Women Who Work: A Portrait Project
The Women’s Caucus for Art-Florida has been re-established in St Petersburg. The WCA-FL organization is committed to recognizing the contributions of women and creating community through art, education, and local, national, and global social activism.
Together we created Women Who Work: A Portrait Project; a composite of 36 portraits inspired by the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in 2020 and honoring women of the St Petersburg area who are crucial to its operation.
The construction of this piece and its placement in a centralized location in the community will serve as a vibrant and lively addition to the city. Our portrait subjects include women at various occupations and levels of economic status. By representing each woman, we hope to capture the powerful ways they influence our city.
As women artists honoring women workers, Women Who Work: A Portrait Project provides us the opportunity to learn from and express our support and solidarity with those who are following in the tradition of the generations of women who worked to vote, to hold their families together, to attain equal rights, and to promote a world of peace and justice.
Show Dates and Locations
Morean Arts Center
August 8, 2020 - September 25, 2020
719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Eckerd College
October 5, 2020 - November 13, 2020
4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
*not open to the public
Dunedin Fine Art Center
December 1 - December 24
1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Clearwater Main Library
Carnegie Gallery
January 2, 2021 - January 31, 2021
100 N Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755
Casselberry Art House
August 1, 2021 - August 30, 2021
127 Quail Pond Circle Casselberry, FL
Oldsmar City Hall
September 1, 2021 - October 31, 2021
100 State St W.,Oldsmar, FL 34677
Kissimmee City Hall
March 3, 2022 - April 29, 2022
101 Church St, Kissimmee FL 34741
Portrait of Pam "Sage" Morris by Rebecca Skelton
Portrait of Lora Davids by Patsi Aguero
Portrait of Linda Morganstein by Anne Martin
Portrait of Yvette (Nettie) Wyatt by Barbara Bachner
Portrait of Nancy Orbe by Betsy Orbe Lester
Portrait of Bette Gregg by Rebecca Skelton
Portrait of Maria Melendez by Dacota Maphis
Portrait of Elaine Dianne Harris by Debra J. Lansdowne
Portrait of Sharon Joy Kleitsch by Sue Johnson
Portrait of Twanna Monroe by Lynn Carol Henderson
Portrait of Mary Stewart by Anne Martin
Portrait of Dr. Nancy Bryant by Neverne Covington
Portrait of Ingrid de Vera Anchinges by Patsi Aguero
Portrait of Ann Williams by Joyce Van Horn
Portrait of Aretha Stuart by Janis M. Smith
Portrait of Charlene Eannel by Rose Bellissimo
Portrait of Nya Stanechewski by Jayde Zimmerman
Portrait of Lavonda Spruill by Phyllis Van Horn
Portrait of Barbara Hedge by Harriet Godbole
Portrait of Christa Lopez by Rose Bellissimo
Portrait of Cate Caron by Diane Gugliotta
Portrait of Carol Marx by Suzanne Benton
Portrait of Alberta Quarterman by Patricia Tierney-Moses
Portrait of Barbara St. Clair by Pamela Joy Trow
Portrait of Ada Capellan by Lynn Carol Henderson
Portrait of Leeza Olar by Wendy L. Palmer
Portrait of Jacqueline Lorenzen by Deb Slowey
Portrait of Vanessa Tomlinson-Hagans by Kara Salomon
Portrait of Gina Driscoll by Patton Hunter
Portrait of Caroline Bloodworth, CPA by Dacota Maphis
Portrait of Debra Smelik Walling by Esther Aall
Portrait of Lin Ferrol by Mary Khosh
Portrait of Ariela Rosenberg by Jayde Zimmerman
Portrait of Yolanda Roman by Elizabeth Neily
Portrait of Barbara Rhode by Robin Roth-Murphy
Portrait of Missy York by Neverne Covington
Everyone has a story.
We asked our participants…
Who are you?
What do you do?
What is your wisdom to share?
If you could do one thing for the city of Saint Petersburg?
Would you like to give a comment about the women’s centennial?
Barbara St. Clair
Who are you?
I am a business woman. A leader. A creative thinker. A wife and mother. A writer. A spiritual being. A seeker and learner. A builder (I like to create things.)
