Phenomenal Women: An Immersive Art Exhibit Celebrating Women’s History Month

The Social Justice Ad Hoc Committee develops resources and programming that educate the ANY membership about taking action for social justice. We invite the Asian Network at Yale and other members of the Yale community to take action through discussion, advocacy, and pledging to make lasting change.

In alignment with its mission, the ANY Social Justice Committee successfully hosted it’s first immersive art exhibit in a two-part series called “Phenomenal Women” to celebrate Women’s History Month. The purpose of this event was to amplify the voices of (5) artists of color through different mediums of art. Our Phenomenal Women featured as visual artists include Alana Ladson, Candyce “Marsh” John, Quiana Stanley, Pamela Cox, and Violeta Ware.

Photos and Infographics by BeWare Designs

PART I of this activation took place on Wednesday, March 6th, from 6-9pm at 32 Edgewood Gallery at the Yale School of Art where we showcased the visual art of (5) CT women of color and amplified their voices through media by diving into their art, the social impacts of their works, and women in history who inspired them as artists.

PART II of this activation took place on Wednesday, March 13th, from 6-9pm at DISTRICT in commemoration of Breonna Taylor’s untimely murder and made history as the Tech campus’s FIRST art exhibition. Immersing the community in an unconventional art display, The WareHouse utilized the building’s train station infrastructure to showcase the art. A live DJ set the vibe with an all women soundtrack, and the caterer mixed cocktails to showcase the art of mixology. There was also a huddle area for attendees to tune in to a live recording of New Haven’s own Chattin’ with Kobey podcast as the artists were interviewed on their process as artists, and what it means to use their voices as women of color in the visual art field.

This gathering marked the beginning of many more immersive experiences to amplify black voices, attracting a turnout of over 100 participants. Members of the Asian community at Yale came together, establishing connections and engaging in friendly conversations with peers from various departments across the campus. The event was open not only to Yale staff and faculty, but to the Greater New Haven community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the community.

Aimed at uplifting and empowering women of color, ANY partnered with The WareHouse, an organization in New Haven dedicated to celebrating all shades of black and brown collaborating to enhance, beautify, and inspire its community. This collaboration consisted of several partnerships with local businesses such as Madeline’s Empanaderia, DISTRICT, Winning Ways, Frii Branding, and Ozki Event Designs. Special thank you to our sponsors the Yale African American Association, Quinnipiac M&T Bank Center for Women and Business, Ozki Event Designs, Yale School of Art, and BeWare Designs.

Photos from the events are available here.

This week, in honor of Women’s History Month, the ANY Social Justice Subcommittee sat down with several members of Yale’s art community, including a project manager in the Office of Facilities, a training and staff development support specialist, and several local New Haven artists.

In a series of videos, they describe their own social impact experiences, what inspires them to create during times of adversity and chaos, and how these experiences have shaped their lives and their work within the Greater New Haven community.