The Patterns Of Life and Feminism

Jesus Duran Reyes, staff writer

Gender equality, a rising movement in every generation, started with their right to vote. From women’s suffrage during the early 20th century to the women’s march during Donald Trump’s presidency, females have united around the common goal to overcome inequality. Artist Judy McLeod says, “Women live in patterns.”

From Feb. 23 to April 11, 2018, Dickinson’s North and South galleries will  showcase McLeod’s Patterns of Life, a collection of paintings and sculptures made from the 1980s to 1990s, demonstrating the patterns of women she has interacted with throughout her life.

McLeod’s purpose is to help people understand the story of women through irregularities, the weight they carry, and how they have overcome obstacles.

She says, “I was there in times when feminism was really striving during the 80s, the early stages. Times have changed now, and this is the story.” She believes women pick up a routine, the same routine every or most women have. Although most works are from female points of view, there is also work related to life and the rhythm of it.

As one of Charlottesville’s most appreciated artists, McLeod teaches at various institutions to inspire new artists. She taught Art Foundations, Drawing, and Painting & Printmaking at Virginia Commonwealth University for about 20 years and at the University of Virginia in various Arts Education courses.

As coordinator, teacher, and program director, McLeod has worked in the Charlottesville City Schools  programs of visual arts.

She has been the recipient of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship Grant twice. Regionally, she was awarded a Piedmont Council of the Arts Award for outstanding achievement in arts education.

McLeod said, “Whenever I have students, I tell them that art is an idea. And an idea comes from real life. They have to look deep into their life and know what is important to them.”