Virgins and Venuses: Revisiting Feminine Icons

Artists have used feminine icons like the Virgin Mary or Venus for centuries to shape expectations of how women should be seen, as beautiful, ethereal mothers. However, over time female artists have pushed against these messages in their own works, often reclaiming an identity thrust upon them by their predecessors. Meredith Shimizu, professor of art history at Whitworth University, plans to explore this historical connection between art and feminism in her December talk at the MAC. While you’re there, make sure to also check out the extraordinary exhibition “Woman, Artist, Catalyst: Art from the Permanent Collection.”

Virgins & Venuses: Revisiting Feminine Icons • Sun, Dec. 1 at 2 pm • $10 • Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture • northwestmuseum.org