MUSEUM dorothy dehner, LookinG north F, 1964; bronze, 18 x 64 1/2 x 3 in; GiFt oF the artist; PhotoGraPh by Lee staLsworth of WOMEN YEARS in the ARTS ART LOVERS

SPRING 2009 less than 3% of the artists in the Modern Art sections of the Met. are women, but 83% of the nudes are female. —GueRRIllA GIRlS, CoNSCIeNCe of The ART WoRld

outreach efforts impact students world’s largest collection. Open to across the country through the Art, the public, the LRC collects and Read All h, 2005 hotolithogrAP Books, and Creativity curriculum. preserves materials including books, AbouT IT ➺ A national and international network videos, sketches, photographs, and hree times a year, of 20 committees, composed of manuscript papers. To further NMWA publishes NMWA members, carry the cement women’s contributions in Tthe award-winning museum’s mission across the world. art history, the LRC manages the P olio 2”), color magazine Women in the To ensure that women’s contri- museum’s annual Mellor Prize, F : Port

Arts as a benefit for butions to art are never forgotten, granting a $50,000 award to a scholar cK museum members. NMWA publishes scholarly books, writing a book about a female artist. bA lK

The publication features catalogues, and brochures. The With so much accomplished tA

rarely seen works by museum’s Library and Research in just 25 years, there’s no doubt irl S female artists, and offers Center (LRC) maintains more than NMWA’s next quarter century will a glimpse into their 18,000 files on female artists, the be just as successful.

creative process. You’ll uerrill A g No. 13 TREVOR YOUNG “ g read inspiring profiles of OCCUPATION: Artist

women artists who share Women Artists WoRldWIde erie S their struggles and n addition to building its russian royalty, thanks to a MY FAVORITE ARTWORK: Untitled achievements, and stay own collection, nmwa partnership with st. Peters- (Elizabethport, NJ) by Victoria rom the S Sambunaris, 1999 current with news cover- Icollaborates with some burg’s state hermitage ing visual arts, music, of the world’s greatest art museum. te ( F WHY IT MOVES ME: NMWA is a fantastic theater, film, and literature. museums to bring work by Nordic Cool: Hot Women place to discover living artists, like this Join as a NMWA mem- women artists out of base- Designers celebrated photographer, Victoria Sambunaris. ber and receive a year’s ments and into galleries. this women artists from iceland, I love the way she celebrates the visual worth of benefits, plus the year’s Royalists to Romantics norway, Finland, sweden, vernacular—it’s honest and undeniably

25th-anniversary com- (through may 27) presents and denmark, in media from be nAKed u PdA ve to beautiful. She continues this journey of memorative issue, avail- more than 75 works on loan furniture and architecture to showing the unknown America, which able for members through from the Louvre, versailles, textiles and jewelry. inspires my work as well. omen h A

June. This special issue and other major museums in Divine and Human: o W VISITING NMWA SINCE: 1994

, d JOIN US! delivers 64 pages of France. Previous special Women in Ancient Mexico Support NMWA as a Silver Charter Friend and engaging articles, as well exhibits include: and Peru displayed hun- irl S enjoy free admission at 550 museums nationwide, as the history behind the An Imperial Collection dreds of objects (textiles, plus a subscription to Women in the Arts! National Museum of showcased works by 16th- sculptures, ceramics) that Women in the Arts. through 19th-century revealed women’s roles in uerrill A g

women artists collected by pre-columbian cultures. g Art: 1250 New York Ave., NW • 202.783.5000 • nmwa.org • 2 blocks north of Metro Center Station

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Concept & Design: WiT-inc.com • Photo: Max Hirshfeld • Art: Victoria Sambunaris, Untitled (Elizabethport, NJ), 1999, chromogenic print 50 x 40”, National Museum of Women in the Arts, gift of Heather and Tony Podesta Collection, Washington, D.C.

