Comments on WomenArts: Artists Invited to Participate in Obama's United W...

As a follow up to the larger idea of women volunte...

2009-09-03T11:03:46.737-07:00

As a follow up to the larger idea of women volunteerism, I think it is a poorly thought out strategy to ask the underdogs of the educated working class (artists) to donate in a substantial way, without a framework to support one of the classes that needs help.
We artists know, and governments know, that strong art seen by the public is inspirational and forward moving.
We may need to put the framework in place ourselves. Let's put the call out to organizers who work in the arts, to build a platform for us to help the rebuilding of America.

The significance of volunteer efforts in America i...

2009-09-03T10:55:09.334-07:00

The significance of volunteer efforts in America is widely acclaimed as something unique and praiseworthy about our country. It is only the "citizenry" that volunteers and creates the associations that strengthen democracy. These special contributions of women are often seen as invisible.
Today it seems improbable that NOW denounced volunteer work as exploitation, but in the early days they did just that. It took academic studies and public debates, such as this one, to over-turn that hastily made decision. It was finally determined that women recognize the many human needs that major institutions of society do not fulfill. Many bits and pieces of necessary activities are left dangling, requiring integration and coordination by concerned volunteers. Volunteers act as "intermediaries between existing institutions and newly developing requirements."
This idea of women's invisible careers is neatly expressed and fully researched by Dr. Arlene K. Daniels

There is no conflict here. Women deserve to be pa...

2009-09-02T21:59:46.678-07:00

There is no conflict here. Women deserve to be paid. Their work deserves to be hung in funded, well lit, temperature controlled museums. The arts need to be revived through women artists, women art teachers and women & girls studying.