Friday, February 14, 2020

Fighting Climate Change with Art by Katie Burkholder


Fighting Climate Change with Art by Katie Burkholder

According to the Climate Clock, a website that tracks worldwide carbon emissions, we have about twelve years until the effects of climate change are irreversible. With many desperate for change, some are turning to art as activism; the Women’s Caucus for Art of Georgia (WCAGA) will be hosting One Earth/One Chance, an art exhibit of over 100 artists, to stand for an end to climate change... 

Read whole Article on georgiaVOICE

THANKS TO:
Katie Burkholder of GAVoice, for a terrific interview and article on this important issue.
Rose M Barron beautiful photo of your artwork.
Thanks for marketing, to WCAGA/Art+Activism committee member Susan Pelteson
& To Pat Del Rey for joining in & much appreciate your contributions to the interview.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Sunday, June 30, 2019

CALL FOR ENTRY- MOOD: Frame of mind A WCAGA Juried Exhibit

Women's Caucus for Art of Georgia

CALL FOR ENTRY

MOOD: 

Frame of mind

 
A WCAGA Juried Exhibit

  • noun: temporary state of mind or feeling.
  • adjective: inducing or suggestive of a particular feeling or state of mind.
This year the Women’s Caucus for Art of Georgia will be showing photo-based work for Atlanta Celebrates Photography. We are delighted to have this exhibition juried by V. Elizabeth Turk and are asking that you submit work around the theme of MOOD
Works will illustrate, suggest or convey a feeling or state of mind and/or leave the viewer in a certain mood. Mood can be personal, political, historical or cultural. What mood are you in? What is the general mood of the world? Depicting a mood involves entering into or visualizing a certain state of mind or connecting with a feeling. 
Questions to consider: What changes your mood? What are all the different kinds of moods? When we talk about our moods we sometimes talk about the mood of the evening, the mood of a group, the mood of an artistic movement or symphony, the mood of the country or the world…What kinds of moods do we experience? Funny, sad, good, angry, peaceful, somber, calm, mysterious moods among so many others. 
Help us understand MOOD from your frame of mind. 
What is "Atlanta Celebrates Photography"? Click here to find out.

ABOUT THE JUROR:

Artist V. Elizabeth Turk was an undergraduate student of painting before making a life in photography–in which she holds a Master of Visual Arts Degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta. For decades she has mentored young photographers as a professor of photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta. Turk continues her active engagement with her peers as a career-long member of the Society for Photographic Education.
Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally and is collected by Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, the Polaroid USA Collection, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia in Atlanta, and the Lamar Dodd Art Center in LaGrange, GA. In 2005 she co-authored Mantle Pieces of the Old South: Lost Architecture and Southern Culture (The History Press) with writer William P. Baldwin,
Her awards and honors include: Georgia Women in the Visual Arts, Honoree;Georgia Council for the Arts, Individual Artist Grant; Fulton County (Atlanta) Arts Council, Individual Artist Grant; Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Individual Artist Grant.
Ms. Turk divides her time between Atlanta, Georgia and McClellanville, South Carolina.

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Important Dates:

 
Submission deadline: up to 5 images
Early Entry (August 1, 2019) - $25.00
Regular Entry (August 12, 2019) - $35.00

Notification of Selected Works: August 19, 2019
Work due to Gallery: Tuesday, Sept. 17
Opening Reception: Saturday, Sept 21st: 6 - 9PM
Artist/ Juror Talk: Saturday, October 19th
Closing: Sunday, October 27
  • All work must be photo-based. 
  • FOR WCAGA ACTIVE MEMBERS ONLY- JOIN by clicking here if you are not already a member or to renew your membership.
  • Size Limits: Length 7ft. max (framed), Width 50" max (framed) 
  • Please send images and Entry Form to: sandrinemonique@gmail.com with Subject heading: ACP MOOD SUBMISSION 
    • Title Images as follows: First Initial_Last Name_Image Title.jpg (S_Arons_HappyDays.jpg)
    • Fill this ENTRY FORM and send as PDF
    • Submitted images must be: 300 ppi and 2100 pixels on longest side.
  • 2 Payment Options: Write ACP MOOD SUBMISSION in the notes/memo section.
    • Send digital payments through PayPal to wcaga@wcaga.org
    • Mail check to: WCAGA, P.O. Box 8033, Atlanta, GA. 31106  and make payable to WCAGA.

