Women's History Month Essay Contest: 
Awards Ceremony Weds March 29, 2006 6:30-8:30pm: Mallets Creek Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library

The awards ceremony will feature a lecture/discussion by mixed media and fiber artist Marianetta Porter. Porter is known for her exquisitely crafted sculptural constructions, which evoke memories of the African American past and link collective memories to the present through common objects such as vessels, ironing boards, and church fans. A visual poet, Porter is Professor of Art at the University of Michigan and a recent recipient of a Smithsonian Senior Research Fellowship.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Over 25 years ago, artist Judy Chicago's "Dinner Party" premiered at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. A groundbreaking installation, the "Dinner Party" employed a range of techniques and materials to commemorate women's achievements throughout history. Through the language of visual art, this monumental exhibition chronicled the historic struggle of women to engage fully in the social climate of their times and gave voice and visibility to those often dismissed from the pages of history. In 2007, the Brooklyn Museum plans to reinstall the "Dinner Party" in its entirety for the first time since its 1979 debut. Marianetta Porter will discuss Chicago's installation and its transformative influence on society's imagination.

Events List Ann Arbor District LibraryDownload the Submission Guidelines for the 2006 Essay Contest 
(PDF Format)

DWOT Productions, a non-profit educational organization, is presenting a community-wide essay contest in celebration of Women’s History Month. Winners will be chosen in three categories, Youth (6th-8th grade), Young Adult (9th-12th grade), and Adult (18+). “We need more academic events like this one that bring together diverse members of the community” said Joe Dulin, founder of NAAPID, Principal of Roberto Clemente High School and enthusiastic supporter of this event. “We really hope to engage young men in this project, as well. We want to know what everyone thinks Women’s History should be” said Anna Gersh, DWOT Co-Director. “We are excited to offer this night of fun during Women’s History Month & we encourage everyone to come on down” said Cheri Sing, DWOT Co-Director. Students are encouraged to submit both essays and artwork for the event.  ALL Participants will receive a certificate of participation, winners will receive special certificates.  

ESSAY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Help Keep Women’s History Alive!  Share your knowledge!  Win prizes! 
Winners will be chosen based on originality and ability to answer the following question:
What woman, not known to you personally (e.g. not a relative), do you believe should be remembered for Women’s History Month? Explain your choice.
Winners will be chosen in three categories:
Youth (grades 6-8)
Young Adult (Grades 9-12)
Adult (18+)
•          Entries should be 500 words.
•          Entrant’s name, age, address, phone number and level at which you are entering should appear on the first page of each essay. The participant’s last name and page number should appear on each subsequent page.
•          Email submissions are strongly suggested.
•          DWOT may reprint all or part of essays entered for educational purposes.

Submission deadline: February 17th 2006

For more information, contact

Anna Gersh (d_wotproductions@hotmail.com)

Cheri Sing (d_wotproductions@yahoo.com)