INDIANAPOLIS — Two pieces of art by Hoosier artists that commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment which guaranteed women's right to vote and went into effect 100 years ago were unveiled on Wednesday.
The two original works include a quilt "Together" by Indianapolis artist Kassie Woodworth and a painting "nINeteenth" by Decatur artist Shelby Nower. Both original works will remain a part of the State of Indiana's permanent public art collection, the Indiana Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission said.
"These two pieces of art are such powerful representations of the profound impact the 19th Amendment had on our state and nation," Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, chair of the commission, said. "I appreciate Kassie and Shelby sharing their talents with us and paying homage to the women's suffrage movement."
Woodworth's piece will be located on the fourth floor of the Indiana Statehouse. The quilt uses the traditional mediums of fabric, embroidery, and beading with other artistic mediums such as printmaking, drawing and screen-printing.
"I am extremely grateful for the rights I have today compared to women only a century ago," Woodworth said. "women and people of color have and continue to fight for equal rights in society. The Women's Suffrage Movement was only the beginning. This project allowed me to express the importance of women's role in society and how significant the 19th Amendment was, and is, to women of the United States of America."
Nower's painting will be located in Lt. Governor Crouch's office. The life-size painting depicts women triumphantly voting for the first time. Names of prominent suffragists are painted onto the clothes of the women voting to pay homage to these historic women.
"This amendment represents a milestone for women in our country," Nower said. "It's important for us to commemorate and celebrate it. Being able to use my art to tell that story and also add my own mark on history is an honor."
