Press Releases
SXU Gallery Hosts National League of Pen Women for National Women's History Month Art Show
Artist collective unites at Saint Xavier March 17 to April 7
CHICAGO (Feb. 17, 2004) - In honor of National Women's History Month in March, Saint Xavier University's SXU Gallery will host the Chicago Chapter of the National League of American Pen Women in a show titled, "Through a Woman's Eyes: Images of Women by Women." Featuring the oil paintings, photography, watercolors and sculptures of several of the organization's members, the show runs March 17 through April 7 at the SXU Gallery, located in the Warde Academic Center on the University's Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103 rd St. A reception will be held at the gallery 3:30 p.m. Wed. March 17. Several of the featured artists will speak about their work, and several of the League's poet members will recite their poetry.
Founded in 1897 as an alternative to the all-male Press Club in Washington D.C. , the National League of American Pen Women was the United States ' first organization for women writers and artists. The group began with 17 members, meeting at the home of Mrs. Mary Andrews Denison, a novelist.
This year, the Chicago Chapter of the League celebrates its 77-year anniversary. Saint Xavier University 's show will feature the works of League members Catherine Cajandig of Chicago ; Elmira Smith Wilkey of Bourbonnais; Rita Dianni Kaleel, of South Holland ; Julia DelNagro-Oehmke, of Crete , Ill. ; Beverly Ellstrand , of Park Ridge ; Glenna Holloday, of Naperville and Laima Rastenis, of Chicago.
Rastenis, a Saint Xavier alumnus and former adjunct professor, will show a series of her photos, for which she draws inspiration from concepts and passages in literary works. Holding a Master of Art in English Literature, Rastenis' photos for "Images of Women" will feature representations of mythical and historical women in contemporary settings, staged to represent their attributes and struggles.
For more information on this show, contact the SXU Gallery at (773) 298-3081. For more information on other National Women's History Events at Saint Xavier, visit the Web site for updates at www.sxu.edu.
To learn more about the National League of American Pen Women, visit americanpenwomen.org on the Web.