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25 art lovers.indd 1 1/27/12 1:51 PM National Museum of Women in the Arts

nspired by Japanese prints, American-born Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) devised her own Itechniques and made important contributions to color printing. Cassatt drew her images on metal plates, from which multiple impressions could be pulled. The result was a series of 10 color prints; is the first in that series. PiPiLotti rist, stiLL The Bath stiLLs From remake Cassatt’s techniques — hand-inking each oF the weekend, 1998; iLFachrome Print, plate, then impressing each one on paper — 19 1/2 x 25 3/4 in.; nationaL museum oF were complex and labor intensive. It took a women in the arts; GiFt oF heather whole day to color and reprint plates for and tony Podesta coLLection, each impression. washinGton, d.c. collection highlights Much of her work depicts intimate moments between { Mary Cassatt { mother and child. NMWA has several Cassatt prints in its perma- nent collection, including Reflec- tion, Maternal Caress, and NMWA by the NuMbeRS Mother’s Kiss. A look at the museum’s growth over the past 25 years

founded in 1987 with 500 works from the holladay home 20,000 members (NMWA ranks as one of the largest museums in the world when measured by membership. ) library and Research Center has 18,500 files on women artists (NMWA is the only museum doing archival work on women artists.) Collection has grown to more than 4,000 works (2.5 million people have visited NMWA.)

More than 100 books, catalogues, and brochures published 250 exhibitions hosted; 10 held each year

NMWA’s education programs10 have served people. 332,500 20 committees across the world mary cassatt, the bath, 1891; soFt-Ground etchinG with aquatint and dryPoint, 12 3/8 x 9 5/8 in.; { { nationaL museum oF women in the arts; GiFt oF waLLace and wiLheLmina hoLLaday 70 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 71 National Museum of Women in the Arts pe R Aux; s, Qui M s, k R ART ux- o: fRA nCo: non. p HoT non. RiA de T illes e T illes s, 39 7/8 x 32 in.; Musée des be A des Musée in.; 32 x 7/8 39 s, A veRsA ux de ux il on CAnv on il o l des CH âTeAdes l MAn, 1787; 1787; MAn, Wo ion A A of iTRTRA s; Musée n AT Musée s; this year at nmwa/ Upcoming Exhibitions A Royalists to RoMANtics: uiAR d, po

From Revolution-era French art to rock ’n’ roll memorabilia, NMWA’s lAbille- g ïde 25th-anniversary exhibitions reflect its informal mantra: “Art by women … for everyone.” ionville, 1837; oil on CAnv on oil 1837; ionville, igHT): Adél A igHT):

rench women artists during the volatile era of the French Versailles in 1778 T H of e from the 18th century Revolution, when women had very • Henriette Lorimier, one of the take center stage during limited rights. Female artists didn’t earliest artists to paint in the ApTuR e C the museum’s current receive the respect or recognition “Troubadour” style H , T exhibition, Royalists to of their male counterparts. At the • Antoine Cécile Hortense es CoT

Romantics (on view through May same time, aristocratic women Haudebourt-Lescot, a painter of ( R ART ny. ResouRCe, -l F RT 27), which showcases works from supported France’s emerging scenes from everyday life, as well

the Louvre, Versailles, and other community of female artists. These as notable French events and ux / A

French cultural institutions. patrons and communities outside leaders at Versailles udebou RT ion A The exhibit features 78 pieces the established art world helped • Late-18th-century painter nAT

(paintings, sculptures, and prints) women navigate this complex time Marguerite Gérard, best known H A ense created between 1750 and 1848 and build impressive careers. for her scenes of domestic life

by more than 30 artists, including • Julie Charpentier’s sculpture of Ho RT ile Julie Charpentier, Antoine Cécile Artist highlights Italian Baroque painter Domeni- ➺ Hortense Haudebourt-Lescot, Among the 30-plus artists included co Zampieri, and Félicie de Cé C oine Highest hoNoRs Félicie de Fauveau, Elisabeth- in the exhibition, don’t miss: Fauveau’s metal letter opener in n 2006, NMWA founder Wilhelmina Holladay received the Chevalier de la Légion Louise Vigée-Lebrun, and • Royal favorite Elisabeth-Louise the shape of a dagger An T ): d’Honneur (a Knight of the Legion of Honor), the French government’s highest award. esy of Réunion des Musées des Réunion of esy Adélaïde Labille-Guiard. Vigée-Lebrun, who painted • Self-portraits by Rose Adélaïde RT IHolladay’s services to the arts in France led to a partnership between NMWA and the Cou Many of these artists worked Queen Marie Antoinette at Ducreux and Nanine Vallain (lef T ART Louvre, which helped make the Royalists to Romantics exhibition possible.