  • All selected artists will be expected to volunteer as a gallery sitter during the exhibition.
  • All selected artists will receive an exhibition catalog.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

BEARING WITNESS: ART OF PROTEST (3) EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY

BEARING WITNESS: ART OF PROTEST (3)

EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY
Where: SYCAMORE PLACE GALLERY
             120 Sycamore Place
             Decatur, GA. 30030

When: Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, 2019
Calendar:
Submission Deadline: July 22
Notification of work chosen: Aug. 5
Drop off Work at Sycamore Place Gallery:  10-4 pm, Aug. 24
Opening reception: August 30
Pick up work: 10-4, Sept. 2
________________________________________________________________
Theme:
As individuals and societies, we witness injustices almost everyday. They materialize in different ways. Sometimes they are public and sometimes they are personal. We may feel traumatized by some, unable to verbalize our pain or our anger or we may feel empowered by others, prompting us to scream out and confront the source. Often times it feels like an avalanche of news lands on our screens or in our ears repetitively. It can be something about our current political status or it can be an injustice at work or within a personal relationship. No matter the injustice, it is upsetting and unsettling, traumatizing. Through psychology we have learned that the healthiest way to manage a traumatic experience is to share it with others, to exteriorize it somehow, to bear witness.
Continuing with our annual theme of Art of Protest, we invite you to submit artwork bearing witness to a situation you feel is important to highlight. We invite you to speak to us about what upsets you, what needs changing, what demands attention so that we may acknowledge it and help you process it.
General Info:
WCAGA Current Members: This exhibit is open and free to all WCAGA members in good standing. 
For non-members: There is a submission fee of $10.00. Please make checks payable to WCAGA and send to Sandrine Arons, 5131 Vinings Estates Way SE. Mableton, GA. 30126 or send through Venmo at Sandrine-Arons.

Note: Some images or parts of images may be used for the exhibition invitation and/or Decatur Book Festival program. If you DO NOT WANT your image to be used, please indicate this in your submission by checking the correct box.
Image Submission:
  • (a) Send 1-3 images and (b) Entry Form to sandrinemonique@gmail.com (see link below)
  • At least ONE image will be selected.
  • IMPORTANT: Email subject heading should say “BEARING WITNESS SUBMISSION”
  • Image Size should be 300 dpi and no larger than 1500pixels on the longest side.
  • Only artwork should be visible. No frames, backgrounds, etc..
  • Label each file as follows:  Number_Artist Name.jpg  (1_SandrineArons.jpg) The number should correspond to the application. 

Important Info:
  • All work should be ready to hang. 
  • If unusual hanging is required, please contact Sandrine Arons or Barbara Robinson to let one of us know in advance (emails below)
  • Submitting an entry form constitutes an agreement on the part of the artist with all the conditions in the prospectus.
Delivery and Pick-up of Work:
  • The artist is responsible for making arrangements for pick up and delivery of artwork from the gallery. If your work will be shipped from out of town, please make arrangements with a WCAGA member to receive your work.
 
  • Returns via shipping must provide proper packaging and postage or you may make necessary arrangements to have your work picked up by another WCAGA member. 

