Irrepressible Women

Copyright 2025 by Karen Gutfreund Art. The book author and each artist here retains sole copyright to their contributions to this book. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without prior permission in writing from SFWA and the individual artists.

ISBN: 9798311190534

Catalog designed and edited by Karen M. Gutfreund, Curator KarenGutfreund.com, @karengutfreundart

San Francisco Women Artists (SFWA), a historic nonprofit arts organization, believes in the creative and transformative power of art to inspire us, provide broadened perspectives and draw closer the human family. For over a century, our mission has been to expand and promote greater representation of women in the arts, assuring their inclusion and that of aspiring artists at all stages of their careers. While our historical focus has been on women artists, SFWA welcomes all Bay Area artists regardless of gender and remains firmly committed to promoting equity in the arts for all people.

Founded as the “Sketch Club” in 1887, SFWA began as an independent group of women artists who met to share, mentor and critique one another’s work, eventually evolving into the organization we know today. San Francisco Women Artists is a designated San Francisco Legacy Business in recognition of having served the community as a valued cultural asset of our great City for over 100 years. SFWA is proud of its heritage and its many former members, including prominent artists Ruth Asawa, Dorr Bothwell, Imogen Cunningham, Emmy Lou Packard, and Ruth Bernhard.

SFWA offers monthly exhibition opportunities and varied events for artists and other nonprofit art organizations to exhibit work, assuring that the voices and experiences of both individuals and of diverse communities are represented and celebrated. SFWA is a welcoming community, providing an ADA accessible gallery actively promoting broad participation in its programs and activities. The SFWA Gallery is located in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood, showcasing contemporary art, jewelry, sculpture and ceramics.

Our continuing success and positive outlook for the future are due in great measure to our local SF Grants for the Arts, Patrons and Benefactors, who have supported SFWA through many challenges, to our member-artists who through their art work and commitment to engagement in so many activities are the beating heart of SFWA, and to the Gallery Management Team/Board who are the foundation that keeps our legacy alive and remains an essential part in guiding and leading us in these challenging times.

Gratitude, Pam Borrelli

About the Juror: Karen M. Gutfreund

Irrepressible Women is dedicated to celebrating Women’s History Month and to empower the women in our lives through the profound themes of hope, serenity, and strength in a world overshadowed by challenges and uncertainties. As you navigate the exhibition, you'll encounter works that capture the essence of finding peace and strength amidst chaos, embracing imperfections, and discovering the inner fortitude to rise above challenges to have their individual voices be heard.

Showcasing the work of Bay Area artists, Irrepressible Women features a juried selection of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculpture, photography, watercolor and mixed media art. Each artist offers a unique perspective, highlighting their individual, lived experiences—emphasizing diversity in artistic expression, with a rich tapestry of voices and styles.

This exhibition is collectively very powerful but I was asked to choose my three favorites. The photography July 31, Janet and Domonique by Lisa Wiseman is a sensitive and beautiful portrait, this work has incredible tonality and a unique perspective. The love between these two women is palpable, capturing their bond with a sense of deep connection and heartfelt openness. Quince Nude II by Lynn Zachreson is a stunning large watercolor. The vibrant colors and lush composition are truly captivating. The purity of the color is a delight to behold and truly enchanting is the serene, sensuous woman in repose. The oil painting, Longing by Linda Manes Goodwin is quietly contemplative and masterfully detailed, this piece beautifully captures the soul and essence of a woman exuding strength and resilience.

As a curator, I believe in the healing power of art. Irrepressible Women is not just an art exhibition; it is a celebration of the human spirit. Through the power of art, we aim to uplift, inspire, and remind audiences of the beauty and strength that reside within each of us. I was honored to be asked to jury this important exhibition and am grateful to SFWA for this opportunity. We invite you to join us on this journey to experience the transformative power of art.

Karen M. Gutfreund is an independent curator, consultant and artist with a focus on feminist and social justice art. She has worked in the Painting & Sculpture Department at MoMA, Andre Emmerick Gallery, The Knoll Group, John Berggruen Gallery and the Pacific Art League. She served on the board of the Women’s Caucus for Art, the Pacific Art League and the Petaluma Arts Council. She was the National Exhibitions Director for the Women’s Caucus for Art, curator for UniteWomen.org, is a member of ArtTable, and the Northern California Representative for The Feminist Art Project (TFAP). She is a partner in Gutfreund Cornett Art, with the motto “changing the world through art”. To date she has created over forty-five national exhibitions. Lastly, Gutfreund is a practicing artist and has exhibited extensively around the country. She has a BFA in Photographic Design and a BA in Art History, and studies towards an MA at New York University. Gutfreund lives and works at her ranch outside of Yosemite. karengutfreund.com gutfreundcornettart.com @karengutfreundart

Laura Abrams, Its Not What You Thought, Mixed media, 13 x 13 inches (framed), (top)

Alice Armstrong, Jes Auf Dem Tisch #41, Acrylic painting, 12 x 12 inches, (bottom)

