Brandywine Art Guide: Multiplicities – women in the arts – Chadds … – Chadds Ford Live

An untitled piece by Barbara Bullock.

Creating space for art is intentional. Historically, those spaces have been safeguarded for artists from certain backgrounds and roles. Creating space for those who in the past may have been excluded from galleries, exhibitions, and public displays can create unique challenges. Luckily, people have risen to that challenge over the years, leading to exhibitions such as Multiplicities, the show at the Regional Center for Women in the Arts that's opening this week. The 21 artists in the show, all from the Delaware Valley, represent a range of genres and generations.

RCWA, the Regional Center for Women in the Arts, has been creating space for women in the arts for the past twenty-two years. This exhibition, unlike many with a specific theme, is a survey exhibition, intending to highlight the work of many artists with diverse methods, media, and a multiplicity of outlooks on life, said Valetta, founder and director of the RCWA.

Good Instincts by Katherine Fraser.

The chosen artists have had careers spanning enough time to develop unique styles and who have shown their work in galleries and museums in the United States and abroad, said Valetta. From the figurative storytelling of Rachel Romano to the abstract meditations of Donna Usher, the range of subjects and methods tells a tale of the varied journeys of the artists. Women artists remember the past, consider the future, and live in the present, said Alice Oh, a participating artist.

The idea of what it means to be a woman artist is central to this show and to the mission of the RCWA. Since its inception, the non-profit organization has shown the work of established and emerging women artists. Through their exhibitions and shows, they raise funds for local charities that benefit women in need. The proceeds from Multiplicities will fund scholarships for young women at the Delaware College of Art and Design.

I cant think of a better set of skills for being an Artist, than being a Woman, said Lisa Bartolozzi. Celebrating the strengths that come from their perspectives is a key component of the show, allowing the viewer to ruminate on their perspectives. Donna Usher said, Creating art provides me with a poetic view of life that is meaningful, as well as a community and career that I am thankful for.

The community that exists not just locally, but among women in the arts worldwide, can create moments of joy. I save articles about women artists and rejoice in their and our success and perseverance, said Fran Gallun. Valetta added, The journey of a woman artist is like the salmon swimming uphill.

Taming of Orquevaux by Rachel Romano.

Many of the artists in the show have experienced a common theme for almost all women and share their struggles to be taken seriously. Do they think its a compliment when they tell me my work doesnt look like it was made by a woman? said Carol Cole.

People often respond when they hear Im an artist, My Grandchild makes wonderful art, added Libbie Soffer. The dismissal can even come from unexpected sources.

As Christine Stoughton said, A woman once inquired, What do you do? I said I was an artist. Her response was, I like to play around with making things too.

That challenge can create strength, especially when supported by the community. I am an artist who happens to be a woman, said Lois Schlachter.

Organic Language by Donna Usher.

A good reminder comes from Nancy Sarangoulis, who said, Art making has no gender.

Lynda Schmid has a reflective perspective: Im like the Hubble telescope. I have spherical aberrations in my mirrors but Im capable of seeing long distances.

In Multiplicities, those images and views have the chance to echo, resonate, and hopefully create meaning for those who take the opportunity to see.

Multiplicities is on display from May 19 through May 30 at the Toni and Stuart B. Young Gallery at the Delaware College of Art and Design. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The opening reception will be held Friday, May 19t from 5 to 7 p.m. (reservations are required by emailing CE@dcad.edu). DCAD is located at 600 North Market Street, Wilmington. More information can be found at RCAWeb.org orDCAD.edu.

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.

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