BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just in time for Women's History Month, a group of veterans is sharing their stories of combat and healing through art.
Military members and artists Jenny Pacanowski, Sharon C. Wallace, Zina Bethea Dawson, Maria Salazar and Corinna Brown will discuss what inspired their work for the "We Are Empowered: Women Veteran Art Exhibit and Ritual Storytelling" exhibit on Friday, March 3, at ArtsQuest's Banana Factory, 25 W. Third St.
- Five women veterans will discuss what inspired them to curate an art exhibit on Friday, March 3, at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem
- The women are members of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, an organization based in Allentown
- The exhibit runs through March 19
They are members of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, an Allentown-based organization that provides opportunities and training for veterans to share their reflections through workshops and performances in the Lehigh Valley.
Pacanowski, a combat veteran "turned poet," founded the organization in 2016.
She said the exhibit will showcase pieces of artwork (paintings, sculptures, jewelry and self-portraits) that depict different women’s experiences in the military.
“As women veterans, it is so important to be recognized for your service, especially for women who have served between the 1960s to 2001. Often veterans are only associated with older men."Jenny Pacanowski, founder of Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving
“It is a huge accomplishment for the women in the organization and for women veterans everywhere,” she said.
“As women veterans, it is so important to be recognized for your service, especially for women who have served between the 1960s to 2001. Often veterans are only associated with older men."
Live music and more
The event is part of ArtsQuest First Friday events that take place the first Friday of every month.
Along with the discussion, there will be a Lisa Frank-inspired art-making workshop and live tunes by Bethlehem-based rock band Fictional Name.
There will also be drinks available in the Crayola Gallery and a glassblowing demonstration in the ArtsQuest Glass Studio.
Can't make it?: The "We Are Empowered" women's exhibit is open through Sunday, March 19, inside the Banko Gallery at the Banana Factory.
Entry is free.
