DC Area Exhibits Spotlight 600 Female Artists

A new series of art exhibitions in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area is showcasing the work of 600 local female artists. This extensive project, titled "Women Artists of the DMV," aims to address the perceived underrepresentation of women in the region's art galleries and museums. Curated by Florencio “Lenny” Campello, the initiative has grown to include 18 separate exhibits across various venues.

Addressing Underrepresentation in the Arts

Florencio “Lenny” Campello, an art curator and blogger, began this project several years ago. He observed a lack of female artists from the D.C. area in local art spaces. This led him to create a platform to highlight their contributions. His efforts have resulted in a significant collection of artwork.

The core of the "Women Artists of the DMV" project is at American University’s Katzen Arts Center. Here, 63 pieces of art are currently on display. Campello noted that this is not even the largest of the exhibits. Some other venues feature over 100 artists.

The Curator's Perspective

Campello personally selected every artwork for the exhibitions. He shared insights into the artists' histories during a recent walk-through at American University. Many female artists, he explained, often experience periods of intense creative output followed by gaps. These gaps frequently coincide with raising children, after which they return to their artistic pursuits.

While the underrepresentation of female artists in galleries is a widely acknowledged issue, Campello believes the problem in the D.C. region extends beyond gender. He suggests that artists from the local area, regardless of gender, are generally underrepresented in professional galleries.

“This isn’t even the largest one. Some of these venues have over 100 artists in them,” Campello stated, highlighting the project's scale.

Evolution of the Exhibition Series

The project began two years ago when Campello announced his plans for a survey of female artists on his blog. He initially envisioned an exhibition at American University. The idea quickly gained traction within the local art community. Numerous galleries in the D.C. region reached out, expressing interest in participating.

Campello received almost 4,000 inquiries from artists in the area. This strong response demonstrated the large number of women in the region who identify as artists. The overwhelming interest helped expand the project into its current multi-venue format.

Upcoming Venues and Structure

Several additional galleries across the D.C. region are hosting parts of the exhibition in the coming months. These include the Strathmore Galleries in Bethesda, Maryland, which will open its exhibit on October 4, and the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel.

Campello structured his exhibition as a three-part pyramid. The top tier features well-known artists. The middle tier includes artists who are established but perhaps less acclaimed. The largest and bottom tier, which Campello considers the most impactful, is dedicated to new artists. This tier aims to provide a platform for those who have never before exhibited in a museum setting.

“I challenge anyone to go to one show and not want to go see all the other ones,” Campello remarked, encouraging widespread engagement with the series.

Featured Artworks and Visitor Impressions

The exhibition at the Katzen Arts Center features diverse works. One of Campello’s favorites is a painting by Teresa Oaxaca. He describes it as a "super busy painting" anchored by a small detail, referencing art history. Oaxaca also painted the frame to complement the vibrant artwork, which depicts a scene from the Renaissance painting The Feast of the Gods.

Another notable piece is an oil painting by Sharon Moody. This artwork remarkably resembles a comic book. Moody specializes in vintage comic books, depicting each paper with incredible detail. Her ability to render the textures of paper is particularly striking.

Popular Selections

A portrait titled “Olivia” by Wendy Jones Donahoe has become a favorite among guests. Donahoe painted a child who was friends with her daughter. Campello praised the portrait for capturing not only the likeness but also the "psychological signature" of the subject. This depth is a hallmark of strong portraiture.

Visitors have expressed positive reactions to the exhibits. Grace Ashford, an American University sophomore who works at the Katzen museum, appreciates the versatility of the artworks. She noted how the collection represents many human experiences and ties into themes of femininity and humanity.

• Teresa Oaxaca: Super busy painting, frame painted to match.
• Sharon Moody: Oil painting resembling a vintage comic book.
• Wendy Jones Donahoe: Popular portrait "Olivia," capturing psychological depth.
• Judith Peck: "Coastal Communities" oil painting, admired for color use.

Ashford’s personal favorite is an oil painting by Judith Peck called “Coastal Communities.” She highlighted Peck’s use of color, including yellow, pink, black, and blue hints. Ashford felt the painting draws viewers in and portrays the artist’s essence and complexity.

Future of the Project

The exhibitions will conclude on various dates. The display at American University is scheduled to end on December 7. However, Campello hopes to continue the "Women Artists of the DMV" project beyond the current closing dates. He aims for the initiative to have a lasting impact on the visibility of female artists in the region.

For a complete list of participating venues and their closing dates, interested individuals can visit the official "Women Artists of the DMV" website. The project underscores a significant effort to celebrate and promote local artistic talent.