Summer Gathering: The Women’s Caucus for Art (WCA)

Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11, 2026

Join WCA for a free two-day exploration as we dive into what independence really means for women’s history, art and bodily autonomy. All are welcome!

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, WCA is planning an “Independence for Whom? Summer Gathering”—a two-day program designed to examine the meaning of independence through the lens of women’s history, artistic expression, and bodily autonomy.

This gathering will engage artists, scholars, and community members in panels and workshops, culminating in the art reception for “Independence for Whom?” at the historic Workhouse Arts Center—a former prison that once confined suffragists demanding the right to vote.

Panels & Workshops @ George Mason University School of Art, Fairfax, VA

Exhibition Reception @ Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA

WCA Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Potomac Mills Woodbridge

Note: WCA will be providing scheduled van transportation to and from George Mason University and the Workhouse Arts Center

Questions? Contact Sandra Davis at sandra.davis@nationalwca.org

FULL PROGRAM

Friday, July 10 | George Mason University School of Art

9:00–9:45 AM
Welcome Coffee
Join us early for coffee, pastries and conversation!

10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Unfinished Independence- Panel Discussion
Panel discussion with Carole E Rosenstein and Philappa Pham Hughes. Moderated by Sandra Davis President WCA 2026-2028.

12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Lunch Break: Grab lunch on campus at Panera or bring a lunch

2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Creative Resistance: Art as Activism- Create your own activism poster
Create your own poster with Sarah Matthews. Sarah Matthews is a highly skilled printmaker and book artist with a background in art and business. She holds an MA in Art & the Book from the Corcoran College of Arts and Design at George Washington University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration, and a BS in Sociology from Bowie State University.

Saturday, July 11 | George Mason University School of Art

9:00 AM
Coffee to go!
Grab a quick coffee and sweet treat before the first event of the day! 

9:30 AM—12:00 PM
Independence of the Body: presentation and roundtable discussion
Allicette Torres will share a presentation on Bodily Autonomy in the visual arts, created by women. Where is our work shown and how do we get it seen? Followed by a roundtable discussion led by Mattie Sterling on bodily independence and what that means in today’s political and social environments.

 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Lunch Break: Grab lunch on campus at Panera or bring a lunch

2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Irish Crochet workshop with Amanda Banks
Amanda Banks will lead a hands-on workshop presenting Irish Crochet. Irish Crochet became a vital practice for women to provide a source of income and economic independence for their families during the Great Famine. Irish crochet lace was not only practical but also symbolic of resilience and creativity.

Saturday, July 11 Evening | Workhouse Art Center

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Reception for “Independence for Whom?”
Workhouse Arts Center
Vulcan Gallery 1st floor, Bldg. W-16 9518
Workhouse Way Lorton, VA 22079