As a tribute to “Women’s History Month,” the WILPF Jane Addams Branch hosted feminist artists Deborah Vanko and Trudy Myrrh Reagan to share their herstories. With over five decades of WILPF-inspired activism, they presented their fierce resistance and enduring resilience, each in a different way. Deb’s sculptures and wall hangings explore the bodies and chemistry of women in a world of repression and angst–a war against women as ever, even in this moment. Trudy reiterated her journey through the decades of political upheaval and US complicity in the corruption of an ethical social system.

Gloria McMillan, founder of WILPF US’ CCS (Communications Access, Culture(s)/the Arts, and Sensitization) group, wrote the following:

‘Deborah Vanko stunned me with her five-inch heel metaphor of female oppression. My mother was a fashion model for a while in Chicago and later worked at fashionable Michigan Boulevard Cosmetic departments in the Loop. I lived with that system of values growing up but decided early on that this was not my path. So, I commend Venko on her skill at making the invisible underside of “glamor” highly visible! (Tip: Use Elizabeth Arden’s “Visible Difference” moisturizer–one thing I did retain from my mother’s store of knowledge for the assault of the Arizona sun on skin).

‘I admire Trudy Reagan’s way of turning every irritating and appalling politic into her art. She differs from many of us in how skilfully and frequently she makes this mental conversation for a**holery into art! I admired Reagan’s crisp and simple cartoons and graphics, as well. Making them into postcards was a good way to get that message out. I hope WILPF follows up on using Reagans’ card for some purpose. We have put her on the CCS Collaborative Working Group list, where people in art mingle and chat at WILPF.

‘Later in the Q&A, we discussed how Judy Chicago’s “The Dinner Party” influenced Trudy Reagan’s and Deborah Vanko’s thinking years ago!

‘Judy Chicago has influenced many of our lives as women in the arts. Whether we do overtly “feminist” art or just challenge norms via being women in other areas, Judy Chicago showed her courage to be public. People knew who she was; New York art critic Hilton Kramer panned her “libel on female imagination,” and she even had some threats after “The Dinner Party” was exhibited as a traveling installation from 1974-79. But Chicago went on making it clear via other installations and media how male “silo vision” had been using censorship by omission throughout the history of art. Ceramics and fiber art have always been called “lesser arts” than easel painting and large public sculpture–the male domain. By making “The Dinner Party” a ceramic and fiber installation, Chicago also challenged those norms.

 ‘I just loved that meeting. It got universal raves.’

It was a vigorous conversation around a table set for sharing a feast of artistic endeavors resonating in our present lives. You can watch a recording of the March 19th Jane Addams meeting on WILPF US’ YouTube channel.

Join the WILPF Jane Addams Branch in April!

Next month’s Jane Addams Branch meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 16, and will feature Nuri Ronaghy. Ronaghy is from Iran and currently lives in Ojai, CA. She will talk about WILPF Iran, her trips to Iran, the UN and Japan, and Palestine. Please register and join us for the meeting!

As always, after the guest speakers, all WILPF members will have a chance to speak.

Hope to see you on Wednesday, April 16!