Rural Women: Voice and Spirt

Rural Women is a in-depth exploration of Wisconsin rural women. A collection of painting, corresponding, literary selections, and a companion video presentation by video producer Jane Bartell provide a comprehensive and integrated portrait of the various, and at times conflicting cultures of farming production, land stewardship issues, and evolving farming family roles and relationships. All told from unique and rarely heard perspectives of rural women.

The exhibition aspires to exemplify the positive power of fine art as an effective and constructive means to educate and promote thoughtful exploration of complex and emotionally-charged issues. Through integrated depiction in all three mediums — painting, writing, and video —  rural women can be seen, heard, and understood as never before as they tell their stories, share their lives, and provide insights about contemporary farm issues that ultimately, affect all of us. It is hoped that the voice and spirt of these rural women, as artistically depicted and displayed in the traveling exhibition, will provide a bridge of greater understanding between rural and urban communities.