Ladies, Festing

By Sarah Dahnke in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 18, 2007 9:44PM

Tonight kicks off a fest that's all about the ladies. Wait. You've heard of this concept before? Innovative or not, the festival appeals to the large number of people out there who feel like women need to continue to form communities and alliances within the art world and that females are not always represented as prominently as men.

Ladyfest began in Olympia, Wash., seven years ago and has since spread to 50 cities worldwide. The Chicago festival aims to celebrate the achievements of women in music, film, visual arts, and spoken word.

Tonight's show is at Heaven Gallery (1550 N. Milwaukee) and brings together the work of punk illustrator Christy C. Road, local experimental pop viola mistress Anni Rossi, and others, combined with the showing of two movies: Amy (a documentary that parallels aviator Amy Johnson's journey with feminism and heroism) and Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti (a look at two contemporary and radical artists working in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution).

The remaining events bounce back between Heaven and AV-Aerie (2000 W. Fulton) throughout the weekend, incorporating informational workshops geared toward women into the arts programming. Some of our favorites include Basic Bike Repair Workshop (noon-2pm, Saturday), a podcasting and community radio informational chat (4p.m.-6 p.m., Saturday) and an alternative health panel (time TBA, Sunday).

This year Ladyfest has chosen to donate proceeds from the event to Chicago Women's Health Center and Rape Victim Advocates.

For a full list of Ladyfest events and activities, visit the festival's website.

Ladyfest Chicago logo, designed by Lilli Carre, courtesy of the festival.