Schedule Update posted 3/15/2020: In compliance with the Governor’s directive to avoid large events and consideration of Alexandria City Public Schools’ schedule (closed March 16 – April 13), Del Ray Artisans has rescheduled this members and high school students’ exhibit from April 3-26, 2020 to November 6-29, 2020 and extended the invitation to enter to 2020 high school graduates.
The information below is out of date. Please see the Exhibits page for the most current information.
Exhibit Dates: April 3–26, 2020
Opening Reception: Friday, April 3 from 7-9pm
Celebrating the 100-year Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the 19th Amendment, War of the Roses art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans pays tribute to the rights we enjoy today because of the battle won for women’s right to vote in 1920. This amendment not only gave women the right to vote, but also led the way to more overall equality and social reform. The exhibit features artwork by Del Ray Artisans members and local high school students.
Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, April 3 from 7-9pm. Artist awards will be presented by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Vice Mayor of Alexandria, in both the high school category and the members category. Special contributions towards awards provided by the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria, Community Partner McD Mateos, and the curators.
The National American Woman Suffrage Association, formed in 1890, adopted the colors white, golden yellow and purple. Symbolizing purity and hope, golden-yellow banners were used in parades to express the spirit of the movement. Soon, yellow roses became an emblem of the suffrage cause. In contrast, anti-suffragists adopted red roses as their symbol. What ensued was a “War of the Roses.” Are you a “suff” or “antis”? Which color rose would you wear? – yellow or red.
Although Harry T. Burn, the youngest member of the Tennessee state legislature wore a red rose on his lapel, his surprising “yea” vote on August 18, 1920, allowed the passing and ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote, and moved millions of women closer to equality. “Do the right thing” his mother urged him. Harry stands on the right side of history because he did the “right thing.” Ever wonder what life would be like if Harry Burn had voted ‘nay’ to women’s rights?
The 19th Amendment, The War of the Roses exhibit runs April 3–26, 2020 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are: First Thursdays (April–September) 12-9pm, Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-9pm, and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible.
For more information, please visit www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits or contact the curators Drew Cariaso (druamaart@comcast.net) and Amy Kitchin Hower (alkitchin.dc@gmail.com) or Director of Curating Brittany Gabel (Curating@DelRayArtisans.org).
Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
Del Ray Artisans (DRA) appreciates the continued support from the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts. DRA is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Short Blurb – 35 words or fewer
“19th Amendment, War of the Roses” art exhibit (April 3-26) celebrates the 100-year Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, and the battle for women’s right to vote. Reception: Friday, April 3, 7-9pm. www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits
Synopsis – 75 words or fewer
“19th Amendment, War of the Roses” art exhibit (April 3-26, 2020) celebrates the 100-year Anniversary of the 19th Amendment. This exhibit pays tribute to the rights we enjoy today because of the battle won for women’s right to vote in 1920. Opening Reception: Friday, April 3, 7-9pm. View exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Details: www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits