Women’s art recognition movement charity auction

at North Water Street Gallery, opens Friday, 8 p.m.

runs through March 29, 5 p.m.

Money raised by the auction will go to Safer Futures.

When passing through an art gallery and gazing at the label on the artwork to see who the artist is, it is usually a man. However, the Women’s Art Recognition Movement art auction is out to give recognition to women in the arts. WARM features a variety of creative works by women artists.

The auction is held at the North Water Street Gallery in downtown Kent and kicks off at 8 p.m. tomorrow with an opening reception that will include food, drinks and music. It runs through 5 p.m. on March 29.

This auction is working to break the gender barriers that still exist today.

“Ironically in today’s sexual advancements, women are still unappreciated in the big arts picture,” said Cheryl Townsend, WARM co-founder. “While this may be a small local event, it’s one step closer to the big picture.”

The auction not only supports women in the arts, but also it is a benefit that donates its proceeds to charity. WARM will be supporting Safer Futures, a local women’s shelter. This cause was chosen because “it is important for women in crisis to have a safe place to run to,” Townsend said.

Townsend co-founded WARM in 1998 with the director of the Women’s Resource Center of Kent State at the time, Molly Merryman. They were inspired to create this organization after feminist activists the Guerilla Girls came to talk at Kent State.

There is an assortment of pieces available at the auction. The artworks span from charcoal and pastels to photography and jewelry. Each piece of art has its own individuality, Townsend said. There is also quite the array of artists at WARM. Professionals, home-makers, retirees and students make up the artists on display.

One artist, Haze McElhenny, will feature a skirt made out of recycled material in the auction. Townsend will submit photography. In the auction, Laura Barrett has mixed media, Dawn Ward has a collage piece, and Bre Bodnar has a digitally drawn piece. These women are always willing to donate to raise funds for a women’s charity, Townsend said.

The auction is silent. The way it works is the artists set minimum prices and bidders put in bids above that price. It is advised that buyers come in again to see how their bid is holding up before the auction closes. From there, the bidder can bid as high as desired, especially since it is a benefit. When it comes to how much one should bid, Townsend said “the sky is the limit.”

Townsend said the auction is open to anyone. If a person cannot stop by, then appointments can be made.

By attending the WARM auction, people have the opportunity to appreciate artwork by women and also donate to help women in need.

Contact all reporter Kelly Petryszyn at [email protected].