Works of female artists featured
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

CAVA's Nancy Elliott hangs a painting on a wall in Gaffney City Hall as part of the city's celebration of National Women's History Month.

Move over St. Patrick, the women are on their way.

For years, the month of March had strictly been reserved in honor of the Irish influence on the nation. Within the past 20 years, however, it has also become synonymous with recognizing and appreciating the works of women across the country - therefore becoming National Women's History Month.

Thousands of displays and demonstrations will be held around the country with the theme of "Women's Art: Women's Vision" as part of the month-long celebration.

Here in Cherokee County, the Cherokee Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) is displaying several works of art at Gaffney City Hall created by women involved in the organization. The paintings, pottery, gourds and other items will be on display through the end of the month.

"This is great, mostly because it shows the contribution of women to CAVA and Cherokee County art," said Cindy Wilson, CAVA president. "It represents us well, and since it is women's history month the thought of the women of CAVA being displayed just fit."

Many of the women whose art will be posted at city hall could be seen Monday placing items on the building's walls. However, the idea to honor the artwork of women in the community was not the original idea.

"We had to do something pretty quick after our original artist fell ill within the past few weeks," Gaffney City Clerk Leighann Turner said. "But the ladies of CAVA stepped in and were able to put this together in a matter of days."

There are approximately 18 women members of CAVA. At least nine of those members have submitted items to be displayed for the gallery.

"There will be a mixture of new and old paintings," Wilson said. "Each women has put in a lot of work and we hope the community responds well to the gallery."

Last month, the city honored Black History Month by displaying artwork by CAVA members Ralph Phillips and Lloyd Miller. A number of other displays and galleries are on tap for the remainder of the year.

"The Festival of Trees for sure will be back, with requests for city hall to display pottery and other things," Turner said. "This is a great place for the community to see and appreciate works done by their neighbors."