I didn’t expect to write about Women in Art on Father’s Day, but then I didn't expect the air conditioning in my home to clonk out during the first heatapalloza of summer either. Isn’t that the way it always is?
Happy Father’s Day if this applies to you and yours. I’m neutral about the day since my father has been on the other side for fifty-five years, though I celebrate the day for Cooper and my husband.
Welcome to Monthly Vibes, where I discuss books, art, and food.
SUMMER READS
If you’re one of the million fans of Elin Hilderbrand Nantucket's summer beach reads, then you know Swan Song is her latest and final novel with this setting and characters. If you’re unfamiliar with the “Queen of the Beach Reads” books, and you love contemporary fiction, then you need to dive into the drama, suspense, and romance pronto! If you need to hear more from Hilderbrand, listen as she dishes up what’s next on Books, Beach, and Beyond with Tim Ehrenberg.
In One of Us is Lying, the book-turned-television series by Karen McManus, you’ll meet four high schoolers accused of murdering another student. It’s a twisty whodunnit with enough plots and twists and turns to keep you curious and guessing. McManus followed up with One of Us is Next and One of Us is Back.
Memory Piece by Lisa Ko is a novel about three young women’s lives intersecting from the 1980s through the dystopian 2040s. It’s a remarkable story of adventure, life, art, love, and friendship. This story is gripping, has a WOW factor on the first page, and doesn't disappoint.
WOMEN IN ART
From The New York Times “…between 2008 and 2020, only about 11 percent of acquisitions and 15 percent of exhibitions at museums in the United States featured the work of women.” I want to be surprised, but I’m not, which says a lot. Here’s the full article (my gift to you): Women Artists Are Catching Up, But Equality Will Still Take a While.
If you’re in the DC area, consider this: The newly renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts offers New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024. The exhibit runs through August 11 and features works by 28 artists exploring the past, present, and future.
If traveling isn’t in your budget this summer (raises hand), check out Great Art Explained on YouTube. Here are three exceptional favorites of mine:
As one of the world’s most recognized visionary female artists, Frida Kahlo’s art stands apart and out for not only her striking, haunting, colorful self-portraits but also her resiliency through illness, infidelity, and so much more.
At 95 years old, Yayoi Kusama, known for her polka-dot installations, is still a badass!
And while the Mona Lisa, the world’s most famous painting, was painted by a man, this short video is worth watching.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It’s Georgia Peach season, crowded peas are coming in, and while it’s a bit early for fresh corn (in KY), it’ll be abundant soon enough. Here are three ideas (illustrated ink and wash from my journal) to whet your appetite: Peach-Mango-Bourbon Filling for a Galette or Cobbler, Southern-style Grits, and Slow-Cooked Crowder Peas. Enjoy!
I hope you have an amazing day and week. Thanks for subscribing to and reading pARTake. Before you go, let me know who your favorite female artist, author, or fictional character is. As always, comment below or, to keep it private, reply to this message. I’m honored to be in your inbox. Namaste.
Maureen xo
Stay curious. Stay safe. Make an impact.
I’m so sorry about your a/c conking out at such an inopportune moment!! I hope and pray it’s repaired ASAP (or is it time to replace??😱) Maybe a cool front will sail on in to rescue you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Love your journal entries - thanks for sharing! Of course I loved your Cooper card for Larry - how cute!!
I’ve always admired Frida for her bravery and determination - her perseverance in spite of all of her physical and emotional challenges is beyond awe-inspiring.
Georgia O’Keeffe, however, has always been one of my favorites, as I do love and admire trailblazers. Her art is so beautifully evocative of the feminine aesthetic - it just draws me in and I feel a deep kinship with her. Hard to put into words.
Thanks for asking, and for always staying curious. Love you, soul sister! Wish I lived nearby - you could’ve hung out with me and my wacky pups this weekend. Please give Cooper an extra long snuggle and wish Larry Happy Father’s Day for me! 💜🙏🏻😘
Especially love the gorgeous veggie watercolors.