About this Event
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, WCA is planning an “Independence for Whom? Summer Gathering”—a two-day program designed to examine the meaning of independence through the lens of women’s history, artistic expression, and bodily autonomy.
This gathering will engage artists, scholars, and community members in panels and workshops, culminating in the art reception for "Independence for Whom?" at the historic Workhouse Arts Center—a former Pr*son that once confined suffragists demanding the right to vote.
Day 1
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Welcome Coffee & Pastries
🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Unfinished Independence- Panel Discussion
Info: Panel discussion with Carole E Rosenstein and Philappa Pham Hughes. Moderated by Sandra Davis President WCA 2026-2028.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Break: On or off Campus/ Brown Bag
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Creative Resistance: Art as Activism Create your own activism poster
Info: Create your own poster with Sarah Matthews. Sarah Matthews is a highly skilled printmaker and book artist with a background in art and business. She holds an MA in Art & the Book from the Corcoran College of Arts and Design at George Washington University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration, and a BS in Sociology from Bowie State University.
Day 2
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome Coffee & Patries
🕑: 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Independence of the body- presentation and roundtable discussion
Info: Allicette Torres will share a presentation on Bodily Autonomy in the visual arts, created by women. Where is our work shown and how do we get it seen? Followed by a roundtable discussion led by Mattie Sterling on bodily independence and what that means in today's political and social environments.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Break on or off Campus/ Brown Bag
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Irish Crochet workshop with Amanda Banks
Info: Amanda Banks will lead a hands-on workshop presenting Irish Crochet. Irish Crochet became a vital practice for women to provide a source of income and economic independence for their families during the Great Famine. Irish crochet lace was not only practical but also symbolic of resilience and creativity.
Event Venue
George Mason University School of Art, 4515 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, United States






