Fruits
WARM and its members became a catalyst for women-centered art happenings locally, regionally and nationally. Over the last forty-five years, hundreds of artists have participated in the organization, and their experiences in WARM shaped not only their artistic careers, but also their desire to carry on WARM’s philosophy to support and recognize women artists and all underrepresented communities.
Beginning with the members of WARM and fanning outward, there is a web of connections between the organization and current (and future) community art endeavors. These connections span time in its continual path forward, and they are evident in the myriad relationships of artists and audiences of the Twin Cities, Minnesota and beyond. These relationships have spawned new women- and community-centered art communities, feminist-based art education methods and a renewed interest in art as a tool for social justice. The impact of WARM continues to grow today through the activities of past and present members who mentor and support emerging artists, who, in turn, carry this legacy forward by supporting other artists.
This portion of the exhibition addresses only a few threads of WARM’s influence, exemplifying the different ways WARM members employed the ideals and philosophy of the collective. Each thread begins with an early WARM member and traces her influence on a contemporary artist or community. “Fruits” demonstrates that the spirit, community and social justice ideals of WARM grew beyond the organization and continue to thrive today.