Any further questions should be directed at
Sandrine Arons (
sandrinemonique@gmail.com)
or Barbara Robinson (
basrobinson@bellsouth.net)

Monday, November 13, 2017

ART OF THE PROTEST: Part IV


During the Opening Reception, in addition to the installation of message driven visual art  at the WCAGA ART+ACTIVISM Art of the Protest show at Sycamore Place Gallery & Studios in Decatur on September 1, 2017,local area noted writers gave readings of their original poetry. George Hess’s poignant poem, White, which Hess read is published below with his permission. To inquire about reproduction, contact macbethgeorge@gmail.com


 
Opening Reception presenters    L-R: Jerry Cullum, Sylvia Cross, Rachael Bommacino and  George Hess (photo by Maggie Bethel) 


White


I am white



I have privileges 



Policemen don’t stop me and ask for my I D or search me for a weapon



Nor am I seen as a threat when I walk down the street



No one questions why I am where I am or suspects me of bad intentions



I am not suspected of being a liar or a cheat or a thief



No one questions what I have earned as legitimate



When I apply for a loan I am not asked for extra documentation



My social status is accepted as is the universality of my experiences



I’ve always felt safe when interacting with police officers



I have not experienced overt racism being used against me or my kin



When I speak my well-spoken and articulate voice is not questioned



I may sing, dance, and act as I please without being called a thug



I am not the only representative of my race



I never worry about my skin color, hair, or cultural accessories



When a crime is committed I am not an immediate suspect



I am not considered lazy or incompetent 



I will never be labeled as a terrorist



I have privileges



I am white.
Vickie: George Hess’s original poem, White,  may not need a visual image, but if you think appropriate, attached is one photo that Maggie Bethel had taken that is a possibility to use showing the presenters. They were waiting while Art +Activism director, Jenny Bell, was introducing them.   Let me know when this Blog PART IV gets posted. Thanks!  (This is the final blog from me right now. J) Flora ·         If you use the photo: …………..Suggested caption   Opening Reception presenters    L-R: Jerry Cullum, Sylvia Cross, Rachael Bommacino and  George Hess and. (photo by Maggie Bethel)                    ·         Following is a brief intro to the poem with attribution to George.   During the Opening Reception, in addition to the installation of message driven visual art  at the WCAGA ART+ACTIVISM Art of the Protest show at Sycamore Place Gallery & Studios in Decatur on September 1, 2017- local area noted writers gave readings of  their original poetry. George Hess’s poignant  poem, White, which Hess read is published below with his permission. To inquire about reproduction, contact macbethgeorge@gmail.com     White   I am white I have privileges Policemen don’t stop me and ask for my I D or search me for a weapon Nor am I seen as a threat when I walk down the street No one questions why I am where I am or suspects me of bad intentions I am not suspected of being a liar or a cheat or a thief No one questions what I have earned as legitimate When I apply for a loan I am not asked for extra documentation My social status is accepted as is the universality of my experiences I’ve always felt safe when interacting with police officers I have not experienced overt racism being used against me or my kin When I speak my well-spoken and articulate voice is not questioned I may sing, dance, and act as I please without being called a thug I am not the only representative of my race I never worry about my skin color, hair, or cultural accessories When a crime is committed I am not an immediate suspect I am not considered lazy or incompetent I will never be labeled as a terrorist I have privileges I am white.

Friday, November 10, 2017

ART OF THE PROTEST: ARTIST VOICES PART III

Several  artists who participated in the recent WCAGA ART+ACTIVISM Art of the Protest Show wrote brief statements about their work, which have been compiled in prior blog posts. However, Sandrine Arons, ART+ACTIVISM artist, had a lot more to say. Rather than only posting an excerpt, below is Arons’ full essay about her work Enough is Enough. As she said when submitting her words, “Thanks for this opportunity to express myself (it helps me get things straight in my mind and heart)”. 
Susanna and the Elders by Tintoretto  



