Women's history takes spotlight

An art exhibit featuring stories of "Women, Power and Clothing"; copies of a 32-page book of photos and poems written by Veita Jo Hampton of Shelbyville; and readings by Tennessee's poet laureate -- Bell Buckle's own Maggi Vaughn -- are among events scheduled this weekend at The Fly Arts Center.

This "Art of Womanhood" festival, taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is being held in observance of Women's History Month. Sponsors of the event are the Bedford County Arts Council and The RANTers (Rural Artist Networking Team) coordinators Julie Cataldo and Pippa Browne.

"The 'Art of Womanhood' is designed to capture the spirit of womanhood by exhibiting quality art pieces, created by women artists, and to produce a natural environment in which to gain a greater understanding of women and art in general," said Browne. "There are a lot of amazing women in [Bedford County], and we need to celebrate them."

"Trappings: Stories of Women, Power and Clothing -- The Tennessee Sessions" was developed by Tiffany Ludwig and Renee Piechocki who as "Two Girls Working" have been traveling across the United States since 2001 gathering groups of women together to respond to the question "What do you wear that makes you feel powerful?" Their study in Tennessee was in 2002.

This exhibition includes 20 photographic portraits of project participants, with women wearing clothing they describe as "power sources." Quotations from the interviews will be displayed next to each portrait.

Copies of Two Girls Working's print installation for Epiphany, a New York City literary magazine, will be available for purchase.

Vaughn, whose poetry ranges from colloquial humor to social, political and cultural issues, will be reading from her books Friday evening at 7.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, country gospel musician Brenda Wheeler, a Michigan native who now resides in Wartrace, will entertain with her music, and at 8 p.m., family entertainment will be provided by folk-rock band Red Headed Stepchild. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., this group recently moved to Nashville to be closer to their "musical roots.

Light Travels, published under Hampton's own label, Bluestocking Press, contains poems and photographs selected to compliment each other in a reversal of the usual documentary concept -- words adding information to photos.

"The work is drawn from a catalogue of material that spans 1961 through 2006," said Hampton. "Since my 30-year career was devoted to teaching photography, photojournalism, English or visual communication ... Light Travels has been a delightful break and great fun."

Cost of the book is $10 for Arts Council members, $15 for non-members. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Bedford County Arts Council.

Also on exhibit throughout the festival will be the art of Pippa Browne and the zephyr art of her RANTers associate, Julie Barrett Cataldo, and Eppie Cataldo Bailey.

Brown was born in Zimbabwe and now resides in Shelbyville. Her illustrations have been on world-wide traveling exhibitions.

"I have learned that nothing can be taken for granted and that the smallest moment can be a source of inspiration," said Browne. "Many such moments have been offered to me in unique, natural environments and by vibrant resourceful people I have encountered."

Cataldo and Bailey, sisters-in-law, started their zephyr art as an avenue to collaborate with other artists to work on community art pieces. They have been visual artists for the promotional material for the Dam Show in Potter County, Pa., and for three years running have given workshops in Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

In addition to these artists, Bell Buckle's mosaic artist Sherri Warner Hunter and sculptor Russ Faxon have selected for the juried art show, on exhibit throughout the weekend, works by Linda Weaver of Wartrace, Peggy Blood of Savannah, Ga., Heidi Blaise of Colorado, Kim Bohn of Bell Buckle and Mary Hiers of Tullahoma.

Culminating the weekend festival will be a Spring Fashion Show at 3 p.m. Sunday featuring clothing from J. Jordan.

Profits from The Art of Womanhood" will benefit the exhibits, classes, music and other cultural events of the Bedford County Arts Council. A portion of the profits will also be used to benefit the Haven of Hope, a domestic violence victim service organization.

Tickets for "The Art of Womanhood" can be purchased at Antiques, Art & Collectibles on the Shelbyville square and at the door. Ticket prices are $10 per day or $20 for the entire weekend. Student tickets are half price, and age 6 and under free.