LISTEN TO WOMEN
AAUW Grosse Pointe supports and encourages STEAM careers in the community and in 2021 while supporting STEM careers with scholarships and robotics with sponsorship, AAUW started an annual Art Contest and Exhibition to support and encourage area teen artists who were interested in careers in the arts.
Kathy Conlon, chair of this event and a member of our branch, felt strongly about reaching out to area teen artists to encourage and support their art. And now, in 2024, we are approaching our 4th art contest and exhibition.
The theme for the Art Contest and Exhibition is:
LISTEN TO WOMEN
The American Association of University Women Grosse Pointe invites art students from area high schools 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.
2D and 3D works are welcome, however 2D work must be mounted, matted, or framed to facilitate hanging.
Best of Show $200, Second Place $150, Third Place $100
Criteria: Interpretation of the theme, Originality and quality of art, Demonstration of artistic ability, Overall design, Use of medium
In the past we’ve had entries in a variety of mediums—watercolor, oil, pencil, charcoal, photography, embroidery, ceramic.
LISTEN TO WOMEN
Art Contest and Exhibition 2024
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