Renee Cox is a photographer, artist, lecturer, and political activist who lives in New York. Born in Jamaica, she is recognized as one of the most important African American artists working today to celebrate Black womanhood. The Boca Raton Museum of Art has graciously shared images of Cox’s work The Signing with Girls That Create. Currently on display at the museum, this witty and dramatic large-scale piece reimagines Howard Chandler Christy’s historical painting Scene at The Signing of the Constitution of the United States. Cox’s contemporary (and glamorous) twist on Christy’s painting shows modern-day women and men of color in the place of the Founding Fathers. Cox’s subjects are all decked out ─ some in current fashions, others in 1700s period clothing, and some wear dazzling African garb. In describing her photography, Cox states: “This work aims to unleash the potential of the ordinary and bring it into a new realm of possibilities. It’s about time we re-imagine our own constitutions.” This is the first time a museum has exhibited The Signing. “The Signing was created on a grand scale and in the tradition of history painting,” said Kathleen Goncharov, the Senior Curator of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. “This is a revisionist look at one of America’s most historic events ─ the founding of the nation. The image brings to light that although people of color did not participate in the signing of the Constitution, they have most certainly played important roles and made vital contributions to the building of this country. Museum visitors are encouraged …

It all started with figs. In 2010, siblings Nate Padavick and Salli S. Swindell launched the website They Draw & Cook (TDAC). The duo came up with the idea during a family vacation. Padavick had been trying to replicate a fettuccine recipe with figs while Swindell was using her watercolors to paint the fruit in its crate. This led them both to realize how fun it was to illustrate food. Today artists from around the world submit their work to TDAC, making it the largest online collection of illustrated recipes. TDAC has generously shared several recipes with Girls That Create. Take time to create these delicious dishes with your family (click on recipe images for larger view). Jungle Critter Pancakes by Sue Mattero (website, Instagram) Harvest Apple Kale Salad by Lisa Lane (website, Instagram) Butternut Mac & Cheese by Lisl Christie Grandma Susie’s Ranger Cookies by K. We Recipe books can be purchased on the TDAC site. Swindell and Padavick are also behind the website They Draw and Travel, which is a collection of illustrated travel maps created by artists from around the world. More recently they launched Illustrators for Hire, an online global directory of creatives. Across all three sites the founding principle of TDAC is as true today as it was 10 years ago: to promote the careers of freelance illustrators. They Draw & Cook Website Instagram Pinterest Salli S. Swindell Website Instagram Nate Padavick Website Instagram Images provided by They Draw & Cook More Girls That Create posts: Kate Allan: Q&A With Author and Illustrator …

Sometimes the universe sends us a message. The most recent (for me) is this graphic from the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It’s a strong reminder on why I created Girls That Create and believe in its purpose with my entire heart. I’ve been trying to figure out how to financially support Girls That Create with an online platform. Several weeks ago I was chatting with a dear colleague who suggested I look into setting a Patreon account. What is Patreon? They’ve put together a great video to explain. Basically Patreon allows you to directly support Girls That Create on a monthly basis at predetermined giving levels (tiers). Based on the tier level you support, at the end of every month (and in some cases every three months) your support is rewarded with special offers that only those giving through Patreon receive. As written on the Patreon page, “Our platform provides thousands of creators the opportunity to create on their own terms.” Right now there are 200,000+ creators on Patreon. In a nutshell, if you like the content appearing on Girls That Create and want to see the project grow – become a Patron. If you feel strongly about balancing out representation in mainstream media and seeing more women in leadership positions in the arts – become a Patron. If you want to help artists and inspire the next generation of artists – become a Patron. You can stop being a Patron at anytime. Click HERE to see the different tier levels, they …

It’s safe to say a lot of us are doing porch drop offs this year when it comes to gifts. Why not spruce up your present for a special girl with one of these free printable Powerful Girl Gift Tags?!? There are eight different gift tag designs included in the printable. Just print, cut, and write to and from on the back and you’re good to go! Click to download Free Printable Powerful Girl Gift Tags Things you should know before downloading: Girls That Create printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own If you’d like to share this project, credit must be given to Girls That Create and linked back to this post For best results, print the gift tags on cardstock paper. More Girls That Create posts: Self-Esteem Activity for Girls: What I Like About Me and Picture Books With Women and Girl Main Characters www.girlsthatcreate.com

Did you know the only major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts is in Washington, D.C.? With its collections, exhibitions, programs, and online content, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas. The museum addresses gender imbalance in the presentation of art by bringing to light important women artists of the past. It also promotes great women artists working today. This fall the NMWA is presenting a lineup of innovative online programs to connect visitors to women artists. See the calendar for dates and times. More Online Engagement The museum’s blog Broad Strokes informs online visitors about women artists in the collections, helps them explore exhibitions in greater detail, and provides vital information about gender disparity in the arts. The @WomenInTheArts social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram amplify the museum’s collection, programs, publications, and advocacy by connecting with global audiences. The award-winning #5WomenArtists campaign raises awareness about gender equity issues in the arts and has initiated tangible, real-world impacts for artists and arts organizations around the world. Free Online Activities See For Yourself Cards: Create your own museum experience using these fun, interactive art cards. See for Yourself cards correspond to selected works from NMWA’s collection and special exhibitions. Use them to engage with artworks and discover fascinating facts. Art, Books, and Creativity (ABC) Curriculum: The ABC curriculum consists of 14 lessons, which combine visual arts and writing activities. ABC introduces students to artworks by women, as well as basic art vocabulary and …

