A Woman's Story Gallery Presents Visions of Culture

Information, by Maria Santiago

VISIONS OF CULTURE, an art exhibit of A Woman Story Gallery and Empowered Women International opened on June 20 at Whole Foods Fair Lakes store in Fairfax, VA with the art of Empowered Women artists: Isabel Castaneda, Peru, Valentina Dimilo, Russia and Maria Santiago, Argentina.

The art opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 10, 6:30-8:30 at the Whole Foods Fair Lakes store. Guests will enjoy art, a talk by the artists and complimentary appetizers, desserts and wine by Whole Foods.

Powerful strokes of color and culture compose the art of the three foreign born artists featured in the Visions of Culture. Each artist in her own voice explores a personal journey through cultures and time, and the moment of arrival to a new destination, a newly found identity in a culture of people who dare to embrace differences. Although the journey is not flawless, the artists learn to re-imagine and re-construct their future and their visions of the new culture. All artists are recent immigrants to the United States, and graduates of EWI's entrepreneurial Training for Success. The art in the show is available for sale. Proceeds benefit the artists and Empowered Women International's arts and entrepreneurial program.

Empowered Women International promotes the art of immigrant, refugee and culturally diverse women and communities, and creates sustainable livelihoods through the arts. EWI was chosen by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the BEST small charities in the Greater Washington region.

A WOMAN'S STORY GALLERY - A Traveling Cultural Art Space

A Woman's Story Gallery, a project of the Empowered Women International becomes a traveling gallery of art, culture and women's visions. We partner with retailers, museums and stores to feature the art of immigrant, refugee and culturally diverse women and communities.

Whole Foods Fair Lakes opened its doors to host A Woman's Story Gallery's shows, talks and exhibitions of the Empowered Women member artists. We plan to exhibit more than 8 solo and group shows a year, performances, music and other special events.

Rick Defilippis, Whole Foods Fair Lakes Store Team Leader who sponsored this project, says that "the work EWI does to give immigrant women and local artists a voice, business knowledge and a powerful presence is inspiring and so much needed. We are proud to be able to showcase the art and tell the stories of Empowered Women artists."

We are looking for art and projects that have not been exhibited before, and we welcome performing artists, storytellers, musicians, writers and multi-disciplinary artists. Artists interested to exhibit or perform can send Marga Fripp a call at 301-693-1346 or an email at cfripp@aol.com.