YWCA National Capital Area Presents "Voices" of Women Worldwide through Art
Curator unveils exhibition of international presence and universal themes

Washington, DC, August 21, 2005 --- The YWCA National Capital Area presents Voices (of women from around the world), an art exhibition in recognition of its centennial, September 6 through October 21, at PEPCO's Edison Gallery. The organization showcases 28 female artists, 23 to 89 years old, European American, Middle Eastern, African American, Native American, Hispanic and other ethnic origins. Their art, in many ways, speaks to the organization's imperatives: to empower women and eliminate racism.

The Voices theme resonates, from abstracts to works personal to the artists and unique to country origin. A Columbian artist's rendering of coffee trees and farming shows the reality of how many in her native country toil. The works of the eldest artist are a throw back to her past: activities during the Harlem Renaissance, participation in President Roosevelt's Work Projects Administration (WPA). "Voices, the exhibit, is about a journey through life as a woman," offers Christena Hambrick, the exhibition's curator. "The works are passionate portrayals that span time, geography, subject matter and technique," she continues, "and though artistic voices may differ in volume and timbre, each piece sends a powerful message that binds the women," she adds.

Hambrick, a fine arts graduate of Howard University and Art Bank Coordinator at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, delights in her curator role. "Normally, I manage an existing art collection. The Voices exhibit has allowed me to be present on the ground floor of the gathering process and clearly shape the body of work that will be displayed. Working directly with the artists and visiting their studios was inspiring.

If the piece spoke to me, I knew it would speak to someone else. I credit my study at Howard University with teaching me to listen for the voice in the work. That skill proved invaluable to this process," she concludes.

An opening reception takes place September 15, and October 19 is the closing reception. The gallery is located at 701 8th Street, NW and is open Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. To RSVP for the receptions and for additional information, call the YWCA/NCA, 202.626.0700, ext. 30.