Photo by: Katie Mastroianni
The University of Denver is hosting an art exhibit titled, “The Multiple Identities and Experiences of DU Women” through Feb. 29.
As a part of the 13th Annual DU Women’s Conference, the exhibit showcases local artists as well as students and members of the DU community and presents a wide variety of artistic mediums and expressions.
Displaying the work of artists such as junior Marie Janiszewski and English Language Center Lecturer Ethel C. Swartley, the pieces explore the many different sides of woman-hood and what inspires women.
Adrienne Clay, office assistant for DU’s Facilities Management and Planning, whose photos and poems revealed her passion for art, used this exhibit as a way to present her many different artistic sides.
“I dabble in so many different art mediums like sculpture, pottery and embroidery. Hopefully I inspire women to be creative since I’ve been so inspired by different women in my life,” Clay said.
For Clay, art helps carry on the family values she grew up with.
“Growing up in an extremely artistic family where being creative was highly valued and we shared time with each other, I hope I have helped pass those values onto my own children,” Clay said.
Of her seven children, only one does not play an instrument and most are involved in some other form of art whether it is painting, singing or creative writing.
“Art is such an important part of people’s lives because you learn to communicate better and communicate your feelings. I laugh at groups of friends together who are all constantly on their cell phones. What do you get out of those conversations? People don’t spend enough time speaking together one-on-one. Communication, whether it’s good or bad, brings out some sort of emotion,” Clay said.
From charcoal drawings and oil paintings to quilts and photographs, the artists share both stories and experiences from their lives as well as exploring what it means to be women in society today.
Artist Marie Rose created watercolor and ink drawings of three distinct feminine forms titled “My Wives 1, 2 and 3.” Ethel C. Swartley’s quilt, titled, “The Light of the World Shines on Women” reflects the artist’s travels throughout the USA, Asia and Africa as an English as a Second Language Teacher.
The quilt was created in collaboration with nine additional quilters who had a block depicting specific countries and general ethnic groupings, according to the description of the piece.
Artists were contacted by an open e-mail invitation sent out into the community . The exhibit is open to the public during regular Driscoll Center hours 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
All the pieces are available for purchase, and prices vary from “negotiable” to $900. This exhibit precedes the 2008 DU Women’s Conference, which will be held March 7.
The theme for this year’s event is “Changing Perceptions: The Many Faces of Feminism.” Those interested can register for the event at www.du.edu/duwomen.
