International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual global holiday on March 8, that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and pays tribute to those who have paved the way. There are plenty of meaningful ways to embrace this day: you might consider shopping at women-owned businesses, exploring art by female artists, or handwriting a thoughtful note of appreciation to some of your female role models, mothers, friends, and in some cases, all three.
While we shouldn’t celebrate women (artists) one day of the year, several museums are showcasing the work (and thoughts) of women artists for IWD 2020. We highly recommend that you check them out: National Museum of Women in the Arts, New-York Historical Society, Museum of the Moving Image, The Jewish Museum, and Museum of Fine Arts.
This illustration was created by Laura Callaghan for It’s Nice That publication, which shows that the movement is for all women. Laura has cultivated an audience of devoted illustration fans (including us). From art directors of prestigious publications to fashion houses, Laura’s female-focused work is adored for its ornate line work and carefully chosen patterns which build a unique narrative. As this is in celebration of IWD, we are sharing Laura’s thoughts on the importance of this day. “In recent years it’s a day that has been co-opted by companies to sell stuff and appear politically aware so it’s easy to feel fatigued by all the self-congratulatory Instagram posts, but it still holds importance if we see it as a chance to reflect on all that remains to be done. It can be an opportunity to amplify marginalized women’s voices, to listen to what they need, and share their stories with as much concern as we have shown the women of Hollywood in recent months.”
To learn more about Laura Callaghan, visit her website at lauracallaghanillustration.com.