“Enough is Enough” – The story behind the work
Photo Composite by Sandrine Arons

When I saw the call for the Art of Protest exhibit I was honestly a bit overwhelmed because my first thought was “where do I even begin?” We find ourselves in a time when there is so much to protest that I feel like my mind, emotions and hands (all used to process) can’t handle the increasing daily threat to our rights as individuals, in this country in particular, but in the world in general. There are so many ways that art can shed light on the issues and it also has the wonderful capacity to calm the mind and serve as a therapeutic tool.  My busy schedule often doesn’t leave me enough time to create the kind of art that expresses the inner workings of my mind and the kind of emotions that arise from my sometimes obsessive thoughts on current events. I feel like I simply displace the thoughts into the back of my mind to reach back for later, but these days it feels like it is all piling up and overflowing. 
For this exhibit, I decided to work on a piece that deals with a struggle I feel I have been fighting my entire life: women’s rights.  Until about 6 or 7 years ago I heartily believed that, even though true equality between the sexes still did not exist, we were moving in the right direction. Though I have always pushed against the gender binary, my battles with this felt  small and personal, albeit meaningful to me. Women’s voices were being heard and action was being taken at all levels, or so I thought. But even prior to this current administration, I began to notice a shift backwards. I noticed it not so much in the laws, as much as in the daily conversations I was having with male friends who were expressing a kind of frustration with “feminism” and “equality” (and some female friends as well who subscribe to well-defined gender roles).  They felt they were experiencing a reverse discrimination in the workplace or in family matters. Many expressed feeling it was unfair to have to work AND help with domestic chores. Many felt that it was unfair that they HAD to pay alimony to support their ex-wives even though those wives had given up careers to stay at home. They felt it was unfair that women form professional women’s groups to help themselves advance in a company structured around men’s needs. How many big companies, for example, offer daycare centers instead of gyms? I could empathize, but I would also point out why fairness in all those things is important and how men have never had to fight for those rights; they were born with them. The workplace was designed for them more than for women and this needs to change.
Enough is Enough by Sandrine Arons

Today we have a president who not only embodies those expressions of insecurity, but who is acting on and trying to change the laws women have fought so greatly and passionately to obtain.  And we have a vice-president who cannot even be alone with a woman because he sees only her potential as a sexual object whose seductive qualities may interfere with his own fidelity towards his spouse. Just writing that last sentence points to the absurdity and truly disheartening position into which women are now being driven. This is a reality I never truly felt as a woman born in the 70’s. I heard the stories of my mother’s generation and what they did to advance women’s rights. I heard stories from my mother that sounded so out of sync with my own reality that I was thankful that our culture had moved beyond that. For example, when my mother (who is French) first came to the United States in the early 60’s and wore her little French bikini on the beach, she was escorted off the beach by security because women were not allowed to show their belly buttons on public beaches. Whenever I heard that story, I laughed. How ridiculous! Wow! So glad we’re no longer there. So glad America has progressed. BUT YET, here we are again.  That could happen again if the men in power continue to slowly but surely cut away our rights. And, especially if women don’t speak up.


I chose the quotes that are printed on my piece to express how devastating and dangerous the laws against women can be. For decades, these laws have existed on the books but have been generally considered absurd and rarely acted upon.  However, with our current conservative and evangelical leaders, the possibility of recreating the same reality my mother lived is ever-increasing. And this is what prompted “Enough is Enough”. As a woman, I feel that my existence and my right to live freely is being threatened every day. I believe for months I have been riding a fog of disbelief (though not denial) that many of the rights I was born into are being reconsidered and up for debate. Instead of moving forward, this administration is hoping to move the clock backwards. That is why I chose Tintoretto’s 1555 masterpiece “Susanna end the elders” as the backdrop for my photograph.  The story of Susanna is copied below but exemplifies so much of the hateful, demeaning rhetoric and physical violence that women experience still today.  I see Trump and Pence now as symbols of the frustration those men in my life alluded to; their dissatisfaction and fear of women demanding rights to their own bodies, to equal pay, to full equality.  I’m not sure this is the result they wanted, but I believe the current administration echoes their fears and their silence is deafening. 
“Enough is Enough” is a reminder that this is an ancient and constant battle and that the aggression towards women and the obstruction to equal rights needs to STOP.  The road signs remind us to be cautious and keep alert for potential obstacles. The expression on my face in the painting is one of shock, the disbelief that we are back to this. Trump’s facial expression is one of violence, hatred and disdain while Pence appears to passively partake in the savagery of the moment silently and lustfully. The STOP signs communicate the female’s refusal to participate in this drama. No man, no matter how powerful, has the right to grab a woman however he chooses and no man has the right to tell a woman what she can or can’t do with her body. Trump and Pence taking the place of the two elders from Tintoretto’s painting is a way of expressing my desire that they also lose in the court of public opinion, and perhaps beyond that one day in legal court, much like in the story of Susanna and the Elders.
 Until then, let the protests go on…

