Woman Made
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Woman Made Gallery is much more than a well-run exhibit space! It's an inspirational community of generous people who give freely of their time and expertise. It's a gathering defined by those who make art and those who enjoy art. It's a place of strength where the female perspective is shown and valued. I have found Woman Made Gallery to be an incredibly supportive organization. They are always willing to answer an artist's question and provide needed information. The gallery's physical space houses high quality and thought provoking art. Their online presence is strong and growing. They are open in thought and directed in mission. Woman Made Gallery is a community asset.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As an artist, I have exhibited my work at the gallery. I have met wonderful people which have resulted in lasting friendships. I have had the chance to network with artists from other states. I have gained helpful information through attending their workshops.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to see them secure enough funding to be able to add to their staff.
Knowledge, commitment, and compassion are the first 3 words that come to mind when I think of Beate and Woman Made Gallery. Always reaching for higher standards and scholarship in art, entering an exhibition and getting accepted pretty much ensures that your work will be shown with other strong work. They have attracted dynamic jurors for their exhibitions through the years. And the gallery and board are always in a growth mode, changing when change is needed, with always the artist as the number one focus.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
numerous ways, their art auction, exhibitions, and special programs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help them identify additional world class jurors for their exhibitions.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
they serve their clients, aka the artists.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
have been wonderful. only one was a problem and she was let go when she was discovered to be undermining the mission.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Support many more artists, educate more aspiring artists, educate more people interested in art, produce publications about the arts, specifically women artists, have a gallery vehicle to transport materials, have a place for visiting artists to reside.
Ways to make it better...
the gallery had more money to do everything they dream of doing.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
having the money to keep going and having people understand the continuing need for a women-centric organization for artists.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I LOVE the gallery. Their mission has been strong and never-wavering. They are a great example of self-determination, finding their way to do what they believe is important, supporting and promoting women artists. Thanks goodness!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
After I retired six years ago, a friend suggested I volunteer at Woman Made. I love art, and am good at office skills and organizing, so I dedicated seven hours a week to helping out. I loved it! Everyone is so friendly, and Beate is marvelous. Then I read a list of facts about how poorly represented women's art is in galleries, museums, textbooks and the media. I was shocked! How totally unfair! I have since joined WMG's board and am working as hard as I can to help find ways to improve this situation. I am proud to be supporting the gallery's mission!
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Reinstate publications and events we've had to eliminate for lack of funds! Remodel our space for better display of our art and for security! Buy the building! Place ads! Give scholarships! Pay our ED and staff a better wage! And so much more!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I was my good fortune to have made the acquaintance of the director and assistant director of WMG about 2 years ago. The professional exhibitions and auxiliary activities that are offered to artists make WMG a rare resource for emerging, as well as established women artists. In a time of economic struggle they have been able to sustain a level of quality and professionalism that is amazing. Having also juried an exhibition at WMG, I was able to see first-hand their use of technology to streamline tasks, making better use of the resources they have. Most importantly, WMG has through their warmth and welcoming atmosphere, created a loyal and growing group of patrons and admirers. WMG is one of the true arts gems of Chicago!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
gaining my first experience as a juror. As a result of my wonderful experience, I know it is something I would love to do again!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Is their enthusiasm and professionalism. WMG succeeds at creating professional exhibitions because they believe so strongly that artists and their work deserve respect.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff and volunteers are the best! They are very invested in the mission of the gallery and make every effort to create a quality experience for the artits and the public.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Get a bigger gallery space so they could spotlight the work of even more deserving artists!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
WomanMade Gallery is a gallery/ exhibition space dedicated to furthering the work of women artists, often those who are invisible in the art world. The quality of exhibitions is generally outstanding, and are installed with great sensitivity to the placement of art work for maximum impact. I have participated in a number of juried exhibitions there, as well as a solo show, and found the staff extremely professional, warm, respectful, supportive, and helpful. This is not the usual treatment of artists in the "art world," where artists are often treated with a lack of respect. Also, I believe that their work is so important, giving voice to many women who do terrific work, but are not necessarily seen in the commercial gallery system.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
put on additional shows, with outstanding programming, without the financial constraints facing not-for-profit arts groups.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I stumbled upon the Woman Made Gallery about 10 years ago when, recently retired, I had more time to visit interesting exhibits. Coincidentally I had started painting, but was quite timid about subjecting my work to a critical eye or forum. Woman Made Gallery not only had a very interesting exhibit, but the whole ambiance of the organization was appealing from its adherence to high artistic standards to its friendliness to its willingness to mentor. I began volunteering there and found a dedicated mentor not just in Beate Minkovski, the founding director, but from all members. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Woman Made has been my artistic home during all these years. I have worked on many aspects as a volunteer, and find that Woman Made does more with their funding than seems humanly possible. And, I have continued to grow as an artist because of the existence of Woman Made. High marks for this organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I was invited to have a solo show.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Maybe have tiers of membership so that out of town members who cannot avail themselves of all the services and networking would be encouraged to join.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Meeting other artists, participating in a women's art discussion group.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Dedicated.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Pay the director more. Hire a full-time administrative person. Buy the building.
Ways to make it better...
It could not have been better.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Fundraising in lean times. Increasing membership which is also a challenge in lean times.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I am an amateur so all suggestions should be taken in that spirit.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Woman Made is run by a great group of both seasoned and emerging artists & curators. They have group and solo exhibitions of work by women artists. I have had many positive experiences working with them as an artist, and as a viewer of art. I love that the gallery has recently hired some new young staff members with fresh ideas. I have noticed a lot innovations in the use of Woman Made's gallery space.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
group exhibitions, solo exhibition, as a juror, and as a viewer
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Perhaps include more conceptual art or more contemporary, young artists
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Working with intelligent and perceptive staff.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Very helpful & friendly
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Reach out to a wider audience by relocating to a more high-traffic area.
Ways to make it better...
I LOVE this gallery
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
exposure, attention from art critics. And perhaps being perceived as a "second class" gallery mainly because it serves women artists
One thing I'd also say is that...
Woman Made is such a great addition to Chicago's galleries. I hope they continue to run for many years to come.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Woman Made Gallery has offered me the opportunity to see interesting juried exhibits; the opportunity to show my work in members' shows; small group discussions among artists sharing their thoughts on art. It is a welcoming, stimulating, and inviting environment.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how open, welcoming and stimulating its events are.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have been involved with Woman Made for almost 10 years as a visitor, vendor, donor and friend. They are a tremendous resource for womens art in Chicago. Their range is wide and they emmbrace many sorts of art and artists. Their events, open houses and galas are warm and welcoming and have opened my eyes to new artists and artisans. They are professionaly managed and I ahve seen great longevity in the volunteers and board members which speaks volumes to the executive director and the high level of operations and collaboration amongst the volunteers and staff. People stay invoved because it is a wonderful organization to be part of.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
a wide range of women. I love that you can work beside artists and also corporate and professional executives. All have a passion for art and for the greater good. It is inspiring.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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