In celebration of the strides women have made in the world of professional artists, the Women’s Center of Jacksonville has started a new program called Art and Soul.
“Galleries and art shows are well-mixed, but not when you get to the higher levels,” said Ellen McAnany, grants administrator at the center and former gallery director at Reddi-Arts Gallery 1037. “Only 5 percent of the permanent collections in national museums in the United States are women’s art. Collections built on earlier periods you can understand, but we have some catching up to do.”
“Women With Hearts of Gold” will be the first show, and the center will host an opening reception tonight. Over 100 creations from well-known, local women artists will be on display through the end of December. Shows will rotate quarterly. All pieces will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the center to continue the program.
Future shows going will focus on female artists from the Southeast, featuring calligraphy, paintings, sculpture, relief prints, collage, mixed media, photography and ceramics. Viewing hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment.