GRL PWR in the City Gallery

Written by: Heather Dunaway
March 2023

GRL PWR is a showcase of works by 21 local artists that highlight the courage, ingenuity, hard work and power of women for Women’s History Month. Up from March 1st – April 26, 2023 in the City Gallery which is located in the lobby of the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building.

 

Women’s History Month is an annual, nationally declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

 

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. The proclamation stated, “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation.

Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well. As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, ‘Women’s History is Women’s Right.’ It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision. I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during National Women’s History Week, March 2–8, 1980. I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality –Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul. Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people.”

All artworks in this showcase are either made by or are inspired by women. Featured artists include: Jaxx Beck, Colleen Beyer Stewart, Angelika Selman- Bondar, Ronda Bryce, JOHN STONEY CANNON, Mel Cearley, Melissa Coffey, Thou Art Ju D, Heather René Dunaway, Jessica Graham, Alissa Marie Curtis, June Klement, Francie Klopotic, Kyra Cumpton Leseberg, ERICA PASTECKI, Sindhu Pillai, Avery Prather, M K Rufo, Rosanne Stutts, Ondaree Kelley Tucker and Cameron Young.

 

A reception for GRL PWR was held on Friday, March 10th in the City Gallery from 11am-1pm. More than 35 guests were in attendance to view this body of works. All are currently for sale. Those interested in making a purchase to contact the Arts Council at 706-826-4702 or email [email protected]