Author: Sheila Wickouski

Sheila Wickouski is an art and culture writer.

‘Activism On and Off the Field’: Art Exhibit Commemorates 50 Years of Title IX, Prohibiting Sex Discrimination

Now on the 50th year anniversary of its historical passage, the “Title IX: Activism On and Off the Field” exhibit at The Center for Women’s History at The New-York Historical Society, celebrates the addition to the Education Amendments Act of 1972 that fundamentally reshaped American society by prohibiting discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal assistance. 

‘If These Dolls Could Talk’: Art Exhibit Explores Role of Black Dolls in U.S. History and Challenges Racial Stereotypes

Dolls—from ancient representation of humans in art, to familiar children’s toys or use in religious rituals—have held meanings more than meets the eye. Now employing the lens of race and gender, the New-York Historical Society exhibition “Black Dolls” explores further the significant role of the Black doll in American history.

From the horrors of slavery through Reconstruction and Jim Crow, to the beginnings of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, this collection of 200 objects, textiles, sewing tools, photographs and ephemera represents a push back against negative racial stereotypes.

‘Artists 4 ERA’ Demand Equal Rights for All Americans: ‘It Is Overdue That Gender Equality Becomes the Law of the Land’

On International Women’s Day, VoteEquality launched the Artists 4 ERA initiative. In partnership with 28 prominent artists, including Shepard Fairey, Artists 4 ERA will be releasing limited edition, signed prints to benefit non-partisan, grassroots efforts for the Equal Rights Amendment. The full collection of artwork will make its debut at the launch event March 19 in Oakland, Calif. From there, the collection will tour the country at events organized by VoteEquality, partner organizations and artists advocating for gender equality.

“As gender rights are rolled back across the country and as the Supreme Court signals its willingness to forgo precedent, a new generation of activists is stepping up to the fight,” said Kati Hornung, executive director of VoteEquality. “Art as a form of expression has a unique way of motivating people.”

"Her Flag" Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

“Her Flag” Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

“The flag is often associated with men and their accomplishments, and over the years has become associated with conservative Americans. But the flag is supposed to represent all of us,” said visual artist Marilyn Artus.

For the creation of Her Flag, Artus planned to travel to all 36 states that voted to ratify, in order of ratification, over a time span of 14 months to work with the state artists creating a stripe for Her Flag and sewing it onto the 18- by 26-foot flag.