IWC!

Just nicely back into the home routine after a wonderful weekend away at the artists' celebration party for International Women Celebrate! and I just feel so incredibly affected by the experience.  I arrived at the Gallery in Ayr, Ontario at about lunchtime on Saturday and was able to meet both Jill Yuzwa (Gallery Owner and driving force behind IWC!) and Jeanette Obbink (who - along with my good friend Kim Rempel - helped co-ordinate much of the show.  Jeanette also designed a beautiful book showcasing all the artwork from the show.)

Once the artists started to arrive and we spent some time mingling, we each formally introduced our paintings and explained what had moved us to create the piece.  Some of the stories were incredibly poignant, others hopeful.  All were moving. A few of us spoke to the women's movement in general terms, but many of us were moved to speak to family situations, loved ones past and present, life situations, future hopes and dreams.   Sharing with women from so many walks of life and from so many parts of the world was a once in a lifetime experience.

Jill Yuzwa welcomes the artists to IWC!

Tammy Hext introduces her painting to the group.

Mingling, visiting, sharing!

Modern technology played a huge part in making this exhibit possible.  Blogs, emails and websites were used to spread the word and bring in contributors.  Skype was used  several times during the weekend to bring us together with fellow exhibitors from the Netherlands, South Africa and other parts of the world. And emails and blogs will be spreading the word about the show (which continues on until April 10th) and the fact that the paintings are for sale, with a portion of proceeds from each work going to Mission of Hope Haiti (http://www.mohhaiti.org/).

Talking to a contributor via Skype.

On Sunday, after a delicious brunch,  an impromptu sharing of spoken word and music on Sunday served as the perfect wrap up to a simply extraordinary experience. I want to thank those who shared their talents - it was lovely.

I'd also like to personally thank Jill for all her hard work and incredible organizational efforts, Jeanette and Kim for all the work they each put in to the show and each of the other contributors for being part of such a great shared experience. And I hope anyone reading this will take the time to travel to Ayr for an afternoon while the show is on and check it out for themselves. Well worth the drive!

More info about the show is available by following this link:  http://www.ayrspace.ca/featured



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