Like many creative professions, being an artist can be an isolating experience. The classic image of an artist quietly working in solitude still applies for many, which is why organizations that create community provide so much to artists beyond simple camaraderie. Groundbreaking Women, a new show at the Chester County Art Association, shows what being an ARTsister is all about.
“The point of Groundbreaking Women, as I see it, is to honor the women (some famous, some not) who have helped us or inspired us as artists,” said Laurie Lamont Murray, a member of ARTsisters and co-curator of this exhibition along with ARTsister Francis Beaty and CCAA President John Baker. “And by that definition, all our members qualify!” The exhibition includes works from many ARTsisters in various mediums. “In our group, you’ll find every medium and style, so there is always the support and knowledge of another member when you are stuck or want to try something new.”
“Being an artist is both my profession and my passion, but it can also be a very lonely occupation,” said Marjie Lewis Quint. “My sister artists give me creative feedback, encouragement, companionship.”
When coming together to create this exhibition, the idea of Groundbreaking Women truly inspired many of the artists. Some chose mentors as their inspiration, such as Blanche Levitt Torphy, who said, “My choice of a groundbreaking woman who influenced my work was Laurie Daddona,” who has been “my inspiration for creating art for the past 15 years.” Working together created a unique experience for Torphy: “Under her tutelage, Laurie has taught me that creating art can be joyful and expressive of one’s inner spirit.”
Other artists were inspired by more familiar faces. “My personal groundbreaking woman is Barbie,” said Quint. We are all living in the Year of Our Barbie 2023, but Quint has been fascinated with the superstar for many decades. “I played with her, my daughters played with her, and generations of girls have recognized the power of a woman who can unapologetically do anything. She owns her own home, has cars, closets of clothes, and has been everything from astronaut to dancer to doctor. She is everywoman and I love that she continues to inspire.”
The uniqueness of the ARTsisters organization shines in this exhibition. “Although I’ve been creating art all of my life, I was not a ‘trained’ artist and did not attend art school,” said Marcie Ziskind. “When I was finally ready (in my 60s) to start showing my art and possibly selling, I was looking for some mentorship and exhibiting opportunities. ArtSisters has been all of that and more! Each person in ArtSisters has given me something that I can use in my practice, whether it’s support or advice or encouragement or just someone to listen and hear my story. I’ve gained so much from this group of empowering, groundbreaking women.”
“I look forward to seeing tributes to the women who energized my fellow artists,” said Quint. “I hope visitors are themselves empowered, inspired, excited, and charmed by these groundbreaking women and the women artists following in their footsteps.”
This exhibition includes installations and constructions that visitors will be able to walk through, creating a multidimensional experience for visitors. It also gives perspective on the challenges women artists still face. “Although the percentage of working artists identifying as women or men is about equal, women are grossly underrepresented in major US museum collections,” noted Murray. “I would like viewers to recognize the important contributions that women have made in the arts and to work to turn the tide by supporting women artists.”
“We are all women artists, and we have so much in common with each other. But we are also vastly different in our art styles, perspectives, experiences, and lifestyles,” said Ziskind. “Despite the differences, we can converge to work towards a common goal, whether it is to put our art out there, raise money for excellent causes, or change the existing norms in society.”
Groundbreaking Women showcases the power of community. Torphy noted that she hopes visitors “see how impressive the art is in this exhibition, and how women working together in a creative process can accomplish some amazing works of art.”
The Opening Reception for Groundbreaking Women will be held Thursday, September 14 from 5 to 7 p.m., and an Artist Talk will be held Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. Treasures from the Collection of Philip Jamison will also be on view. Both shows are on view through October 4. The CCAA is located at 100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester. More information can be found at ChesterCountyArts.org.
About Victoria Rose
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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