Youlou Art Foundation is encouraging support for Women artists as St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday March 8, 2024. In a statement the Foundation, headed by Camille Saunders-Musser said “March is here! The month we traditionally celebrate women.

We celebrate women because we know they are the backbone of our country. They play a key role in the community.

First and foremost women are caretakers. They perform the role of mother, wife, partner, organizer, breadwinner, disciplinarian, teacher, director and activist, in short they wear many hats. Women are very special people who deserve to be respected and celebrated not only during the month of March, but every day of the year. Let us strive to be a society where women are always respected and cherished.”

Saunders-Musser continued stating that “For the past four years Youlou Art Foundation has been making an effort to celebrate women artists in the community during the month of March. This year there are plans to acknowledge women creatives. Three women artists have been invited to show their work at the Youlou Art Gallery. They are Alana Hudson, Zen Punnett and Mya Pope,” who will have their work on display from March through August.

To honour these three women, the gallery held an opening reception on Saturday March, 2,2024.

Another event planned during this month is a craft fair for women craft makers that will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10, 2024 from 2:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. at the Youlou Art Centre.

There will be locally made skin care products, crochet items, embroidery, jewellery, clothing and accessories, throw pillows, decorations for the home and condiments locally made, Saunders-Musser added.

The Foundation, during this month, is also inviting women to form their own group to have a “Sip & Paint” event at the Centre.

There must be five people to have this event. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for women to come together, and relax, while making art,” Saunders-Musser said.