72 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 73 National Museum of Women in the Arts

Untiring artistry CloCkWise fRoM lefT, CHAkAiA bookeR’s TAKE OUT (RubbeR TiRe And sTAinless sTeel), bookeR’s PASS THE BUCK (inTeRloCking pieCes of CiRCulAR RubbeR), And niki de sAinT pHAlle’s THE THREE GRACES.

automobile tires. She cuts, shapes, folds, and weaves discarded tires with worn-out treads into im- mense, richly textured works of scULPtED garden art reminiscent of African textiles. ooker’s installation in “It is wonderful that NMWA will NMWA’s outdoor sculpture celebrate its 25th anniversary with bgarden consists of four a new installation of Chakaia pieces. she designed three in Booker’s sculpture,” says NMWA 2008: Gridlock (a pair of twisted director Susan Fisher Sterling. sculptures made from shredded “Booker’s art, which transforms tires), Take Out (shaped like a old automobile tires into monu- picture frame, bordered with looping tire tendrils), and mental organic abstractions, is the Pass the Buck (a circular work with interlocking pieces of New York perfect choice for a traffi c median rubber). booker created the fourth piece specifi cally for Avenue that has been turned into a the New York Avenue project. Inside the museum, check sculpture island.” out her Acid Rain, a 9-by-16 foot, 2,000-pound wall piece. scULPtURE To Booker, wheels and tires embody universal themes of mobility and progress, as well as PRoJEct cultural diversity. From a distance, this year people, like tires, may appear at nmwa/ uniform. But upon closer inspec- Upcoming Exhibitions tion, tires aren’t just black, thanks to rust stains, different textures and patterns, and discoloration. Booker’s use of worn-out tires also symbolizes the circle of life — people begin like new, freshly treaded tires, which eventually wear down over time. But one thing’s for sure — we will never grow tired of what’s next at NMWA’s sculpture garden. Stay Connected The Broad Strokes blog n a city where traditional It’s also the only outdoor front of the museum and became (womeninthearts.wordpress memorials and monuments sculpture corridor that exclusively an instant downtown landmark. .com) gives a behind-the- perch on almost every shows work by women. Opened in This month, on International scenes look at all things corner, NMWA is shaking 2010, the garden rotates contempo- Women’s Day (March 8), contem- NMWA. Get real-time things up with its New York rary installations every two years. Its porary sculptor Chakaia Booker updates and connect with IAvenue Sculpture Project. This fi rst exhibit featured the work of unveils four pieces in the garden. other museum patrons on outdoor sculpture garden, located French sculptor Niki de Saint Although wildly different from Facebook (facebook.com/ in front of the museum on New Phalle. Four of her brightly colored de Saint Phalle’s colorful pieces, womeninthearts) and Twitter York Avenue, is one of the most mosaic sculptures, including Nana Booker’s art is no less striking. (@WomenInTheArts). Check visible and popular public art on a Dolphin, #23 Basketball Player, The New York–based sculptor uses in soon for updates on the

projects in D.C. and The Three Graces, towered in an unlikely material — recycled fRAnk espiCH THis pAge: Sculpture Project.

74 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 75 National Museum of Women in the Arts NATIONAL 25 MUSEUM this year at nmwa/ Upcoming Exhibitions of WOMEN Fierce & Feminine YEARS in the ARTS MAdoNNA’s bustIeR FRoM tHe 1990 bLoNd ART LOVERS AMbItIoN touR

