It seemed like everywhere we turned this year, we saw women leading the charge for positive change. From the women who founded the Black Lives Matter movement being named among the “world’s greatest leaders” to indigenous women at the forefront of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. We knew the time was right to recognize the groundswell they represented and to embolden others to join these leaders in helping to move the world in a more just and compassionate direction.

MOTHERS OF OUR NATIONS, our 2016-2017 public art project, explores the unique role women play in instigating social change by shining a light on groups of women leading the way in our local communities. Sixteen visual artists and poets partnered with women-led groups in Milwaukee and Madison who are taking action to improve the world around them. From environmental justice and human trafficking to inmate reentry and equity in STEM fields, we worked with a cross section of women who are fighting for a better future for all of us. Knowing their work is often done without thanks or praise, the project is also meant to serve as a loud, long cheer for them — a standing ovation.

What you’ll see and hear at our upcoming events is original work created to honor these leaders and the issues they’re tackling. Our partner groups not only helped inform the art, many got hands-on in the creation process as well.

The artworks are only available to view as a collection for a limited time because they’re being gifted to our partner groups after the Madison leg of the exhibition ends in January, 2017.

If you’ve been to FROM HERE TO HER events in the past, you know these are not typical art gallery openings. We operate outside of the institutional art world purposely and seek to create experiences that are not only thought-provoking, but accessible, interactive and joyful. 

Hope to see you there!