For a third time, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens and Theatre Memphis will cohost the annual Women in the Arts, a day dedicated to, as you may have ascertained, women in the arts, with panels, demonstrations, classes, performances, and more.
“We have such a rich arts community in Memphis,” says Karen Strachan, youth programs coordinator at the Dixon, “and while women are fortunately starting to get more of a nod in other industries from engineering to business to medicine, the case isn’t the same for women who are creatives.” In turn, this event hopes to rectify that gap by supporting and highlighting the women makers, arts administrators, actors, singers, writers, musicians, dancers, florists — basically any kind of artist you can think of.
Split between the Dixon and Theatre Memphis, with shuttles going back and forth between locations, the day will cater to all ages, artists and art lovers alike. The schedule for the day is truly packed, so choosing which bits to attend will be the hardest part of the day, says Kristen Rambo, the Dixon’s communications associate. “We try to cover all the things, but you can participate as much or as little as you like.”
At the Dixon, attendees can chat with several visual artists and perhaps even get a chance of some hands-on experience during artist demonstrations. Plus, guests can check out the make-and-take stations, hosted by Hutchison School teens, who will also facilitate a poetry corner. The galleries inside will also be open, with Jeanne Seagle’s “Of This Place” and “American Made,” a survey of American art curated by Diane DeMell Jacobsen, on display.
Also on display is “What Is That Artist?” with art by Johana Moscoso, Karla Sanchez, and Danielle Sierra — all of whom will be present at the event on Saturday. Sierra will be part of the artist demonstrations, Sanchez will facilitate a large-scale collaborative mural activity, and Moscoso will be a part of a panel, titled “Made In,” which will feature women who are artists and immigrants speaking on their experiences.
Meanwhile, at Theatre Memphis, there will be a panel featuring women directors as well as an artist market. Theatre Memphis will also host various performances and drop-in dancing, acting, and yoga classes.
All in all, the event, Strachan says, hopes to “connect new artists and performers with the community because there is certainly no shortage of talent here. You may see some familiar faces but also some new ones. You might even be introduced to a new art form.”
Rambo adds, “I am a woman in the arts and have been working here for a long time, and every year I am amazed how many people I meet. … So we hope a lot of people will come out and see something that might be out of your comfort zone.”
Women in the Arts, Dixon Gallery & Gardens and Theatre Memphis, Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free. A full schedule of the day’s events can be found here.
