Wolfsonian Event Invites Women in Creative Fields To Come and Converse

Women are nothing if not capable. Time and time again, despite setbacks, gender inequity and patriarchal power, women have managed to rise to every occasion, from World War II-era factory work to World Cup championships.

On Saturday, July 18, the Wolfsonian-FIU is gathering members of this high-achieving gender for a mini conference of sorts, dubbed "Making It." The idea is to connect female creators and inspire entrepreneurial advancement.

The event itself will be in a roundtable format, followed by smaller breakout sessions, says Meg Floryan, communications manager for the Wolfsonian. It will be led by Sabrina Smelko of Design Sponge, and will feature ceramicist Rachel DePauw, fashion designer Diane Brache, jewelry designer Joanne Stone and Frangipani design store owner Jennifer Frehling.

"These more intimate conversations with the panelists, groups will be able tackle questions and issues that are top-of-mind for entrepreneurial women in creative industries," she explains. "While all are welcome to attend, the discussions will likely be most pertinent to women in craft- or design-focused trades: fashion, jewelry, and graphic designers; artists; illustrators; and the like." 

The event was inspired by a current special exhibition at the museum: Women, Art, and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise. The exhibit revolves around pottery and other works created by Southern women in New Orleans between the 1890s and 1940s as part of the Newcomb Pottery program. This innovative endeavor was a way for women to learn self-reliance and artistic expression at a time when working outside the home was almost unheard of.

"I wanted to honor the spirit of these trailblazing women by holding an event that celebrates how far today’s women have come in the fields of art, craft, and design," says Heather Cook, the Wolfsonian's public programs manager.

"The event will take the form of a mini-conference where women in creative industries can meet each other, share stories, and swap advice in an effort to grow their businesses and build a stronger community of makers and entrepreneurs here in Miami." 

Tickets are $15, and also include a brunch reception courtesy of Whole Foods. 

"In preparing for the event I have already met a surprising number of truly inspiring women who are doing some incredibly creative things," adds Cook. "I am so excited to introduce them to each other at the program and see what kind of magic happens."

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, at the Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Ave., Miami. Tickets are $15 and space is limited. Visit wolfsonian.org or call 305-531-1001.