Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Advancing women artists


On Tuesday night I had the extreme privilege of viewing the Florence premier of the Emmy - arward winning PBS documentary Invisible Women based on Jane Fortunes book of the same name. I had a lump in my throat the enitre time.

The Advancing Womens Artists Foundation is an incredible organization founded by Jane which raises funds for the restoration of the forgotten women artists of the Renassiance as well as throughout the history of Florence. But not only do they raise funding, they also raise awareness and recognition of these extrodinarly talented women whose works have been sitting in the deposits of museums and churches for hundreds of years, some without so much as a coth to cover them and protect them from the elements. Forgotten and discarded simply becuase they were not seen as worthy as their male contemporaries.

The incredible work of Jane Fortune and foundations project director Linda Falcone have finally received their long awaited spotlight and the documentary will now be shown on PBS networks thoughout the United States. The exact dates have not yet been announced but in the mean time you can check out their website and read about all of the fantastic work they are doing.  They will be announcing dates and times as soon as they have the infomation and I will be doing the same here and on my facebook page. 


The lovely Jane Fortune (center) and Linda Falcone (left) and Sarah Morrison (US Consulate general, right) 

As a women artist myself the topic is near and dear to my heart and the dedication of Jane and Linda is truly inspiring. I get choked up just thinking about all that they have done. As soon as you hear them speak their passion is both evident and contagious.

The next goal of the foundation is to find these women a space of their own. A space where the works that have been restored can be put on display, shown to the public, travel the world and finally receive the recognition they deserve.
Irene Parenti Duclos

Copy of the Madonna del Sacco by Andrea del Sarto

Giovanna Fratellini, Self portrait 1720 circa,
Vasari Corridor, Florence
Artemisia Gentileschi’s David and Bathsheba
And while we have come a long way as women aritists, we still have much further to go and this foundation supports women artists of today in this journey as well. 

       
       
                                            A packed house at the Odeon premier! 

If you are in Florence and would like to contribute in any way, including volunteering, (it was mentioned during the Q&A that volunteers of all kinds are needed, from help during events to website and PR work)  you can contact them and let them know you are interested.  You can also receive info about their current restoration projects, publications and events though their website or by liking their facebook page. And be sure to spread the word! You don't have to be in Florence to take part in their efforts either!

You can also find them on Vimeo and Amazon

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