Local artists reflect on International Women’s Day

Local artists took a moment to pause and reflect on what International Women’s Day means for them during an informal gettogether at King of Cups in Stellarton.

For Crystal Mann, who is currently filming a documentary about fellow local Carolyn Bedford, March 8 was “a day to be with my fellow sisters.”

Such fellowship was important for Mann, a musician as well as a budding filmmaker, as Pictou County’s various artists can feel isolated.

Her subject Bedford helped build the car sculpture on the East River in New Glasgow, which includes a statue of a man holding an iPhone.

The sculpture is a back portion of a Volkswagen Beetle and people can sit on the back seat and watch the world go by.

“It’s an affirmation,” said Bedford of March 8’s significance.

Rachael Robitaille said that women and artwork can be easily melded together, describing how she helped run art workshops for teenage girls.

She also gave a nod to male allies on International Women’s Day.

For her, March 8 was about “joining together. We need each other and to live in this world with our gentlemen. I have two sons.”

Also present at this networking meeting was Laura Richey, who sits on the Creative Pictou County board. For her, connection was key for local women artists.

“Today is about trying to connect women and their creative pursuits,” said Richey. “It’s really about helping women explore.”