Women Who No. 15 CARLA HALL OCCUPATION: Chef, TV Host, Entrepreneur, Teacher MY FAVORITE ARTWORK: Snake Man by Alison Rock:Vision, Passion, Power Saar, 1994 WHY IT MOVES ME: I’m immediately drawn September 7, 2012–January 6, 2013 to the striking contrast of gold, red and gray. Then I find myself mesmerized by the white space of the eyes. The MWA is ready to artists who shaped rock ’n’ roll. Pop music was the name of painting makes me stand tall, which in rock! Or it will be The story begins in the 1920s the game in the 90s, thanks to nd Museu M turn makes me feel strong. For me, this e A when Women Who with the smoky blues sounds of Madonna, Britney Spears, and painting is about power and grace. Rock rolls into its and . Janet Jackson, to name a few. And VISITING NMWA SINCE: 1997 halls in September. Later, Ruth Brown and Wanda today, artists from Lady Gaga and ll of fAM TheN exhibition celebrates women’s Jackson doo-wopped through the Taylor Swift to Rihanna and Adele extraordinary contributions to rock 50s, followed by cherubic girl dominate the world stage.

’n’ roll, from its bluesy beginnings groups like The Supremes and Women Who Rock debuted nd Roll H A

to today’s pop hits. The Shangri-Las in the early 60s. last year at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll k A This engaging and interactive Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Hall of Fame and Museum to high show, the first of its kind in the Nicks, and Joan Jett embodied the praise. The Wall Street Journal JOIN US! world, features more than 70 fe- revolutionary mood of the late called it “thoroughly entertaining,”

esy of THe Ro C esy Support NMWA as a Silver Charter Friend and enjoy free admission at male artists. Listening stations and 60s and 70s. And Debbie Harry, and Rolling Stone hailed its 550 museums nationwide, plus a subscription to Women in the Arts! artifacts, from handwritten lyrics to Pretenders’ frontwoman Chrissie “stunning collection of artifacts.” ou RT

guitars and stage outfits, videos, and Hynde, and Cyndi Lauper kept us See for yourself when the exhibit o C

more, tell the story of the women singing through the punk ’80s. sets up at NMWA this September. pH oT 1250 New York Ave., NW • 202.783.5000 • nmwa.org • 2 blocks north of Metro Center Station

76 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 77

Concept & Design: WiT-inc.com • Photo: Max Hirshfeld • Art: Alison Saar, Snake Man, 1994, woodcut and lithograph on paper, 33 1/2 x 42 1/2”, National Museum of Women in the Arts, gift of Steven Scott, , in honor of the artist.

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Clara Peeters { COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS {

lara Peeters (1594–1657) they hadn’t heard of Peeters an early pioneer in still-life is the artist who started and to explore other forgotten painting who fi rst started Cit all! While founder women artists. that question painting at 14. From the slippery Wilhelmina Holladay and her sparked their passion for fi sh scales and glazed clay husband, Wallace, were travel- bringing recognition to forgot- colander to the cat’s fur and GiRL PoWER ing in europe, Peeters’ still lifes ten women artists, which grew feathered shrimp tails, Still Life piqued their interest in collect- into the National Museum of of Fish and Cat is a fi ne example Tour ➺ ing women artists. Women in the Arts. of her ability to capture details they began to wonder why Peeters, a Flemish artist, was and textures of everyday life. lanning a trip to National Women’s Party the daughters of the d.C.? the Girl Power (NWP) headquarters, the American Revolution tour Package offers sewall-belmont House and Museum boasts 31 period PCapitol City visitors Museum commemorates rooms, from a one-room an all-access pass to three women’s quest for equality. Pilgrim dwelling to a Victo- museums highlighting Collection highlights include: rian parlor. the rooms women’s contributions to NWP artifacts (banners from showcase more than 30,000 the arts throughout history: parades and demonstra- objects from the 18th and National Museum of Women tions), susan b. Anthony’s 19th centuries, including in the Arts (NMWA), the desk, elizabeth Cady stan- furniture, ceramics, textiles, sewall-belmont House and ton’s chair, and a library with and silver. Museum, and the daughters more than 10,000 books, tours include breakfast, of the American Revolution women’s magazines, suf- lunch, or afternoon tea at Museum. frage journals, NWP event NMWA. Info: 202.783.7367 Located in the former photos, and more. or nmwa.org.