Word of Mom Radio (WoM) has been sharing the wisdom of women on BlogTalkRadio for more than seven years. I had the opportunity to speak with host Dori DeCarlo about Girls That Create, the importance of female representation in media and of course Wonder Woman. WoM focuses on sharing how mompreneurs – the new businesswoman – are finding the balance between building a business and raising a family, as well as women in business who have grown from home-based to an office where now others are working with them. WoM looks to empower, encourage, inspire and educate as they share the wisdom of women, in business and in life. A huge shoutout and thanks to Dori for having me on the show. Listen to the full interview.  About the Podcast Word of Mom Radio, THE radio show for Mompreneurs and Business Women, has been sharing the wisdom of women on BlogTalkRadio for more than seven years. Mompreneurs, women-owned and home-base businesses are breaking those myths that we are “dabbling” in business. We are empowering each other as we find the balance between building a business, raising a family and creating the life we desire. Our network has now expanded into TV as Word of Mom TV is airing on BLU Success Television on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV – so our media network continues to grow! Host Dori DeCarlo brings these NEW Business Women to the forefront, giving voice to their amazing stories as we take the world by storm, and pave the way for …

Looking for a wonderfully quirky indoor planter to shower with creativity? Then the Face Plant is perfect for you. When my oldest daughter and I saw a picture of this little square of joy, both of us knew we needed one to live permanently at our home (full disclosure, 30 Watt sent me a sample of the planter to review). Planter With a Happy Face So what separates this planter from the thousands of others out there on the market? You can personalize it with facial expressions and messages using any dry erase marker. I also love the minimal design and its built-in nose and ears. Those little details mean you can store favorite sunglasses, eyeglasses or simply change the planter’s mood for the day. The girls and I have had fun dressing ours up: At $16, this little planter is a great gift. It is made of 100 percent ceramic and has a drainage hole in the bottom for proper plant care. The Face Plant is available online at www.30Watt.com. The company prides itself on manufacturing unconventional products and gifts that empower people to be clever. Happy creating and planting! More Girls That Create posts: Make Your Young Girl An Art Space and Unique and Thoughtful Gifts. www.girlsthatcreate.com

Two free history-driven podcasts commemorating 100 years of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote are now available. Episodes will be released weekly through September 16, featuring the untold stories of the women’s suffrage movement and the generations of activists who championed equal rights. Podcast 1) And Nothing Less: The Untold Stories of Women’s Fight for the Vote Co-hosted by actresses Rosario Dawson and Retta. “Men their rights and nothing more; women their rights and nothing less.” Written by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, women’s rights activists used this resonant rallying call to demand voting equality. The suffrage movement also included an array of diverse voices beyond these two well-known leaders, as generations of activists fought for full access to the ballot. Rosario Dawson and Retta will guide listeners through stories not often found in history books alongside a range of guests, including historian Dr. Martha S. Jones (Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All), journalist Elaine Weiss (The Woman’s Hour), and Michelle Duster, the great-granddaughter of suffragist and civil rights icon Ida B. Wells. “The full history of the women’s suffrage movement, the work of so many heroes who fought for and secured women’s right to vote, resonates profoundly today,” said Dawson. “It’s an honor to bring such powerful stories from our nation’s history to audiences everywhere.” “It’s a joy to bring the history of the women’s suffrage movement in America (and around the world) to life,” said Retta. “Especially with Rosario, who …

Growing up, I lovingly lined The Baby-Sitters Club (BSC) books numerically along a closet shelf. While my collecting volumes ended decades ago, the affection I have for BSC remains strong. That’s why I was thrilled to receive a screener invite for episode one of Netflix’s new THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB series. Hosted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (GDIGM), the event included a follow-up Q&A with Showrunner Rachel Shukert and Director and Executive Producer Lucia Aniello. Enduring Popularity THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB follows the friendship and babysitting adventures of five best friends in Stoneybrook, Connecticut. In the initial announcement about the show’s release, author Ann M. Martin said, “I’m amazed that there are so many passionate fans of The Baby-Sitters Club after all these years, and I’m honored to continue to hear from readers – now grown, who have become writers, editors, teachers, librarians, filmmakers – who say that they see a reflection of themselves in the characters of Kristy and her friends. So I’m very excited about the forthcoming series on Netflix, which I hope will inspire a new generation of readers and leaders everywhere.” During the Q&A hosted by GDIGM, Shukert pointed out this is the first adaptation of BSC to be made by people who grew up with the material. Both she and Aniello were obsessive about the books as youngsters. In fact Aniello shared she often shies away from working on reboots or reimagining old material. When her agent asked what project she’d never turn down, the answer was BSC. It’s no coincidence the main character Kristy sits down …

Are you looking for picture books where female artists are the main characters? Well look no further, here is a free printable listing 20 picture books that all star a woman artist. You will find painters, sculptors, photographers, dancers, musicians, singers, and filmmakers. List inspired by Girls That Create post Picture Books With Women and Girl Main Characters. Click to download Free Printable Picture Books About Female Artists Things you should know before downloading: Girls That Create printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own If you’d like to share this project, credit must be given to Girls That Create and linked back to this post Other Girls That Create posts: How Real Stories Help Girls and Creator Spotlight: Jessica M. Rinker and Daria Peoples-Riley Top image Daria Shevtsova from Pexels www.girlsthatcreate.com