As Eve Moran adjusted the microphone at the podium, the soft clink of glass cups and the shuffle of rearranged chairs filled the air, blending with the quiet murmur of conversation.
At the “The Joy in Women’s Art” event, an annual International Women’s Day celebration, Moran’s mind wandered beyond the walls of The Cliff Dwellers private club, to women across the globe.
“I’m thinking about all the women around the world that are also celebrating and how they’re doing it. Women in other big cities, women in small towns, women in rural villages. This is a day for all of us,” said Moran, host and former president of The Cliff Dwellers.
The celebration on Friday, March 7 at The Cliff Dwellers, located at 200 S. Michigan Ave., is one of many events surrounding International Women’s Day, officially held on Saturday, March 8. For Moran, however, this gathering held special significance — not only as a host but also as an artist, deeply connected to the day’s meaning.
Founded in 1907, the non-profit focuses on uniting people in the arts through programs, exhibitions and discussions.
The luncheon drew 62 attendees, including members, sponsors, and students from Columbia and the School of the Art Institute. The program kicked off with opening remarks from Moran and fellow member Ruth Aizuss Migdal, setting the stage for a series of presentations, speeches, and performances by seven artists.
The annual event, which began in 2011 with just a few speakers, has grown to showcase a diverse group of women, Moran said. Inspired by the way her family in Europe celebrated International Women’s Day, she sought to bring that same spirit of recognition to the club.
Among attendees was Erin McCarthy, associate professor in the School of Communication and Culture, who brought seven students from Columbia, including two members of the Chronicle staff. Reflecting on her long-standing connection to The Cliff Dwellers, McCarthy shared her belief in the value of exposing students to professionals in the arts, building connections that will last beyond the classroom.
“I think that the panel today that Eve put together was extraordinarily strong, inspirational and we learned that many of these women started in one place and ended in another. I think that students would resonate with that message,” McCarthy said.
Nina Sudhakar, a writer, poet, and lawyer based in Chicago was one of seven artists showcasing their art. Sudhakar, who read “Last Winter” from her poetry chapbook, “Embodiments” at the event, expressed her hope that her work would resonate with other women.
“I hope it makes them feel not alone, just that there is someone out there who is speaking to some element of their experience. I hope something in my work will resonate for them,” Sudhakar said.
In a similar spirit, the visual art displayed throughout the room encouraged connection. With the heavy winter fog outside obscuring the skyline, multiple sculptures in varying sizes, shapes, and textures were positioned on the windowsills.
Two sculptures from the “Weird Skin Project” were displayed, featuring mannequin-like figures draped in textured beige and white materials created by Chicago-based sculptor, weaver, and fiber installation artist Seonyoung Lee. While her work draws from negative experiences and emotions, Lee aims to evoke a positive and warm response from viewers. Her art delves into cultural stereotypes surrounding girlhood.
“I’m always against that kind of cultural stereotype. I struggled a lot as a kid, and someone once said that the things I worked on, like weaving, were ‘crafty’ and considered women’s work. But to me, it means a lot,” Lee said. “As a woman artist, working with these crafts represents not only my identity but also challenges the idea of gender barriers.”
A series of sculptures by award-winning Chicago-based artist and community organizer Sonia Henderson were on display. Drawing from her cultural heritage, the collection featured various-sized pieces inspired by found ritual and healing objects.
Henderson shared that while it’s uncommon to be a female sculptor, she views her perspective as a unique strength.
“I feel extraordinarily privileged to be a woman, because I think that it comes with a very interesting vantage point, one that is not necessarily seen or talked about or even recognized,” said Henderson.
Amanda Baity, a junior photography major, said she appreciated the supportive and celebratory atmosphere of the event.
“I just think seeing so many female artists being able to make a living off of their art and making that such a huge part of their life was very inspiring to me,” Baity said.
Reflecting the same inspiration, Katia Jackson, a junior dance major, said Henderson’s work resonated with her.
“I feel more hopeful leaving this event after seeing women and what they can do and how powerful their work is. I definitely believe I can do so much with my art,” Jackson said.
Inspired by the strength of women artists, Isabella Schleining, a first-year music major, shared her thoughts on the inclusivity of the celebration.
“I’m a woman and I always have been. I think there are all kinds of women anywhere and it’s good to recognize that no matter if you’re transgender or a woman that feels more masculine, you’re a part of this day too,” Schleining said.
As each artist left the stage, they were met with a bouquet of flowers. The room served as a supportive and enthusiastic space, applauding the women and their creative achievements.
Copy edited by Patience Hurston
