CAW: Columbus Women's Artist Collective

Last night was a happy one for Columbus Girl Power. The ladies of CAW (Creative Arts of Women) held an opening reception for their first official exhibit at the Main Library’s Carnegie Gallery. More than 250 people attended Definitions of Character, a self-portrait exhibition featuring 36 Central Ohio female artists. Refreshingly, there were no limitations placed on the artists, meaning that they could interpret “self-portrait” however they liked using whatever materials they preferred. The result is a fiercely inspirational and emotional array of pieces designed with acrylic paint, oil paint, spray paint, paper, wood, ink, silk thread, ceramics, and found objects. A portion of the proceeds from the opening reception was donated to a local charity that provides counseling, shelter, crisis intervention, and education to people facing domestic violence. Definitions of Character will be on display through February 19.

Founded in August of 2009 by two Columbus-based visual artists, CAW is an open-membership collective enabling women to share work, host shows, perform community service, and support each other’s careers. The group of 50 women (and growing) meets monthly to discuss each other’s short- and long-term goals. CAW plans to host two more exhibits, including a Sadie Hawkins art event, later this year. You can read my Columbus Underground article about CAW here.