PHOTO BY CLARE JENSEN

LOCAL WOMEN’S ARTWORK IS ON DISPLAY AT KING’S BOOKS THROUGH MARCH IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH.

Women’s visions take over King’s in March

By Clare Jensen

Walking through the stacks at King’s Books in Tacoma, several artistic additions peep out among the varied book binds that fill the store.

At first glance, the book browser may not notice the assortment of art placed throughout King’s, but it is there, and for a reason, and the discerning eye may be able to figure out why.

But for those of us who are a little less perceptive, here is a hint.

“Women’s Art: Women’s Vision” is the theme for this month’s designation as Women’s History Month.

Organizers of the National Women’s History Project chose this theme to “honor the originality, beauty, imagination and multiple dimensions of women’s lives” according to the website. Twelve national female artists from throughout history are honorees for the month.

In Tacoma, 10 local female artists and Planned Parenthood have joined forces to celebrate the current vision in women’s art for the month of March.

The recently formed Planned Parenthood Action League (PPAL) of Tacoma started meeting last month, and felt compelled to somehow celebrate Women’s History Month.

Kendra Varadi, PPAL organizer, said despite the short time frame from the conception of the action league to March, they felt they should do something to “celebrate our women.”

After posting a call for artists on Tacomaartslistserve.org, and networking with some of the action league’s talented artist friends, the local version of “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision” was born.

“We just want to be a part of that celebration,” said Aurora Jewell, public affairs field organizer for Planned Parenthood Western Washington. “There’s a lot of great women in that show, and we want to recognize what they’re doing in the community.”

While there is a diverse assortment of artistic forms throughout the shop, they all share the theme of womanhood in some way.

From the aptly titled “Aphrodite Series” by sculptor Denalla Sydow; two curvaceous sculptures of the female form nestled into the new releases seen when you first walk through the door; to the “scanograph” images of extremely sharp and detailed “antique roses” by Cara Jennings, a woman’s vision is apparent in every piece.

There is also the mixed media ensemble of Mallory Pilcher’s travels and uncertain identity that can be seen through the assortment of paint, ink, x-rays and text, and the simple yet alluring neon jellyfish by student Kelly Drummond.

“We’re recognizing all of the great women of Tacoma and celebrating their contributions to the community,” Varadi said, which ties into the action league’s goal of continuously working with the community to raise awareness and create positive social change for women, their health and justice.

“Women’s Art: Women’s Vision” will be available to view through March 30.

From 5-8 p.m. March 20, a reception including donated food, classical Spanish guitar performance and the featured artists will welcome friends and the community as part of the monthly art walk.

For more information about “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision” as well as the Planned Parenthood Action League of Tacoma, contact Aurora Jewell (206) 764-8194 or email Aurora.Jewell@ppww.org. King’s Books is located at 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma.

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