The YWCA: Celebrating 20 years of Empowering Women Artists

Hei Kyung Byun, in describing her limestone sculpture at the YWCA Women’s Art Gallery, likened the piece to her “awakening” from a strict cultural background into a freedom of her own. “Yet part of me still struggles in detaching myself completely from my history and background, as seen in the way the woman is eternally bound to the stone from whence she came.”

Awakening women to a life of personal strength and peace is the goal of Cincinnati’s YWCA. Its Women’s Art Gallery, located on the second floor of the YWCA, provides space and support to women’s artists, encourages their gifts and gives them visibility in the only gallery in Cincinnati that showcases only women’s art.

This fall and winter, the YWCA commemorates two decades of supporting women artists in the gallery with the new exhibit, “Celebrating 20 years of Empowering Women.” “We went back to women who had participated in the very first group exhibit” explains Yvette Johnson-Hegge, YWCA executive coordinator. “We wanted to show what they are doing now and how far they had come.” 22 women were invited back and offer a diverse spectrum of styles and mediums that reflect their self-expression, from quilts and oils to photography and stone.  

Johnson-Hegge sees the art gallery as a far-reaching educational tool. “Our clients, women and children, are here and exposed to art that they may not be otherwise.” The YWCA also uses the artwork in the gallery to expose issues that bring challenges to women everywhere. Over two decades, the gallery has offered exhibits on cancer survival, grief, child endangerment and racism. “Part of our mission is eliminating racism,” Johnson-Hegge says. “So in all of our shows, we work to make sure we have diversity among the artists,” be that culture, race or artistic expression.

Do Good:

Visit: Celebrating 20 Years of Empowering Women Artists, which runs through Jan. 12, 2012 at the YWCA Women’s Art Gallery, 898 Walnut St., downtown. Gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by special arrangement. Please call 513-241-7090 for more information.

Donate: To the YWCA Women’s Art Gallery, empowering women artists for 20 years.

Support: the many programs at the YWCA, including the 2012 YWCA Career Women of Achievement Awards; nominations will be accepted through Jan. 3, 2012.

By Becky Johnson