➺ARt Extravaganza Saint Louis Art Museum (MO) Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, t the Friend level and The Phillips Collection Santa Fe (NM) above, NMWA members East Coast Dallas Museum of Art (TX) A enjoy free admission and Baltimore Museum of Art (MD) Modern Art Museum of discounts at 500 museums nation- Academy of Fine Arts, Fort Worth (TX) wide. No matter where your travels Philadelphia (PA) West Coast take you, you’ll fi nd a top-notch The Frick Collection, New York Museum of Contemporary Art museum to visit. The following are City (NY) (MOCA), Los Angeles (CA) just a few highlights. When you Norman Rockwell Museum, Fine Arts Museums of San visit, look for women artists! Stockbridge (MA) Francisco: de Young Museum High Museum of Art, Atlanta (GA) and Legion of Honor (CA) Washington, D.C. Salvador Dali Museum, The Walt Disney Family Museum, Corcoran Gallery of Art St. Petersburg (FL) San Francisco (CA) The Textile Museum Midwest and Mountain Hillwood Estate, Museum Detroit Institute of Arts (MI) To learn more, call Member and Gardens Milwaukee Art Museum (WI) Relations at 866.875.4627, and visit

The Kreeger Museum Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MN) nmwa.org for the list of museums. CLARA PEETERS, STILL LIFE OF FISH AND CAT, N.D.; OIL ON PANEL, 13 1/2 X 18 1/2 IN.; NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS; GIFT OF WALLACE AND WILHELMINA HOLLADAY

78 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 79 National Museum of Women in the Arts

ABC Online Want to learn more? Go to artbookscreativity.org to download the aBc curricu- Off the lum for free. You’ll fi nd lesson plans, “how-to” videos on bookmaking, artist bios, the teachers connect blog, and more. WAllS “the Web site supports nMWa fashions tools teachers who may not have an arts background,” says for teachers and schools. Deborah Gaston, nMWa’s director of education.

n classrooms across the offers interactive, age-appropriate developed for fourth-grade country, NMWA’s educa- tours and classroom lessons for classrooms, but there’s a lot of tional outreach extends far D.C.-area schools, but its educa- fl exibility. “We created a model beyond the walls of the tional programming doesn’t end curriculum that can be adapted and museum. there. The cornerstone of its used in many different situations to IThe museum’s national outreach educational outreach is the Art, integrate the arts,” Gaston says. efforts took root in 1999 with the Books, and Creativity (ABC) The curriculum helps students production of a 24-page booklet, initiative, which integrates art into understand the natural connections Exploring Art, a kid-friendly guide elementary-school core curricula between language arts and visual he museum offers to visiting an art museum. This book and provides related professional arts by enabling them to create their PROgRAMS ➺ a wide range of proved popular and is still in use development for educators. “It’s the own artists’ books, such as pop-up at NMWA tprogramming for today, along with an accompanying most ambitious program we’ve put and accordion books. NMWA is a kids of all ages. and the teachers’ guide. together,” says Deborah Gaston, leading supporter of artists’ books, best part? they’re free! NMWA’s programs have grown NMWA’s director of education. which use a variety of methods to Weekend Family and evolved — the museum now The ABC curriculum was combine word and form. The all subjects,” Accardi says. “When express themselves in writing and Programs, held the fi rst museum has more than 1,000 I taught multiplication tables, we visual media was remarkable. These sunday of the month, artists’ books in its collection, created 3-D books. The books visual thinking strategies helped my offer children ages 6–12 ranging from traditional tomes to traveled nicely with them … They students open up and gain insights (and accompanying sculptures and wall pieces. could take the books on the bus, into the pictures, charts, and graphs adults) hands-on art Michelle Accardi, a National and home to review their skills. in their science and math books.” activities, artist work- Board Certifi ed Teacher in Once I put math into a visual To help teachers understand and shops, music and dance Albuquerque, New Mexico, saw format that was fun to interact apply the ABC curriculum, NMWA performances, storytell- an “amazing transformation” in with, I saw a lot of the kids who hosts an annual, weeklong Summer ing, exhibition tours, and her students after applying the had struggled to learn really grasp Teacher Institute and provides free much more. ABC curriculum. Accardi, who the concept.” support materials and resources on the popular role Model does not have an art background, Accardi’s students also received the ABC Web site. Workshops, geared toward used the program’s bookmaking a sketchbook to encourage self- “This program is just so middle- and high-school techniques to help her students expression through drawing and well-crafted,” Accardi says. “It students, bring teens learn math, social studies, writing. wasn’t just a one-time seminar. We together with women and science. “I’ve never been an artsy person, had follow-up, constant contact artists for a hands-on “The ABC curriculum uses so it never occurred to me to give with other teachers through the workshop that combines visual learning strategies that really them a sketchbook,” she says. “But ABC Web site, and great support art-making with conversa- tion and career advice. artful Learning enhanced my students’ learning in their willingness and ability to from the NMWA staff.”

