Artemisia Gentileschi, Self-Portrait as St Catherine of Alexandria, about 1615-17. The National Gallery
As the winter nights start to draw in, we are delighted to share with you details of new and exciting activities for WI members to get involved in.
National Gallery supports the ‘Not in My Name’ Campaign
27 November 2020, 7pm-8pm, £5 per ticket
Join Artist Luisa-Maria MacCormack of The Big Art Herstory Project to look at the reasons behind the victim-blaming romanticised, colonial and male-orientated approach of some of the most famous and troubling paintings every made. Luisa-Maria will also consider interventions and activist projects by feminist artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, who have added their voice to an ongoing debate. This virtual event is open to WI members only. Too book your place, visit the Eventbrite booking page.
Design the Queen’s Birthday Card
Using calligraphy skills, WI members are invited to submit a piece of work, on behalf of the Women’s Institute, to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday. Work can be presented in any calligraphy style, using any form of writing instrument associated with the art of calligraphy. Members are invited to be as creative as they wish, using a single or various calligraphy techniques, colours and ink. Read all guidelines and entry instructions here.
Crafting with the Chelsea College of Arts
Are you passionate about art and design? Are you skilled in weave, print, knit, stitch or embroidery? Would you like to team up with some of the UKs most experimental textile designers to create work which brings together the craft, expertise and heritage of the WI with contemporary design? Chelsea College of Arts, in partnership with the NFWI, are looking for skilled and forward-thinking craftswomen of the WI to take part in a project with BA Textile Design students, that will encourage skill-sharing, communication and creativity. Read more about the project here and download and complete an application form here.
Elizabeth Bell Challenge 2021/2022
Running from January – December 2021, WIs are invited to compose a record demonstrating how their members have worked together to engage and support one-another throughout the year; offering opportunities that have united their members, as well as successfully marketing the WI to increase their membership. All members of the WI are encouraged to take part and contribute; from organising activities, photography, managing and writing the record(s), to designing and formatting the final entry. We want WIs to work together as a team and create a piece of work which proudly demonstrates the ups and downs of a year in the WI, as well as recognising the inspirational achievement made by all members that will go towards safeguarding another 100 years of the WI. Click here to view the full Elizabeth Bell schedule, and apply here.