Susanna and the Elders
Based on the 13th chapter from the Book of Daniel:

1 Now there was a man that dwelt in Babylon, and his name was Joakim:
2 And he took a wife, whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Helcias, a very beautiful woman, and one that feared God.
3 For her parents being just, had instructed their daughter according to the law of Moses.
4 Now Joakim was very rich, and had an orchard near his house: and the Jews resorted to him, because he was the most honourable of them all.
5 And there were two of the ancients of the people appointed judges that year, of whom the Lord said: That iniquity came out from Babylon, from the ancient judges, that seemed to govern the people.
6 These men frequented the house of Joakim, and all that hand any matters of judgment came to them.
7 And when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went in, and walked in her husband's orchard.
8 And the old men saw her going in every day, and walking: and they were inflamed with lust towards her:
9 And they perverted their own mind, and turned away their eyes, that they might not look unto heaven, nor remember just judgments.
10 So they were both wounded with the love of her, yet they did not make known their grief one to the other.
11 For they were ashamed to declare to one another their lust, being desirous to have to do with her:
12 And they watched carefully every day to see her. And one said to the other:
13 Let us now go home, for it is dinner time. So going out, they departed one from another.
14 And turning back again, they came both to the same place: and asking one another the cause, they acknowledged their lust: and then they agreed together upon a time, when they might find her alone.
15 And it fell out, as they watched a fit day, she went in on a time, as yesterday and the day before, with two maids only, and was desirous to wash herself in the orchard: for it was hot weather.
16 And there was nobody there, but the two old men that had hid themselves, and were beholding her.
17 So she said to the maids: Bring me oil, and washing balls, and shut the doors of the orchard, that I may wash me.
18 And they did as she bade them: and they shut the doors of the orchard, and went out by a back door to fetch what she had commanded them, and they knew not that the elders were hid within.
19 Now when the maids were gone forth, the two elders arose, and ran to her, and said:
20 Behold the doors of the orchard are shut, and nobody seeth us, and we are in love with thee: wherefore consent to us, and lie with us.
21 But if thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee, that a young man was with thee, and therefore thou didst send away thy maids form thee.
22 Susanna sighed, and said: I am straitened on every side: for if I do this thing, it is death to me: and if I do it not, I shall not escape your hands.
23 But it is better for me to fall into your hands without doing it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord.
24 With that Susanna cried out with a loud voice: and the elders also cried out against her.
25 And one of them ran to the door of the orchard, and opened it.
26 So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the orchard, they rushed in by the back door, to see what was the matter.
27 But after the old men had spoken, the servants were greatly ashamed: for never had there been any such word said of Susanna. And on the next day,
28 When the people were come to Joakim, her husband, the two elders also came full of wicked device against Susanna, to put her to death.
29 And they said before the people: Send to Susanna, daughter of Helcias, the wife of Joakim. And presently they sent.
30 And she came with her parents, and children and all her kindred.
31 Now Susanna was exceeding delicate, and beautiful to behold.
32 But those wicked men commanded that her face should be uncovered, (for she was covered) that so at least they might be satisfied with her beauty.
33 Therefore her friends, and all her acquaintance wept.
34 But the two elders rising up in the midst of the people, laid their hands upon her head.
35 And she weeping, looked up to heaven, for her heart had confidence in the Lord.
