Audart welcomed an important group of women photographers to its ArtSpring '97 exhibition, from May 15 to June 15, 1997, with a wine and cheese reception on Thursday, May 29, 1997 from 5 to 10pm.

Included were works by some of the most important women photographers on the scene in New York in the last twenty years, including the late Diane Arbus, whose unique vision helped establish women photographers as an important component of the art scene in New York.

Bettye Lane's photography documents the womens' movement for the past 20 years in the United States and abroad. Her image was recently chosen for a Unites States postage stamp, celebrating NOW (The National Organization For Women) and 30 years of struggle for women's rights. Also on view are works by SOVVA, whose images capture demi-monde punk portraits, as well as the classic architectural face of New York.

Shelley Seccombe is well-known for her exquisite sense of tone and structure in architectural and landscape photography. Theresa King combines evocative imagery in ambiguous collages that have the density of a painting, with the clarity of a photograph. Anita Steckel was one of the first artists to appropriate photography in so-called fine art. Her image was used for the cover of the 25th anniversary of Ms. Magazine.

The above women pursued their photography careers in what was often a hostile or indifferent environment, in a profession that was considered primarily for men.

The above exhibition was curated by Jacqui Taylor Basker, Director of Westbeth Gallery, and sponsored by The National Organization For Women (NOW).

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