Women in Media-Newark Announces “Women in the World,” a Women’s History Month Art Exhibit at Three Locations

 Women in Media-Newark is pleased to announce the opening of its innovative art exhibit “Women in the World: A Visual Perspective,” which will be on display at three separate locations.  Rutgers University-Newark’s Paul Robeson Art Galleries, Monmouth University’s Pollak Gallery, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Victoria Lobby will each host a special segment of the exhibit.  This art exhibition is presented as a part of “Women in the World,” Women in Media – Newark’s eighth annual Women’s History Month Film Festival that will take place from March 28 – April 6 at venues throughout the state.

Curated by renowned New Jersey artists Gladys Barker Grauer and Adrienne Wheeler, this exhibit seeks to give voice to an international collection of women artists who provide their individual interpretations of the theme.  Grauer and Wheeler petitioned the artists to reflect on the theme, stating that, “Through much of the world, women and girls are objectified, discriminated against, and subjected to intimidation and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.  Despite social, economic, and educational subjugation, women in every corner of the planet are strong, innovative, resourceful, and determined to triumph over adversity….” The artists were then asked to submit work that either literally or metaphorically related to the theme.

The curators stated that “Close to 40 of the most prolific women painters, photographers, and print makers in New Jersey responded to our invitation. We had the difficult task of making our selections for the exhibit from more than 200 pieces of the most exquisite works of art.”

This not-to-be missed exhibit features work in varied materials, mediums, and techniques including photography, prints, mixed media, sculpture and oils. Highlights of the show include:

• At Monmouth University, “Grace Sneaking Past Mortality,” showing the beauty of the aged body by Grace Graupe Pillard, “The Peacock Dance” from Toni Thomas’ Chinatown Series, and “Mom,” which features Caren King Choi’s  unique technique of using minute pieces of paper to form figures;
• at Rutgers’ Paul Robeson Art Gallery,-“Love,” octogenarian sculptor Dolores Stewart’s Easter hat which is sculpted based on childhood memories; and “Eleanor Bumpurs,” Danielle Scott’s tribute to the slain, mentally handicapped Eleanor Bumpurs;
• at NJPAC, “Immigrant Moment” from  Aileen Bassis, as well as works from Newark Print shop founder Lisa Conrad.

The schedule for the exhibit is:

• Rutgers’ Paul Robeson Art Gallery, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark,  Jan. 17 – March 29, with opening reception at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23;
• Pollak Gallery  at Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch, N.J., Feb. 1 – March 17, opening reception at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 10; 
• New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Victoria Lobby, 1 Sarah Vaughan Way, Newark, March 1 – 29, opening reception on at 5:30 p.m. on March 1.

As part of the March 1 reception at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Women In Media – Newark will give special recognition to vocalist Wincey Terry-Bryant for her work to combat human trafficking.  Following Terry-Bryant’s recognition,  Robeson Gallery curator Anonda Bell will moderate “Say Her Name: The Artist’s Role in Socio/Political Commentary,” a discussion featuring an international panel of artists including fine artists Dominique Duroseau and Gladys B. Grauer, pianist Amina Figarova, and poet Rashida Ismaili.

All events are free and open to the public. MEDIA CONTACT: Pamela Morgan, 973-996-8342, info@wim-n.com

About Women In Media-Newark
Women In Media – Newark is an organization that advocates for and educates the public about issues affecting the lives of women using film, video and new media as our platform. Merging culture and academia, we rally behind our sisters who courageously struggle to assume leadership roles in the film industry with their conscious effort to present a balanced image of women, dispelling the stereotypes and changing public perception of their sisters worldwide.

About Rutgers University – Newark
Rutgers University - Newark is a diverse, urban, public research university that is an anchor institution in New Jersey’s cultural capital.  Approximately 12,000 students are currently enrolled at its 38-acre campus in a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered through the Newark College of Arts and Sciences, University College, the Graduate School-Newark, Rutgers Business School-Newark and New Brunswick, the Rutgers Law School, the School of Criminal Justice, and the School of Public Affairs and Administration.

At a historical moment when our cities, our state, our nation, and our world desperately need higher education to fulfill its promise as an engine of discovery, innovation, and social mobility, Rutgers University – Newark is exceptionally well positioned to fulfill that promise. It has a remarkable legacy of producing high-impact scholarship that is connected to the great questions and challenges of the world. It has the right mix of disciplines and first-rate interdisciplinary centers and institutes to take on those questions and challenges.  It is in and of a city and region where its work on local challenges undertaken with partners from sectors resonates powerfully throughout our urbanizing world.  Most importantly, Rutgers University - Newark brings an incredible diversity of people to this work—students, faculty, staff, and community partners—making it more innovative, more creative, more engaging, and more relevant for our time and the times ahead. For more information please visit www.newark.rutgers.edu.