Girl Scout Project, 2012
I was a Girl Scout in the 1980's and 90's, participating in Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. As the only child in my household, Girl Scouts was the first opportunity for me to make lasting friendships outside of school. As a feminist, I value the way it fostered a desire for female/feminine community, which has stayed with me to this day.
The Girl Scouts' commitment to gender rights inspired the project I contributed to their centennial exhibition. Five of the paintings exhibited were created by Daisies from Spanish Trails Troop 394. In a two hour "playshop", I gave the troop a lesson in Abstract Expressionist painting, with the intent that a Girl Scout patch be developed in Abstract Expressionism. The patch for this is a white patch, painted by the Scouts, themselves, to reflect their painting.
Abstract Expressionism is not only an inherently American movement, but it has traditionally been dominated by ultra-masculine (often misogynist) men. This project not only allows for a more modern art education that is lacking in schools, but the idea of young girls attempting AbEx painting subverts the chauvinist undertones that plague the critique of the art form, while empowering Scouts to think abstractly; a skill necessary for critical thinking.
A special thanks to Daisy Abstract Expressionists: Charley Bellue, Abby Carroll, Macie Pillow, Samirah Saja, August Trawick, and Troop 394.
The Girl Scouts' commitment to gender rights inspired the project I contributed to their centennial exhibition. Five of the paintings exhibited were created by Daisies from Spanish Trails Troop 394. In a two hour "playshop", I gave the troop a lesson in Abstract Expressionist painting, with the intent that a Girl Scout patch be developed in Abstract Expressionism. The patch for this is a white patch, painted by the Scouts, themselves, to reflect their painting.
Abstract Expressionism is not only an inherently American movement, but it has traditionally been dominated by ultra-masculine (often misogynist) men. This project not only allows for a more modern art education that is lacking in schools, but the idea of young girls attempting AbEx painting subverts the chauvinist undertones that plague the critique of the art form, while empowering Scouts to think abstractly; a skill necessary for critical thinking.
A special thanks to Daisy Abstract Expressionists: Charley Bellue, Abby Carroll, Macie Pillow, Samirah Saja, August Trawick, and Troop 394.
