AAUW Grosse Pointe Branch
Celebrating 80 years of Advancing Equity for Women and Girls
The Grosse Pointe Branch of AAUW began in 1944 and is a local branch of the national organization of The American Association of University Women (AAUW).
A group of women, led by Mrs. John Pear, established the Grosse Pointe Branch of the American Association of University Women in 1944. The branch was founded with the purpose of uniting college and university women in the Grosse Pointe communities for the improvement of educational standards, for securing broader opportunities for women, to further proper legislation in local and national problems, and for cooperation with the work aims of the AAUW.
Early branch activities included inviting guest speakers to address the group on topics related to their stated purpose, sending boxes of supplies to veterans and communities in war-torn areas of Europe and Asia, and supporting local community efforts.
The first fundraising activity, a book sale, garnered much success and was repeated as an annual event. Proceeds went towards branch expenses and allowed the group to donate funds to local and international causes they deemed worthwhile as well as efforts spearheaded by the parent organization.
Over the years, the AAUW Grosse Pointe Branch has provided fellowship, programs, and opportunity to advance equity for women and girls in society.
Fundraising provided the means to fund national endowments and scholarships, and local scholarships to women at Wayne State University, Alternatives for Girls, and Macomb Community College.
We partner and support community events that align with our mission. We are a member of the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce and are a registered U.S. public charitable 501(c)3 organization.
Deciding to make a more profound impact in our community and support and encourage science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics careers our branch has provided the financial stability to continue and expand the robotics teams, annually award scholarships to graduating high school girls, and host an art contest and exhibition in the fall.
AAUW GP is always looking for ways to move our mission into action and we have a lot of ideas on how to encourage and support careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics).
We are proud to have been a part of helping to advance equity for women and girls for the last 80 years.
Donations to AAUW Grosse Pointe Education Program are tax deductible and much appreciated
LISTEN TO WOMEN
Art Contest and Exhibition
Our Grosse Pointe branch invited art students ages 14-18 to submit artwork that explores the life of a woman. This can celebrate her achievements, honor her inspiration in our lives, predict her future in this world or portray issues currently facing her. We are proud to present their insightful, artistic interpretations of women’s issues, and we are pleased to announce the winners of our 4th Annual Art Contest and Exhibition.
Honorable Mentions
In the Shadows of Consent by Lily Anna Burden
I Am Not My Body by Brianna Scenga
Cut The Strings by Violet Sarcona
Her Thoughts by Abigail Prebe
Third Place $100
Preservation by Melaniya Zozovsky
Description: This mixed-media piece explores resilience and innocence amid turmoil. It shows a young child holding an elder’s hand, adorned in traditional Ukrainian dress against a backdrop of vibrant, folk-inspired embroidery. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the child’s gaze captures a sense of curiosity and hope, symbolizing the enduring power of childlike wonder and cultural heritage.
Materials: Acrylic paint, beading, buttons, fabric (scrap bin), ribbon, and rhinestones.
Second place $150
Petri Baby by Andrea Comerford
Description: My original inspiration for the piece was to create a commentary on in vitro fertilization (IVF). I also intentionally colored the baby in a rainbow pattern to reference the term rainbow baby- a baby born after the loss of a pregnancy. Many women who have fertility issues turn to IVF to get pregnant.
Materials: Acrylic and oil pastels on canvas
Dimensions: 36inx48in
First Place $200
The Window to the Soul by Marisa Marzoug
Description: This ceramic sculpture seeks to explain how women can often be treated as accessories, meant to be seen but often not heard from. So many women choose to not speak for fear of sounding controversial or being dismissed, in traditionally male dominated spaces.
Materials: Ceramic, wire
Dimensions: 12in(h)x6in(w)x6in(d)
Judge Elizabeth Gauthier, artist, muralist, and adjunct professor at Center for Creative Studies.
Below is a video of the show. Please be reminded that art is always best seen in person.
Please visit and spread the word of the AAUW GP Listen to Women Art Exhibition at Grosse Pointe Art Association Guest Gallery on the War Memorial campus until January 11, 2025. The gallery on The War Memorial campus is open 9 am – 7 pm weekdays and 9 am – 5 pm, weekends.
https://www.grossepointeartcenter.org/exhibitions/#!event/2024/11/21/listen-to-women