A museum of their own
Subtitle: National Museum of Women in the Arts
By: by Wilhelmina Cole Holladay ; text contributions by Philip Kopper.
Contributors: Kopper, Philip.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Abbeville Press
Published: 2008
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 240
ISBN-13: 9780789210036
Subjects: National Museum of Women in the Arts (U.S.) -- History; Women artists -- Museums -- Washington (D.C.)
Description: "Until quite recently, the work of great women artists was ignored, forgotten, or denied; they were largely left out of museums and histories of art. Along came Wilhelmina Cole Holladay, who boldly rectified this oversight in 1981, by founding a museum that was initially housed in her residence, where docent-led tours of the collection were offered." "This thrilling account of the birth and early years of NMWA provides a lively, anecdotal, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the efforts of the countless dedicated individuals who have shared Mrs. Holladay's vision and, under her leadership, helped to expand the permanent collection, renovate the Museum, and fund a robust endowment. Today, NMWA boasts a sizable membership - among the ten largest museum memberships in the world - including twenty-nine active committees in states across the nation and in eight countries. Among the major exhibitions presented at the Museum have been retrospectives of important women artists - Lavinia Fontana, Berthe Morisot, Camille Claudel, Lilla Cabot Perry, and Carrie Mae Weems." "Illustrating this captivating memoir are nearly 200 pictures, most in full color, including artworks, archival photographs, and candid images of the landmark events that led to the Museum's impressive growth. An additional feature is a color portfolio of "Selected Gifts and Promised Gifts of Wallace and Wilhelmina Holladay to the Museum." The remarkable story of NMWA, told through the eyes of its founder, is a priceless legacy for women today and for future generations." "Wilhelmina Cole Holladay, the founder and chair of the board of the National Museum of Women in the Arts."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: raison d'etre: for the love of art; title: Links in a golden chain; title: Preparing the canvas for my life's work; title: NMWA-what's in a name?; title: From the temple of the Masons to the temple of women artists; title: Early tours, the library, the membership campaign, the state committees and the monthly luncheons; title: Grand acquisitions; title: Shows that went on-the first ten years; title: More room of our own; title: Special gifts, special friends; title: Pursuing our mission-the major exhibitions of the second decade; title: Legacies and the future.