Fifteen inspiring women artists, along with the nonprofit organization, Thistle & Bee Enterprises, are featured and celebrated during this television special, A WORLD OF OUR OWN on WKNO/Channel 10. The show provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 group exhibition hosted at the Culter Crane Gallery in Memphis, Tennessee, where a diverse mix of locally and nationally known contemporary artists have a chance share their story, their connection to Memphis, what inspires them and their creativity, and how they have pushed through obstacles and adversity to create success and pave the way for more women in the industry. The program also highlights the work of Thistle & Been Enterprises, a Memphis-based nonprofit that helps women survivors of trafficking and prostitution rebuild their lives.
The exhibition includes a variety of mediums, symbolism and techniques that will allow viewers to experience texture, light and movement through painting, ceramics, blacksmithing, printmaking, photography, and textile work. The contemporary artists range from established artists with years of experience to retired teachers of art now exploring new paths, along with mid-career, and emerging artists, all under one roof. The established artists bring to the exhibition experience, knowledge and wisdom; the emerging artists allow insight into what is scratching the surface of new possibilities with a fresh energy and perspective for the future.
The television special was produced by cityCURRENT in partnership with WKNO/Channel 10 and the Cutler Crane Gallery.
Marina Cutler, Owner, Director and Project Maker with the Cutler Crane Gallery, notes “A WORLD OF OUR OWN is a collection of art by a diverse group of great artists with important stories first and foremost; and they just happen to be WOMEN! My goal with this exhibition is to shed light on these 15 contemporary artists by grabbing the attention of local, national, and international curators of Museums and public art institutions and art enthusiasts. Great artists and their artwork deserve to be in public places, visible to as many people as possible. The lack of representation of women artists has a profound impact not only on the arts and culture, but also on society as a whole. That’s why it’s so important we lift these artists, share their stories, give them a platform as entrepreneurs and creatives, and inspire the next generation of women artists.”
Artists featured include:
- Sylvie Adams
- Elizabeth Belz
- Cathy Benny
- Brittney Boyd Bullock
- Maritza Davila
- Annette Fortt
- Baleigh Kuhar
- Jeri Ledbetter
- Helen McConachie
- Angee Montgomery
- Rebecca Norton
- Karen Radiloff
- Carol Sams
- Tawny Skye
- Kim Rae Taylor
As part of the program, local artist Chloe Owens is featured for being gifted a six month residency in the Culter Crane Gallery space to work on her artistry and then host her own exhibition in the future. During the show, Chloe shares her journey back into art, using it as a chance to relieve stress from her job in social work, and how it is providing healing and hope for her and now others, as well.
“Just like with our WKNO television shows, The SPARK and The SPARK Awards, it’s important that we make it a priority to produce and share GOOD news and stories of local changemakers who are using their gifts to make a difference,” notes Jeremy C. Park, CEO of cityCURRENT, host of The SPARK, and producer of The SPARK Awards. “We need to give women a platform to showcase their talents so they can have the business opportunities to create success for themselves and their families, and we need to spotlight them so other women and young girls can be inspired knowing the community will support their efforts and will be encouraged to pursue their dreams. We have to show stories of overcoming adversity, of following a dream, so that others understand it’s possible and can happen right here in our hometown.”
About cityCURRENT
cityCURRENT connects businesses with community to power the GOOD. A team of partner businesses, comprised of some of the largest employers in the world to mid-size and smaller firms, join forces and funds to make a difference in the Mid-South, Middle Tennessee and beyond by hosting more than 300 free events each year, along with an array of philanthropic initiatives and positive-oriented media to enrich, engage, and impact our community.
About WKNO
WKNO is a non-profit, private foundation serving the Mid-South for more than 65 years. An important community resource, WKNO uses the power of non-commercial public broadcasting to provide the Mid-South with quality educational and cultural programs that inform, entertain, and inspire. For more information: www.wkno.org
About Cutler Crane Gallery
Cutler Crane Gallery is a non-profit, private gallery & museum in Memphis, TN. Promoting and Supporting Art & Community. Our Mission is to share great art that attracts seasoned art collectors and first time buyers who are visiting downtown Memphis,or local Memphians who are looking for new discoveries. All exhibitions and events directly fuel the Memphis community. www.CutlerCraneGallery.com
Learn more: https://www.avenueart.ca/a-world-of-our-own-exhibition.html