80 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 81 National Museum of Women in the Arts ith more than 1,000 artists’ books, nMWa boasts one of the world’s largest collections hung Liu of this contemporary art form. Untitled (From W collection highlights “Seven PoSeS What is an artist’s book? You won’t find these in SerieS”), 2005, digital Print on your local library. artists make them by using a variety PaPer, 14 x 14 in., giFt oF the of bookmaking techniques combining word and form. greater KanSaS Lavinia {FontanaElisabetta Gut { City area they may resemble traditional books or accordion- Committee oF the national style tomes; some appear as scrolls, and others take mUSeUm oF Women in the the shape of sculptures or wall pieces. some artists’ artS (2007.87.5) books have images and text; others do not. these unique works and limited editions leave an indelible impression on audiences. italian artist elisabetta Gut (b. 1934) placed a dictionary inside a cage, where it can be seen but not read. this symbolizes the power of the written and spoken word to isolate or liberate.

December Second, Grace HartiGan, 1959, oil on canvas, 48 x 72 in. It Takes a VillAge Across the world, NMWA committees support the museum and women artists.

rom Texas to Italy, kind of support system,” says Ilene Gutman, who notes that less than London to Los Angeles, Gutman, NMWA’s deputy director 5 percent of the works in museums dedicated NMWA of museum advancement and are by female artists. members work to national and international affairs. NMWA’s Women to Watch support the museum Committees enhance the program links closely to the com- Fand to raise the profiles of women museum in many ways, including mittees, which identify emerging artists in their regions. donating works to the collection, and artists to nominate for an NMWA The museum’s 13 domestic and funding programs and exhibitions. exhibition. seven international committees But perhaps most noteworthy, they “We really get people talking connect people around the world advance the museum’s mission by about the importance of a museum to the museum and increase its helping female artists achieve the like this one,” says Belinda de international presence. Nearly recognition they deserve. Gaudemar, a member of the Paris 1,000 NMWA members make up “Our committees educate their Committee, which hosts events and these volunteer-run action groups. regions on the importance of art by participates in Women to Watch. “We are one of the only women, and encourage museums “We act as a network of ambassadors museums in the world with this to show works by women,” says to define and promote NMWA’s

eliSabetta gUt, booK in a Cage, 1981; Wood, Wire, and FrenCh-italian diCtionary, 4 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 5 1/4 in.; national mUSeUm oF Women in the artS; giFt oF the artiSt

82 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 83 National Museum of Women in the Arts collection highlights

rosa Bonheur the highland raid, 1860; oil on CanvaS, 51 x 84 in.; national mUSeUm oF Women in the artS; giFt oF WallaCe and Wilhelmina holladay { Elisabetta Sirani { talian royals collected the portraits and religious ipieces of Bolognese painter elisabetta sirani (1638–1665), who was known for painting large- scale works quickly, often in front of a crowd of admirers. While Virgin and Child shows Mary as a young italian mother wearing plain clothing, hints of embellish- ment are found in the gold tassel and headscarf.

