Fair Park Administration Newsletter Spring 2009
Putting women, children and men first.
Spring at The Women’s Museum offers glimpses into lives of Presidents, cowgirls and kids’ imaginations .
From residents of The White House to gals at Home on the Range, The Women’s Museum will delight visitors of all ages this spring with exhibits and activities that are quite intriguing.
Hail to these images.
Diana Walker was one of the first female photographers to get inside The White House and private corridors of Washington, D.C. “Diana Walker: Photojournalist” (now through March 15) spans 25 years of capturing the memorable and often poignant moments of such notables as Presidents Ronald Reagan through George W. Bush, as well as Muhammed Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev. While assigned to TIME Magazine’s White House staff, Ms. Walker snapped images that included President Reagan roaring with laughter while Queen Elizabeth II kept a stoic face in front of him. Then there’s the photo of Senator John Kerry fast asleep against his wife’s back while on a plane. The rest of the 70-image collection is history, as they say, so check out this rare glimpse into the “inner” Presidency and Washington. This exhibit is presented by the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibit Services (The Women’s Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate).
Women who take the reins.
“Tall in the Saddle: Cowgirls, Ranch Women and Rodeo Gals” a photo exhibition composed entirely of black-and-white images, celebrates the cowgirl lifestyle: women who work the land, ride the rodeo circuit and toil among horses and cattle. Photographer Ann P. Meredith depicts the grit and determination of women across the country (even New Jersey!) who perform vital tasks that are often done only by men. These photos from the 1970s to the present are extremely inspiring, especially for women. “Tall in the Saddle” runs from April through June.
She’s all about art.
The Museum’s Art League Education Series showcases “Breakthrough Artists,” women who have made exceptional accomplishments as painters, illustrators, sculptors, graphic designers and photographers. In addition to a permanent exhibit which features videos of prominent artists, a new lecture series brings local artists to talk about their careers and offer words of wisdom to others.
Imagine the possibilities for kids.
According to Alyssa Gardina, Marketing Assistant, The Women’s Museum is now also a very cool kids’ destination. “We’ve got plenty of fun reasons to immerse your kids and yourself in everything from stories to amazing activities. There’s the ImagiStation, with puzzles, games and plenty of hands-on excitement that keep kids’ minds engaged.”
Ms. Gardina also suggests the “Children’s Reading Corner,” a twice-monthly event begun in January. “This is a natural for preschoolers and early school-age children. Every last Wednesday and Saturday of the month, our stories, interactive games and other activities help younger visitors to better understand our permanent and temporary exhibits, and the role of famous women in history. For instance we might center around the neat patterns of the quilts in the “Partisan Pieces: Quilts of Political and Patriotic Persuasion” exhibit or the way the cowgirls in the “Tall in the Saddle” exhibit do their chores. Moms, dads and kids can all get involved!”
Last but not least, The Women’s Museum has pulled some strings to provide the Dallas Puppet Theater a home in its AT&T Auditorium. Says Ms. Gardina, “We want to reach younger audiences and school groups who may not otherwise experience the joy of seeing favorite tales performed by puppets. Sleeping Beauty and The Magical Land of Oz are playing this spring.” Performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on selected dates (see The Women’s Museum web site for details). Tickets can be purchased separately from the museum; call 214-915-0862. You can also find information at the Dallas Puppet Theater web site,
Discover why The Women’s Museum is surprising everyone with captivating offerings for the whole family!