Inspirational women at Town Hall
International Women’s Day marked in words and pictures
Two exhibitions and three notable speakers will come together for A World of Inspiration on International Women’s Day (March 8).
Those taking the stage at Bishop Auckland Town Hall will be Nigerian-British artist, curator and advisor Chinwe Russell, Azadeh Fatehrad, professor of art and public policy at Teesside University, and Sarah Price, who runs the Science Museum Group’s Locomotion attraction at Shildon.
Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, will host the event which also offers a chance to view the exhibitions.
One of them, 20 Historical Women Who Changed the World, comprises bold and colourful paintings by Doncaster-based Chinwe Russell who is also an industry leader and entrepreneur with an MBA from the European School of Economics in Paris.
Explaining that she draws the inspiration for her art from the rich tapestry of global history, cultures and traditions, she advocates for active involvement in the visual arts.
Her exhibition includes portraits of Marie Curie, Elizabeth I, Florence Nightingale and less well-known women whose work nevertheless continues to shape people’s lives.
Among the latter are: Nigerian women’s rights leader Nwanyeruwa; Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, from Kenya; life-saving Polish-American chemist Stephanie Kwolek; African-American biochemist Dr Marie Maynard Daly; and Gerty Cori (born in Prague but emigrated to the USA), the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The other exhibition, Inspirational Women of Durham, will be displayed in the Strong Room gallery space at the Town Hall.
It features five larger-than-life sized portraits of women from County Durham who have been inspirational within their communities.
They include the present Lord Lieutenant and an 18th century pub landlady called Elsie Marley who inspired a song that’s still sung today.
They were created by artist Jillian Johnston with help from the team at The Story, Durham County Council’s heritage and registration venue at Mount Oswald.
The exhibition also includes a soundscape by Marie Gardiner featuring the voices of County Durham women.
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the achievements of women who have shaped the world in which we live today.
“But it’s not just about looking back; it’s about looking forward and considering how we can continue to strive for gender equality.”
A World of Inspiration starts at 10am on Saturday, March 8 with tickets (£3) available from the venue on 03000 269 524 or via the Bishop Auckland Town Hall website.
The exhibitions run from March 1 to May 24.