VALLEY FORGE BRANCH MEETING

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13^TH, 10:15 VIA ZOOM

Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt:  The Woman’s Touch to Impressionism

Presented by Fred Dixon

Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt were the only women in the early Impressionistic movement.  They faced a great deal of hostility trying to make their way in a male dominated profession and struggled for the recognition they deserved.  Both had close associations with two of the most prestigious artists of the era, who importantly influenced their careers.  Berthe’s relationship with Manet has been called “the greatest relationship ever recorded on canvas.”  Cassatt was the only woman with whom Degas had a close association.  Things did not always go smoothly, however.

Their art represented the world they were part of, one of refinement in the fashionable 19^th century French bourgeoisie.  Cassatt, in particular, created paintings with a tender mother and child theme and works that became a symbol of feminism.  Come, virtually, to see their art and hear their stories.

Fred Dixon and his wife Martha have collected art for 35 years and have travelled to many of the most important museums in the U.S. and Europe and to Italian cathedrals to view Renaissance and Baroque art.  They were docents at the Barnes Foundation for ten years.  Fred’s book, 700 Years of Art History; Pre-Renaissance to Modernism, from which this lecture is taken will be available to members for the discounted price of $35.00.  Contact Eleanor Erskine to purchase a signed copy.                                                              

 "GLAD Good News from ORION Communities, Phoenixville"

Presented by Kris Keller, Executive Director

Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10:15 a.m.

Easttown Public Library, Berwyn, PA

ORION's mission is to "offer hope for individuals  and families experiencing hardship due to poverty, disability or illness by building bridges that lead to self-reliance." That keyword- self-reliance- was so important to our late AAUW member, Gladys Black. She was a champion for women to stand independently, and ORION continued that mission by establishing the GLAD program in Gladys' memory.  GLAD supports single moms and their children right in our own backyard in Phoenixville. We will honor Gladys by sharing our morning with Kris Keller and by learning more about how this program impacts our community.

Please plan on attending this kickoff meeting for 2019-2020!

THIS IS WHAT WE DO BEST:  WORKING FOR WOMEN

Valley Forge Branch, AAUW 2015-2016 Scholarship Winners

Once again, our chapter is proud to be able to sponsor scholarships for non-traditional female college students. This year, we had enough money to award scholarships to three very deserving Delaware County Community College women students.

Pictured, right, with AAUW Valley Forge Members Susan Norris and Norma Winther, far right, are two of the three scholarship winners. The taller student has an undergraduate degree in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University. She now is working toward a nursing degree with great determination and dedication.

The other recipient, pictured with her daughter, tells us she is pursuing her dream career. "i am," she told us, "currently at DCCC to gain my associates in liberal studies, so that I can attain a degree in Mortuary Science. Hard times will not tear me away from my passion."

Our third winner, not shown, is in her mid-twenties and suffers from clinical depression. She has had to drop out of school in the past but is determined to succeed this time. "I am trying every day; it isn't easy but I am here!"

What an honor for us to be able to help these women as they struggle to meet their goals. Thank you to all of the AAUW Valley Forge branch members who helped make these scholarships possible through support of our annual Book Sale and with direct contributions.

Norma Winther

Scholarship Chair