By Ann Goodman-Lieb

CAFED (COLLECTIVE ARTISTS FOR ETHNIC DIVERSITY) AND EL BARRIO ARTSPACE, PS 109 are delighted and proud to honor women’s achievements and life-affirming contributions though-out history, with an exhibition of PHENOMENAL FEMALE ARTISTS. Our participating artists come from many diverse backgrounds and stages of adult life, and include Arlene Santiago, Emily Gabrielle Moreno, Franne Demetrician, My Life in Yellow, Marienne Yen Thomas, Joanne Balecha, Annie Arroyo, Paris Souffrant, Yaritza Peneiro, Teresa Deliz Rivera, Barbara Nahmias, Brianna Fernandez, Erica Svec,
Jamie Bracha Ades and Abigail Soto known as Aba_Cura.

This PHENOMENAL GALLERY SHOW runs from March 12 – March 29, 2022, and we invite you all to join our celebration. Get to know these talented artists through their amazing artwork, for each piece tells a story, HERSTORY, from a unique feminine perspective and lens. Every artist exhibits courage and versatility, giving us an intimate look, snapshots from her ‘Heroine’s Journey.’

When I first entered El Barrio Artspace on Tuesday March 8th, to see the goings on of installation and set-up, I was immediately struck by the easy friendship of our women artists, the harmonious discussions, the collective hub of activity, as art was hung in one place, and then moved for better effect to another. It was clear that everyone present contributed to the growth and flourishing of each other, and everyone desired the very best for their fellow artists. The bonding was visible, audible and immediately.

I was especially delighted to see that the installation was under the special guidance and expertise of artists and curators, Annie Arroyo and Brianna Fernandez. I had met the incredibly talented Annie before, as she had shown her work in SEEING VOICES DE VISIONES BORICUA, the kick-off CAFED gallery show at El Barrio Artspace highlighting artists born in Puerto Rico, and those of Puerto Rican descent. I was charmed then and equally charmed now.