36 And the elders said: As we walked in the orchard alone, this woman came in with two maids, and shut the doors of the orchard, ans sent away the maids from her.
37 Then a young man that was there hid came to her, and lay with her.
38 But we that were in a corner of the orchard, seeing this wickedness, ran up to them, and we saw them lie together.
39 And him indeed we could not take, because he was stronger than us, and opening the doors, he leaped out:
40 But having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was, but she would not tell us: of this thing we are witnesses.
41 The multitude believed them, as being the elders, and the judges of the people, and they condemned her to death.
42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said: O eternal God, who knowest hidden things, who knowest all things before they come to pass,
43 Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me: and behold I must die, whereas I have done none of these things, which these men have maliciously forged against me.
44 And the Lord heard her voice.
45 And when she was led to be put to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young boy, whose name was Daniel:
46 And he cried out with a loud voice: I am clear from the blood of this woman.
47 Then all the people turning themselves towards him, said: What meaneth this word that thou hast spoken?
48 But he standing in the midst of them, said: Are ye so foolish, ye children of Israel, that without examination or knowledge of the truth, you have condemned a daughter of Israel?
49 Return to judgment, for they have borne false witness against her.
50 So all the people turned again in haste, and the old men said to him: Come, and sit thou down among us, and shew it us: seeing God hath given thee the honour of old age.
51 And Daniel said to the people: Separate these two far from one another, and I will examine them.
52 So when they were put asunder one from the other, he called one of them, and said to him: O thou that art grown old in evil days, now are thy sins come out, which thou hast committed before:
53 In judging unjust judgments, oppressing the innocent, and letting the guilty to go free, whereas the Lord saith: The innocent and the just thou shalt not kill.
54 Now then if thou sawest her, tell me under what tree thou sawest them conversing together: He said: Under a mastic tree.
55 And Daniel said: Well hast thou lied against thy own head: for behold the angel of God having received the sentence of him, shall cut thee in two.
56 And having put him aside, he commanded that the other should come, and he said to him: O thou seed of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty hath deceived tee, and lust hath perverted thy heart:
57 Thus did you do to the daughters of Israel, and they for fear conversed with you: but a daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness.
58 Now, therefore, tell me, under what tree didst thou take them conversing together. And he answered: Under a holm tree.
59 And Daniel said to him: Well hast thou also lied against thy own head: for the angel of the Lord waiteth with a sword to cut thee in two, and to destroy you.
60 With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and they blessed God, who saveth them that trust in him.
61 And they rose up against the two elders, (for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth) and they did to them as they had maliciously dealt against their neighbour,
62 To fulfil the law of Moses: and they put them to death, and innocent blood was saved in that day.
63 But Helcias, and his wife, praised God, for their daughter, Susanna, with Joakim, her husband, and all her kindred, because there was no dishonesty found in her.
64 And Daniel became great in the sight of the people from that day, and thence forward.

NOTE: Attribution for text used in the work "Enough is Enough" are from the article 7 Shockingly Sexist Laws in America That Can Be Used by Women Anytime  by Sarah Friedman.

Sunday, November 5, 2017

ART OF THE PROTEST; ARTIST VOICES PART II


Compiled by Flora Rosefsky

Below is a continuation of a series of blog articles about the recent WCAGA Art+Activism show, Art of the Protest”, where several participating artists gave voice to their work with thought provoking statements .    