mission.” held a silver exhibition and sale last and internships, and they’ve Many committees host activities month showcasing the work of 17 sponsored the conservation of 29 throughout the year, including English women silversmiths. Other works. The Texas State Committee, events focused on specific themes or programs include a tour of the silver the first of the outreach groups, has artists. To celebrate NMWA’s silver collection at the Victoria and Albert generously contributed to the anniversary, the London committee Museum, a visit to the silver auctions endowment and other programs. at Christie’s, and a lecture and Committees also host seminars gallery exhibition on silver prints. and meetings, as well as hold NMWA ➺ Committees will commemorate curator-led tours at local museums Committees the museum’s 25th anniversary all featuring work by female artists. national year. In Georgia and Mississippi, The Mississippi State committee alabama groups are organizing May events to holds its Annual Honored Artists’ arizona highlight the museum’s work, while Luncheon recognizing local female arkansas other committees will donate pieces artists for their achievements. california: southern or fund museum programs. While the committees are colorado In addition to bringing women making major strides in advancing Georgia artists to the forefront at the local women artists, members are not illinois level, NMWA committees contrib- required to be art experts. Greater Kansas city area ute art from the museum’s wish list. “I have no art background . . . Massachusetts Recent gifts include: a Rose Wylie I only took one art history course Mississippi painting from London, a series of in college,” says Patti White, a new Mexico seven Hung Liu prints from the founding member of the London Pennsylvania Greater Kansas City Area commit- committee. “I’m involved because texas tee, and a Helen Lundeberg piece it’s so important to balance the international from the Southern California representation. Women have been Florence affiliation. Committees also link truly underrepresented, and it’s Greece NMWA to collectors in their region. important to have greater apprecia- Milan For example, the New Mexico group tion for the women artists who work Paris provided a connection that led to a now and who worked historically.” Prague gift of four Mary Cassatt prints. And those who will work in the United Kingdom In addition, committees give future, thanks to NMWA’s active eliSabetta Sirani, virgin and Child, 1663, oil on CanvaS, 34 x 27 1/2 in., giFt oF WallaCe and Wilhelmina holladay. ConServation FUndS generoUSly Provided by the SoUthern CaliFornia State Committee oF the national mUSeUm oF Women in the artS. (1985.289) vancouver funds to the museum’s scholarships committees.

84 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com march 2012 85 National Museum of Women in the Arts

Legend o’keeffe’s Jack-in- PulPit - no. 2, currently on view At nMwA, on loAn froM the nAtionAl gAllery of Art Other Participating MuseuMs➺ American University at the Katzen Arts Center DAR Museum Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Garden Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden National Building Museum Smithsonian American Art Museum

Smithsonian National eeffe Museum of African Art Smithsonian National eorgi A o’k

Museum of Natural g History The Textile Museum

Georgia O’Keeffe’s 1930 Jack-in-Pulpit Abstraction - No. 5 ollection, Bequest of Bequest ollection,

• National Museum of the c American Indian: Nora Naranjo-Morse’s 2007 tieglitz tieglitz sculpture Always Becoming s • National Portrait Gallery: Great Washington Museums Celebrate American painter Alice Neel’s Self-Portrait Great Women artists • The Phillips Collection: s, 40 x 30 in.; Alfred in.; 30 x 40 s,

O’Keeffe’s From the White Place A

n a collaboration generated artist Maria Sibylla Merian’s • Smithsonian Anacostia nv by NMWA, more than 1719 engravings Community Museum: pioneer 20 museums and institu- • Folger Shakespeare Library: of African-American art Samella tions citywide will showcase Susanna Centlivre’s 1706 play Lewis’s oil-on-canvas Dance one work by a woman artist The Basset-table • Smithsonian National o. 2, 1930; oil on c A on oil 1930; 2, o.

throughout 2012. Be sure to check • Inter-American Development Museum of American History: n

I - it them out! Bank: Colombian artist Olga de ’s 1933 Amaral’s Riscos calizos inaugural ball gown by designer What to See • The Kreeger Museum: Sally Milgrim

• Art Museum of the Americas: Martha Jackson-Jarvis’s sculpture • U.S. Capitol building: P A ck-in-Pul Cuban artist Amelia Pelaez’s Markings and Dalya Luttwak’s Vinnie Ream’s marble statue Blue Angel When Nature Takes Over of Abraham Lincoln, the first • Corcoran Gallery of Art: • Library of Congress: government-commissioned J o’keeffe, Joan Mitchell’s 1979 impression- ’s 1936 photo- piece by a woman artist istic painting Salut Tom graph Migrant Mother For more information, visit

• Dumbarton Oaks: German • The National Gallery of Art: nmwa.org. georgi A Art:

86 march 2012 usairwaysmag.com