In Her Image: Honoring the Vision & Courage of Women • Judy Jaaskelainen & Michele Cokl Naylor

May 13, 2006 - June 21, 2006

Watercolorist, Judy Jaaskelainen, and doll-maker/collage artist extraordinaire, Michele Cokl Naylor, presented all new works in their exhibit, "In Her Image, Honoring the Vision and Courage of Women". The Opening Reception was held during a full moon on Mother's Day Eve. The public was invited to come enjoy the artwork, celebrate Mother's Day and the contributions of women.

Images of women in Jaaskelainen's art are not a new facet. Some of her most notable pieces have been of or about women, (tempered, at times, with a bit of humor). Her passion and respect for Mother Earth, World Peace, and Human Rights has only grown stronger as she moves into each new decade of her life. She is astounded by the achievements of women, in particular, and their determination to make real their visions for a better world, usually against great odds.

Women's history is rich with examples of the courage and creativity women have employed to gain the right to vote, to aquire property, the right to have reign over their own bodies, and as in the case of 2005 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Wangari Maathai, the wisdom and love to create sustainable development that enhances democracy and peace efforts for Kenya and all of Africa, with her Greenbelt Movement.

Says Jaaskelainen, "My personal history of women whose lives continue to illuminate mine include my mother who had to quit school at the age of 14 to go to work and help provide food and shelter for herself and her seven siblings, my daughters and friends who have excelled in the role of single parenthood without financial nor any other support from their children's fathers, and my sister, cousins and nieces whose dedication to the children in our family helps to keep the spirit of my mother alive.

I have the privilege of having 2 young women in my life who believe so much in their own passion for Women's Rights and for the Environment that they have dedicated years of their lives to study and learn 'more than enough' to make a difference in the world as we know it. And they do.

I have women friends who have survived unspeakable tragedies and who have gone on to counsel others in an effort to bring forth light and understanding.

I trust the women in my life to listen with their hearts and souls. I know that our bonds are universal and indestructable.

My work in this show is dedicated to Michelle M. Weil, PhD., without whom there would be no show."

Photos from the opening: