Independence for Whom? Women's Caucus for Art Summer Gathering

Join WCA for a two-day exploration as we dive into what independence really means for women's history, art and bodily autonomy.
About this Event

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, WCA is planning an “Independence for Whom? Summer Gathering”—a two-day program designed to examine the meaning of independence through the lens of women’s history, artistic expression, and bodily autonomy.

This gathering will engage artists, scholars, and community members in panels and workshops, culminating in the art reception for "Independence for Whom?" at the historic Workhouse Arts Center—a former Pr*son that once confined suffragists demanding the right to vote.

Day 1

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Welcome Coffee & Pastries
🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Unfinished Independence- Panel Discussion

Info: Panel discussion with Carole E Rosenstein and Philappa Pham Hughes. Moderated by Sandra Davis President WCA 2026-2028.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Break: On or off Campus/ Brown Bag
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Creative Resistance: Art as Activism Create your own activism poster

Info: Create your own poster with Sarah Matthews. Sarah Matthews is a highly skilled printmaker and book artist with a background in art and business. She holds an MA in Art & the Book from the Corcoran College of Arts and Design at George Washington University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration, and a BS in Sociology from Bowie State University.

Day 2

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome Coffee & Patries
🕑: 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Independence of the body- presentation and roundtable discussion

Info: Allicette Torres will share a presentation on Bodily Autonomy in the visual arts, created by women. Where is our work shown and how do we get it seen? Followed by a roundtable discussion led by Mattie Sterling and Shariah Dunwell on bodily independence and what that means in today's political and social environments.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Break on or off Campus/ Brown Bag
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Irish Crochet workshop with Amanda Banks

Info: Amanda Banks will lead a hands-on workshop presenting Irish Crochet. Irish Crochet became a vital practice for women to provide a source of income and economic independence for their families during the Great Famine. Irish crochet lace was not only practical but also symbolic of resilience and creativity.