WOMEN IN THE ARTS EVENT RAISES $ 4,500 FOR H.A.W.C. A year ago, a small group of North Shore women artists began to meet to discuss a new idea: holding a womens' art festival in Marblehead to celebrate Women's History Month in March of 2003. Supporting the work of Salem -based H.A.W.C. ("Help for Abused Women and their Children") by donating their proceeds to this agency became a centering purpose through all the ensuing months and ups and downs of organizing a complex community event for the first time. The plan was ambitious: Women artists of all kinds from the North Shore and beyond were invited to display, perform and demonstrate their art for the public without being paid in any way, as there was no "Women in the Arts" operating budget. The event was to span an entire weekend in March It required the committment of scores of generous women painters, musicians, writers, actresses, photographers,artisans, and dancers. Under the direction of co-founders Susan Jarek-Glidden and Stephanie Williams, many hard working and dedicated volunteers emerged to do everything from heading committees to hosting the reception tables during the weekend . An elegant Preview Party and Silent Auction was planned to kick off the weekend, and tickets for this part of the event were sold out. St .Stephens United Methodist Church in Marblehead hosted the weekend, and women parishioners from the church served food and drink from the church kitchen to an appreciative multitude of persons of all ages. Visitors came to the event throughout the weekend of March 28 to 30th to see ballerinas dance, hear women songwriters sing their original tunes, listen to women writers read their poetry and essays, and watch women artists paint, draw, make prints and talk about quiltmaking and embroidery. No admission was charged, but a voluntary contribution to H.A.W.C. was requested of all visitors at the door. The resulting final donation figure of $4,500 will be presented by the "Women in the Arts" treasurer to H.A.W.C. in July.of 2003.

WHAT IS THE "WOMEN IN THE ARTS" PROJECT? A group of local volunteer women artists of all types have been meeting since the spring of 2002 to plan a new and inspiring event for March 2003 to honor Women's History Month. Our weekend event, Women's History Month: Celebrating Our Creativity, will take place in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The weekend will feature volunteer women artists of all types: artisans, dancers, musicians, painters, poets, actresses, photographers, writers and more - who will perform, demonstate, teach and display their creativity for all to enjoy.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? We want to increase everybody's awareness of the abundance of talented women among us here on the North Shore of Massachusetts - and beyond. We want to increase a feeling of community among women artists of all types in our area. We want to support the work of H.A.W.C. (Help for Abused Women and Children) by donating our proceeds to this agency. Visit www.helpabusedwomen.org for more information.

FOR WHOM IS THIS EVENT? This event is for everyone and all are welcome! It is not affiliated with any religous or other organization. Tickets are required only for the Friday night Preview Party. On Saturday and Sunday you will be asked for a voluntary donation at the door. Our location is easy to find and parking is ample and free. On Saturday and Sunday, a Snack Bar will be open where you may purchase snacks and lunch.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL IT BE? Our event will be hosted by: St. Stephens United Methodist Church 67 Cornell Road (right off of Rte. 114) Marblehead, Massachusetts On these days and times: Friday March 28th: 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Preview Party and Silent Auction (Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.) Saturday March 29th: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday March 30th: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

INTERESTED? WAYS TO BE INVOLVED Plan to come and enjoy our weekend. Ask about how to volunteer. Spread the word about our event. Ask to receive our E-mail Newsletter. Come to our Preview Party. Donate an item or sevice to our Silent Auction.

A Tribute to the "Women in the Arts" Volunteers and Board of Coordinators

"Women in the Arts" is the product of the passion, dedication and commitment of scores of North Shore women volunteering their talent ,enthusiasm and creativity to both keep art alive in their communities and support the mission of H.A.W.C. ("Help for Abused Women and their Children"). A very heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers, including the Board of Coordinators, who made this weekend celebration a reality. The "Women in the Arts" Board of Coordinators include: Linda Allen: Culinary Arts Coordinator for the Preview Party Linda Allen, Lisa Delaney, Teddi DiCanio, Donna Hayes, Dr. Susan F.Jarek-Glidden, Stephanie Williams: Printed Materials and Signs Lisa Richardson-Bach, Marcia Christenson, Nancy Ferguson, Dr. Susan F. Jarek-Glidden, June Rhodes, Susan Rosengarten, Stephanie Williams: Visual Arts Committee Judy Beals, Lisa Delaney and Linda Jenkins: Silent Auction Margaret Eckman, Linda Jenkins and Laura Smith: Writing Coordinators Christina Goodwin: Graphic Design and Logo Patricia Goodwin: Public Relations Karen Haley: Weekend Snack Bar Dr. Susan F. Jarek-Glidden: Co-founder and President Georgann Kalat: Treasurer and Volunteer Coordinator Angela Masciale: Music Performances Coordinator Dr. Stefanie Neumann Randell: Theater Coordinator, Director and Producer Dr. Stefanie Neumann Randell with Stephanie Williams: Web Site Design and Maintenance Laura Smith with Lorna Perkins and Emma Stratton: Dance Coordinator Ginny Von Rueden with Marcia Christenson, Linda Allen and Donna Hayes: Preview Party Ginny Von Rueden: Preview Party Decorations Janet Wall: Preview Party Ticket Sales Stephanie Williams: "Women in the Arts " Co-founder and Vice President

Copyright ©2003 Women in the Arts