Maggie O’Neill: Advocate for Women Artists Impacting Change
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Show Notes:
Maggie O’Neill, award-winning artist and founder of Vote for Your Daughter and Our Daughters’ Futures Fund, joins Dr. Nancy in a discussion about the FEMME Art Fair August 26-30, with a sneak peek available for attendees of Take The Lead’s Power Up Concert and Conference, August 25 and 26, Women’s Equality Day, the 106th anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. O’Neill says that opening FEMME on Women’s Equality Day is appropriate since women are so under-represented in the art world. Only seven percent of artists shown in major collections are women, but as long as men are in leadership, they will control the market, pricing, and representation.
FEMME Art Fair is a market correction, offering women an opportunity, not just to show and sell their work, but to gather in community and learn from other artists. For four days, attendees will be exposed to women in creative entrepreneurial pursuits. In addition to traditional visual artists, women in film, and women in food, fashion, and many other creative industries will be showcased throughout the programming.
Launching in Washington, D.C., it announces it as a national platform and creates business networking and social impact channels to make it both a community and business movement. O’Neill reminds us that artists are small-business owners who mostly work alone or in other industries as creative personnel. She hopes this event and all of the FEMME Art Fairs to come will change the course to put more money in the pockets of female business entrepreneurs by helping them reach out to potential mentors also working in the business of art.
Tying in with the PowerUp Conference is also worth noting, and Dr. Nancy recalls women attending past conferences discussing the annual event as the first time they felt they were no longer alone. This opportunity to join together and share stories and wisdom of their experiences is remarkable on many fronts. Learn more about The FEMME Art Fair and Power Up Conference, two events making an impact for change.
About:
Maggie O’Neill is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and creative visionary whose work has transformed spaces, inspired communities, and demonstrated the power of art to spark meaningful change. With more than two decades of experience, she has shaped Washington, D.C.’s cultural landscape through immersive design, public art, and creative placemaking. As co-founder of Swatch Room, she has helped bring more than 80 restaurants, hotels, and commercial spaces to life through innovative design.
O’Neill’s signature pop impressionist artwork is collected across the United States and internationally, and her public murals and immersive installations encourage connection, conversation, and community engagement. A passionate advocate for women and civic participation, she uses art as a catalyst for civic engagement, empowering communities to take action on issues that affect women and girls through initiatives including Vote for Your Daughter, Our Daughters’ Futures Fund, the Forever Fearless exhibition, and the upcoming FEMME Art Fair.