COVID-19 PAGES: The Influence & Inspiration of Women
The Wells International Foundation (WIF), the Anderson Brickler Gallery (ABG), and the Thinking CAP: Collaborative ART Projects (CAP) are pleased to announce our online art exhibition entitled COVID-19 PAGES: The Influence & Inspiration of Women.
This virtual exhibition presents a remarkable and exclusive opportunity for practicing women artists, as well as women and girls from schools and community programs, to express a creative vision that celebrates the essential work of women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme – The Influence and Inspiration of Women – is conceived to inspire creativity through visual arts as well as stimulate thoughtful discussion about women in leadership and inspirational roles who are making a positive difference locally, nationally, and globally in all sectors of the economy.
THROUGH ARTWORKS, COVID-19 PAGES presents a global perspective on what mothers, wives, teachers, nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers, politicians, police chiefs, small business owners, corporate employees, organizers of community service programs, and more are doing and how they are feeling during the pandemic, wherever they are in the world.
The PAGES are tangible hands-on expressions created as a global collaboration through art to emphasize the work these women do to alleviate the urgent health and social-economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. The exhibition shares “art in action” ideas to acknowledge and inspire underserved communities during this stressful time. The focus on women who are at the forefront of the global crisis is a salute to their outstanding leadership and community service as they address the needs of people around the world.
PHASE I
Phase I of the project showcases contributions by professional women artists. These women are often marginalized regarding their access to exhibition space and underpaid for their work relative to their male counterparts. COVID-19 PAGES provides a singular opportunity for them to expose their work as part of the reckoning of this unprecedented historic event.
PHASE II
Phase II consists of artwork created as a result of community outreach to schools, youth groups, shelters, and other service organizations. The women and girls at these institutions created drawings, paintings, photos, and written text that helped them release the emotional and mental trauma of the pandemic through art therapy and positive learning through the arts.
Phase I launched on International Women’s Day (March 8) 2021. Phase II launched on June 21, 2021.
News & Events
City of Houston Declares June 21, 2021 Wells International Foundation Day
HOUSTON, Texas – June 21, 2021 –In a proclamation issued by the City of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaims June 21, 2021 as The Wells International Foundation Day – COVID-19 PAGES: The Influence & Inspiration of Women in Houston, TX.
The pronouncement recognizes the Wells International Foundation (WIF), a U.S. nonprofit organization incorporated in Houston and operated from Paris, France, and its dedication to celebrating heroic women across the globe who have aided their communities, families, and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.
Vernissage (Opening Reception) – March 7, 2021
We held online launch party for COVID-19 PAGES on Sunday, March 7.
The turnout was marvelous, and spirits were high!
Watch this video and listen to the story created by the women in attendance:
The Story of the Essential Woman
Faith Ringgold—Legendary Artist for COVID-19 Online Art Exhibition
PARIS – Nov. 17, 2020 – PRLog — The Wells International Foundation (WIF) is pleased to announce the inclusion of Faith Ringgold’s American People Series #16: Woman Looking in a Mirror, 1966, in its virtual art exhibition entitled COVID-19 PAGES: The Inspiration & Influence of Women.
This exhibition celebrates the essential work of women around the world who are mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in all sectors of the economy. It is a collaboration between WIF (Houston, TX), the Anderson Brickler Gallery (Tallahassee, FL), and Thinking CAP: Collaborative Arts Projects (Tallahassee, FL) – collectively known as WIF/ABG/CAP.
Click here to see the full press release.>>
Round Table Discussion
November 11, 2020 @ 12:00PM — 1:30PM
Creation as Medicine during Challenging Times
Exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women artists and the power of artistic creation to soothe stress during this unprecedented time.
Panelists: Vera I. Grant, Dr. Sally Adnams Jones, Robin Strongin, Deborah Harlow
Wells International Foundation on Impacting Young Readers, Writers, and Artists From Halfway Across the World
Article and video in Frontrunners Innovate Magazine published on September 24, 2020
PARIS, France — WIF Founder and CEO, Dr. Monique Y. Wells, granted Publisher Mary Kurek of Frontrunners Innovate Magazine an exclusive interview about WIF’s current arts, literacy, and women’s empowerment initiatives. Click here to see the article and watch the video.>>
COVID-19 PAGES: The Influence & Inspiration of Women
March 8 – September 30, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
What is different about this exhibition?
COVID-19 PAGES is bringing together visual artworks by professional and nonprofessional artists to celebrate women during the COVID-19 crisis. These works will be presented in the form of an interactive digital book, the pages of which can be turned to view the submissions of individual artists.
Who can contribute to COVID-19 PAGES?
Professional women artists can contribute works to Phase I of the exhibition. Nonprofessional artists – women and girls from schools, universities, youth groups, eldercare facilities, shelters and more – can contribute works to Phase II of the show.
Do I need to be a professional artist or have “artistic ability” to participate?
You do not need to be a professional artist or have “artistic ability” to participate in COVID-19 PAGES. As long as you are able to express your ideas or emotions through painting, sketching, photography, collage, or writing, you can submit your work for consideration.
How much does it cost to participate in COVID-19 PAGES?
There is no fee to submit work for consideration for inclusion in the exhibition.
How long will the exhibition be online?
The exhibition is scheduled to run through September 30, 2021.
Do artists get paid for participating in COVID-19 PAGES?
No, participating artists are not paid for submitting their works and having them shown in this exhibition. Works shown in the exhibition are not for sale.
How can I receive additional information about COVID-19 PAGES?
You can receive additional information by submitting your specific question and your contact information in the online form below. You will receive a reply by e-mail.
How can I submit artwork to participate in COVID-19 PAGES?
Professional artists, schools, organizations, and community programs are welcome to submit an application and artwork for the entry jurying procedures of the virtual exhibition COVID-19 PAGES: The Influence & Inspiration of Women (March 8 – September 30, 2021).
A work of art inspired by the exhibition title/theme is created on 8½ X 11-inch paper using selected materials and creative techniques: drawing, watercolor, collage, and mixed media. Written works will also be considered.
Professional artists are asked to scan or photocopy their work to submit for the jurying process by email. A response will be sent to the artist by email. CLICK HERE for the entry dates and guidelines for individual artists to submit information.
Schools, Organizations and Community Programs are asked to complete the introduction form to provide a brief description of the school, organization, or program (including location) and the number of anticipated participants (up to 20 persons). CLICK HERE for the dates and guidelines to submit information.