West Des Moines Artisan Gallery 218 Presents The Suffrage Project

Press release from the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce:

August 25, 2020

West Des Moines, Iowa – While America celebrates the August 26 Centennial of
the 19th Amendment, which recognizes women’s right to vote, Artisan Gallery 218 –
an all women-owned fine arts gallery in historic Valley Junction – presents The
Suffrage Project in tribute to the women of the movement.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg recently sent a message of appreciation to one of the Gallery owners whose portraits of the Suffragettes are showcased. Ginsburg wrote, “A thousand thanks” to artist Mary Kline-Misol “for your portraits of the brave women who strived mightily to gain suffrage for the long left-out half of the population.”

The works of sculptor Nancy Briggs and collage artist Marybeth Heikes are also featured in The Suffrage Project, which is open to the public August through the upcoming presidential election in November.

Briggs’ ceramic portraits are collectively named “And Yet, They Persist.” Heikes refers to her acrylic collages as the “19th Amendment” group. The works of all three artists are available for purchase.

Whether shopping for an historic commemorative or seeking a visual history lesson, Artisan Gallery is admission-free Tuesdays through Saturday. Protective masks and social distancing are required.

This press release was produced by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.