The DC Commission for Women launched a new program to encourage girls throughout the District of Columbia to participate in a visual arts showcase that demonstrates the strength of women and their increasing presence in leadership.

“We are inviting every girl in the nation’s Capitol to draw, or paint images that capture both the spirit of our city and the promise of the future,” said Reta Jo Lewis, Chair of the DC Commission for Women.

The young women are asked to create a piece of art from one of the three themes of the showcase: “Service, Sisterhood & Strength”, “This is what a future Commissioner looks like”, and “Bright City, Bright Future, Bright Women.” All entries will be on display at 441 4th Street, NW, Judiciary Square during the upcoming Women’s Wellness Conference on April 30, 2009. The artwork will then be on display in the John Wilson Building in May.

“This showcase is an excellent way for us to commemorate the great work of the Commission and the Community for women over the past thirty years while simultaneously fostering the talent of our future women leaders. It is critical that we continue to prepare our girls for the real world by promoting sisterhood, strength and service to self and community,” said Commissioner Stacey Long.  

Submissions must be no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches in size. Submissions may include, but are not limited to: water color, photography, sketches, and digitally created art. The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2009 at 5pm. Entries can be submitted to the Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives (OWPI) by email at women@dc.gov, or by mail to: Visual Arts Showcase, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC  20004.

"As we approach this important milestone for the Commission, we will be working hard to inspire, engage, and empower girls throughout the District of Columbia,” said Young Women’s Leadership Committee Member Melissa Benish.

The DC Commission for Women is a 21-member Commission representing the city’s eight Wards; and is reflective of the race, ethnic background and age of the city’s female population. Its members are appointed by the Mayor, with recommendations from Commission members, and confirmed by the DC Council. The DC Commission for Women and the Mayor's Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives (OWPI) launched The Young Women’s Leadership Committee (YWLC) as a volunteer committee of women in the district ages 18-35. Working in a collaborative manner, the YWLC leverages its members’ unique experiences, strengths, passions, and backgrounds, with the hope of making a positive impact in the lives of young women in the District of Columbia.