March 7-31, 2003
In celebration of International Women's Day, La Peña presents
"Mujeres Sin Fronteras"
In response to unjust working and living conditions, women in the U.S. and in Europe began demonstrating in the streets demanding higher wages, equal voting rights, and the end of WWI. On March 8th 1917, women textile workers in St. Petersburg, Russia held a strike for "Bread and Peace" denouncing the oppression created by prostitution and hunger, and subsequently, establishing March 8th as International Women's Day. Since these beginnings, women have continued to voice their struggle on issues such as civil rights, anti-violence, and equal opportunities in education, and in the workplace. International Women's Day was recognized by the United Nations in 1975, and in 1987, the U.S. declared March Women's History Month.
In honor of women around the world and of International Women's Day, La Peña hosts an exhibit of art by women on display during March 7-31. This year's exhibit features the works of Oaxacan painters Gabriela Carrasco, Paola Martínez, Isabel de Oaxaca, and Judith Ruíz. From Ecuador, artist Silvia Enz de Heymann will exhibit along with local artists Cecilia Colomé, Mary Ellison, Nivia Gonzalez, Grace Rosales, Jan Roset, Joana Silva, and Rama Tiru.