Victoria Bochat, Embracing Nature, Mixed media, 19 x 21 inches, (top)

Kim Boerner, Do You Need More Proof? Oil on board, 24.5 x 20.75 inches, (bottom)

Lorraine Bruce, House not a Home, Oil painting, 36 x 36 inches, (top)

Barbara Campbell, My Bridal Day, Sculpture, 22 x 12 x 5 inches, (bottom)

Monica Currie-Johnson, Nina Simone, Mixed media, 22 x 20 inches, (top)

Poppy de Garmo, Grey Hair, Fine art photography, 9 x 11.5 inches, (bottom)

Poppy de Garmo, Mary Jean, Fine art photography, 11 x 14 inches, (top)

Amber DeSilva, Lilith, Acrylic and oil on linen, 21.5 x 17.5 inches, (bottom)

Joeann Edmonds-Matthew, Mama's Restaurant, Fine art photography, 19 x 25 inches, (top) Daniele Erville, ... ... and then ... ..., Mixed media, 4 x 53 inches, (bottom)

Ayelet Gal-On, Escape from Mariupol, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30 inches, (top)

Marsha Guggenheim, Self Portrait 9 from the series Without a Map Archival pigment print, 22 x 18 inches, (bottom)

Marsha Guggenheim

Self Portrait 8 from the series Without a Map, Archival pigment print, 22 x 18 inches, (top)

Mom from the series Without a Map, Archival pigment print, 22 x 18 inches, (bottom)

Katie Haas

She's Got This, Collage and acrylic, 20 x 20 inches, (top)

Trust, Collage and acrylic, 48 x 36 inches, (bottom)

Cele Hanzel , Watercolor, 32 x 24 inches, (top)

Charlotte Kay, Laughing Lady-Barcelona, Fine art photography, 14 x 11 inches, (bottom)

Kate Kiselow, Snarl, Acrylic, 24 x 18 inches, (top)

Viktoriia Kyrylenko, The weight of years, Pencil drawing, 30 x 22 inches, (bottom)

Barbara Landis, BL Screaming, Fine art photography, 12 x 9 inches, (top)

Kim Larson, Marigold, Mixed media, 12 x 32 inches, (bottom)

Kim Larson, Spring, Mixed media, 16 x 15 inches, (top)

Ana Lazaro, Diana Nyad, Cuba to Florida , Acrylics on wood, diptych, 20 x 30 inches, (bottom)

Carolyn LeCoque, Resilience, Sculpture, 14 x 11.5 x 3.5 inches, (top)

Danae Lenda, Soft Shoulder, Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 16 inches, (bottom)

Confidence Considered,

Linda Manes Goodwin

Longing, Oil painting, 37 x 37 inches, (top) *Jurors Choice

Quiet

Oil painting, 38 x 38 inches, (bottom)

Pamela Pitt, Every Place is a Woman's Place, Collage, 12 x 16 inches, (top)

Barbara Pollak-Lewis, Joy, Oil painting, 40 x 36 inches, (bottom)

Barbara Pollak-Lewis, Wilha, Oil painting, 36 x 36 inches, (top)

Bernadette Robertson, Evolution of Her, Limited edition archival canvas print

25.75 x 19.75 inches, (bottom)

Tachina Rudman-Young, Ritual, Sculpture, 28 x 12 x 18 inches, (top)

Clare Schmehl, Good Luck Mrs. Demick, Mixed media, 10 x 8 inches, (bottom)

Kelsey L. Smith, Pay Tree R Key , Mixed media, 10 x 10 inches, (top)

Steven R. Sweetser, Countenance 1, Collage, 12 x 12 inches, (bottom)

Meredith Tennent, Lipstick on the Collar, Mixed media, 36 x 18 inches, (top)

Azariah Thoma, She, Watercolor, 10 x 8 inches, (bottom)

Zhanna Urodovskikh, Amazing Women of My Life. Grandma, Great-grandma and Great-grandaunt Mixed media, 23 x 19 inches, (top)

Saskia Van Kampen, Acumen, Mixed media, 8 x 6 inches (framed), (bottom)

Saskia Van Kampen, Fearlessness, Mixed media, 8 x 6 inches (framed), (top)

Virginia Van Zandt, Ladies' Laundry, Fine art photography, 20 x 16 inches, (bottom)

Yana Verba, Gleaners, Mixed media, 14 x 11 inches, (top)

Lisa Wiseman, July 31; Janet M., Fine art photography, AP, 19 1/8 x 25 1/8 inches (framed), (bottom)

Lisa Wiseman, July 31; Janet and Domonique, Fine art photography, AP, 17 1/8 x 21 1/8 inches (framed), (top) *Jurors Choice

Hanah Yendler, Long Covid // Depersonalization, Photography and thread, 18 x 19 inches, (bottom)

Lynn Zachreson

Queen Bee, Watercolor, 32 x 40 inches, (top)

Quince Nude II, Watercolor, 32 x 40 inches, (bottom) *Jurors Choice