January 29, 2004

'Celebrate Women' exhibit opens Feb. 6

by Paula M. Davenport

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A stunning museum exhibit -- composed of new art works by some of the area's most gifted women -- opens Friday, Feb. 6, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Contemporary quilts, fiber art and paintings are just a few of the works judges selected for display in this popular, annual "Celebrate Women" show at the University Museum. Many of the pieces will be available for sale through a silent auction, and artists will donate a portion of the proceeds to a scholarship fund that assists female students at SIUC.

The museum is in the north wing of Faner Hall. Admission is free.

The exhibit becomes the backdrop of a Wednesday, March 17, afternoon celebration/fundraiser featuring music, food, a chance to place final bids and much more. Suggested donation will be $10 and proceeds go to the scholarship fund.

See the new show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays through Mondays.

The 24 artists participating in this year's exhibit are: Villa Bedell, Sarah Capps, Luca Cruzat, Cathy Rollo Earnhart, Roberta Elliott, Brenda Fleming, Patricia Frazee, Mandy Gerth, Kathy Gibson, Joanna Gray, Sherrie Grob, Judy Groskind, Betty Grotti, Marguerite Hays, Jennifer Johns, Zoe Lightfoot, Terri McSherry, Mary Pachikara, Jerri Reichert, Pam Riddle, Marie Samuel, Brenda Seyer, Sarah Shoot, and Sue Stewart.

The SIUC Women's Caucus, Women's Studies, the University Museum, University Women's Professional Advancement and the American Association of University Women-Carbondale provide the leadership for the scholarship program.

Strengthening the scholarship program is among the goals of Southern at 150, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.