When Director Lisa Hamilton joined the organization last year, Kendrick again proposed her "10 Women" show. Hamilton is an ardent believer that the Arts Alliance should be a reflection of the community it serves. To this end a "Geek Art" show is scheduled this spring recognizing the technical influence of the NASA aerospace community. Similarly, the area's abundant waterways will be celebrated in a "Waters" theme exhibition planned for 2008.

"This community is fortunate to have many strong, strong women," Hamilton says. She endorsed the show as did the Board of Directors, and Kendrick's long envisioned dream of showcasing women artists is now in full motion. "People are glad we are doing it," Hamilton adds. "They're excited when they see it."

"Supporting women in any venue, when it comes to living out their passion, is one of my passions," Terry says.

Several activities will complement the "10 Women, 10 Perspectives" show. A Wearable Art fashion show and luncheon honoring the Clear Lake Area Woman of the Year is being planned as a fundraiser, according to Carol Wicklander, Special Events Chairman. Wearable art features individually designed pieces of handmade clothing as artistic expressions. It is colorful, fanciful and exciting. The luncheon will recognize and honor one woman whose outstanding service to the community has made a significant difference.

The Rose, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring all women access to mammograms, will also be spotlighted throughout the event. It's another way to use art to raise community awareness.

Kendrick recently announced the first five artists selected for the exhibition and will announce the remaining five in early fall. When selecting, she sought artists with a body of strong and compelling works, identifying many through their participation in the Arts Alliance's juried and theme shows. She wanted to encourage and promote their work, and reward their support of the Arts Alliance's programs, demonstrating the Arts Alliance's mission in action.

Among selected artists are mother and daughter, Georganna and Saralene Tapley of Galveston, Gabriella Nissen of Houston, Rebecca Etcheverry of Cypress and Amy Guidry of Lafayette, Louisiana.

It will be the first time Georganna and Saralene Tapley have exhibited together on this scale, and they are both thrilled. Their joint participation is certain to bring an interesting heritage and generational perspective and depth to the exhibition.

Georganna's featured work will include several installation pieces as well as many of her figurative works. She was a self-taught artist and an art instructor for many years teaching in Venezuela, China, and Ireland. It was not until age 50 that she decided to pursue an art degree. As she entered her first year at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, her daughter, Saralene, was completing her fourth year at the same school.

"My work," Georganna explains, "has always been based on the past is the present is the future and now it seems as much about preciousness of the moment…and sharing time…The choice of media in my work may appear mundane and simple but it is true. It is as simple as it is complex." Georganna's "White Lace, Ghosts and Promises" exhibition is scheduled March 17 - April 22 at the Galveston Arts Center.