Maxine Hess:  “Is This the New America”
My work is driven by challenging personal and current social issues often not openly discussed such as gun violence. I consider myself to be a visual sociologist, seeking to make sense of inexplicable experiences by contrasting repetitive use of patterns as in “Is This the New America,” a poster revealing a combination of the feminine support background with the harsh realities of the content, like the rows of automatic military style guns. That juxtaposition intends to provoke the viewer’s thinking and influence intellectual and emotional dialogue with others.
"IS THIS THE NEW AMERICA?" by Maxine Hess (courtesy of Hathaway Gallery)

Betty Juodis “The Women’s March”
I didn't go on the March on Inauguration Day but the one here in Atlanta.
"The Women's March" by Betty Juodis


Vivian Liddell: “Love is a Battlefield
The work is a monotype, with spray paint and sewn ribbon. These are common materials in my work; I'm very interested in blurring the lines between fine art and craft and in addressing a hierarchy of materials that seems outdated, but somehow still persists.
The words come from Pat Benatar's song from 1983: Love is a Battlefield. I often title paintings after the music I listen to when I'm working, or use lyrics in a work. I particularly enjoy revisiting songs that I loved as a young person with an adult ear— especially songs that haven't weathered the ages well—lyrics that I happily sang as a child that I now realize are "slightly" sexist, or at least a little creepy 
My work is overtly feminist, and for a WCAGA show, I wanted the piece to be for women. I was raised, like many Southern women, to be polite and to keep out of controversial discussion (sex, politics, religion...). This year, I've made an effort to be louder in my opinions—to stand up for myself and for others I felt like this song was a battle cry. We have to fight for the things and people we love. When Pat Benatar wrote this song, it seemed to be about the compromises that two people make when they're in a relationship. I think in order to love each other as a country, we also have to make compromises. That means both sides have to adjust. That also means that both sides have to be heard. To clarify, I don't mean to imply that there is a binary of ideas or views or genders-- but only to further the analogy of a relationship-- there are two people trying to work things out. Politically, I think we need to work things out in this same way- one on one. Specifically, I'd like to hear more women in the South standing up for their own beliefs and opinions, rather than deferring to what they feel like they "should" do or say.
"Love is a Battlefield" by Vivian Liddell
Leah Medley: ‘State of the Union”While I prefer to let imagery of “The State of The Union” speak for itself, I do have a comment on its construction. Being greatly inspired by the challenge of incorporating at least one piece of protest material, like poster board, I decided to use not one but only protest materials in this sculpture. The final piece contains foam core board, sign stakes, staples, nails, glue, various paints, a burned flag, and since I stepped barefoot on a piece of that smoldering flag, a little of my actual blood, sweat and tears. 
"State of the Union" by Leah Medley
Barbara Robinson: ”No ACA?”-“Climate Change” 
I have been drawing political cartoons since Junior High where I worked on the school newspaper. From that moment on I was hooked and that became my voice risen in protest. Doing those cartoons throughout high school, college and beyond was such a great training ground for the current political climate. And as I’ve been saying, this stuff really does write itself! The pieces I submitted for The Art of the Protest were actually used in 4 protest marches that I’ve participated in since January 21, 2017 (dare I say, “a day that will live in infamy”?)
"No ACA" and "What About Don’t You Get" by Barbara Robinson

Marya Roland"10 Trying Days" aka "10 Days of Trying".
My piece arose out of a personal desire to transmute my acute distress after #45's election into something positive and to figure out how to resist without "going low." I explored aversion and pro-activity with images and words for 10 days, and felt much better in general - and in particular - about resisting. (And it was fun.)I also did an online version of the book. Click HERE
"10 Trying Days" aka "10 Days of Trying" by Marya Roland

Flora Rosefsky:  “One Human Race”
The cardboard mail priority flattened box that I painted green while leaving the word priority in red open, became the perfect support for the paper cutout  text  I used to express a hopeful  message in what has become a more divisive and polarized political United States of America. Often accredited to an unknown author, the quote, “There is one race…the human race” has been used by famous people like Ghandi, Thomas E. Dewey and Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Let us stop the deep divisions that unleash so much hate – but rather appreciate and respect those who do not look like us, or who come from another religious or cultural perspective. 




"One Human Race" by Flora Rosefsky