What do you do?
I lead a amazing team and work with an amazing board, as an arts administrator for an amazing county/arts community. (CEO of Creative Pinellas)
What is your wisdom to share?
I have seldom met a problem that couldn't be solved.
If you could do one thing for Saint Petersburg? (for me it would be Pinellas County)
Increase accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion. (I know that reads like four things - but to me it is one thing.)
Would you like to give a comment about the women’s centennial?
I am full of gratitude for the movement and achievement it celebrates.
Artist: Pamela Joy Trow
Caroline Bloodworth
Who are you?
”I'm a second-generation Florida native. I signed on as "feminist" as soon as I understood the word. Same for "lesbian." Some labels just fit. I wandered off in my third year of college and ended up driving a delivery truck for Sears for 13 years. Eventually, I found my way back to school and earned a degree and my CPA. I bounced around a bit at that until I discovered not-for-profits. Once again, I found a "fit." I've been working in St. Petersburg based non-profits for most of the last 25 years. And I've served on the boards of several others. I'm just happy supporting the good people and good works of non-profits.”
What do you do?
“I'm a CPA working in private not-for-profits. I'm currently Director of Finance for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.”
I must say that Caroline’s personal achievements a worth mentioning. From 2010 to present she has been the Treasure of the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area. 2003-2004 Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Florida Curling Club. 200-2003 Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Color Me Human, Tampa Bay, Inc. 1990-1997 Board of Directors of the Nathan B Stubblefield Foundation which oversees the local community radio station WMNF 88.5 serving as Treasurer and Vice President. Also a Member PHI KAPPA and BETA GAMMA SOGMA honor fraternities and BETA ALPHA PSI accounting honor fraternity.
What is your wisdom to share
I don't know how "wise" I am but, when in doubt, I have learned to trust in the good intentions of others I just think we're all doing the best we can.
Would you like to give a comment about the women’s centennial?
100 years ago, women finally won a long struggle for the right to vote. They gave us the precious power to shape our government to better and more fairly serve us all. We betray their struggle, ourselves and our future when we don't educate ourselves about the issues and VOTE.
Artist: Dacota Maphis
Barbara Rhode
Who Are You?
I am a wife, mother & grandmother who when faced with an empty nest 10 years ago, chose to start a program in our local jail for women inmates called the Red Tent Women’s Initiative.
What Do You Do?
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I counsel men, women and teenagers who feel lost for a time and need some assistance finding themselves and their path again.
What Is Your Wisdom To Share?
I have learned a lot in this lifetime and I have grown to believe the only thing that really matters is to keep your heart open even when it feels as if it has too many cracks…and to share that warmth and compassion with everyone on your path.
If You Could Do One Thing For Saint Petersburg What Would It Be?
I would open St. Pete’s eyes concerning how we treat felon offenders and addicts. I would open their hearts so that those most in need would feel connected to the community; feeling their support and encouragement.
Artist: Robin Roth-Murphy
Yvette (Nettie) Wyatt
Who are you?
My Name is Yvette Wyatt
What do you do?
I am the Operations Manager and Property Manager for PW1
What is your wisdom to share.
As much as we don't want to. Always listen to someone who is speaking from experience.
If you could do one thing for Saint Petersburg.
Have growth, development and opportunity for the entire city. They are one in the same.
Would you like to give a comment about the women's centennial?
As women we have come a long way and we must never let them take us backwards as some would like.
Artist: Barbara Bachner
Elaine Dianne Harris
Who are you?
Elaine Dianne Harris
What do you do?
Medical Assistant with Specialty Certified In Home Health Care
What is your wisdom to share?
Life experiencing, relation knowledge and sound judgement. The ability to know right from wrong.
If you could do one thing for Saint Petersburg what would it be?
To adopt a stronger sense of community awareness and promote homeostasis among women.
Would you like to give a comment about the women’s centennial:
Coming upon the 100th Anniversary three words come to mind: Achievement - to continue to educate women. Accomplishment - to improve women's lives. Affirmation - provides emotional support to encourage women.
Artist: Debra J. Lansdowne
Ann Williams
Who are you?
I, Ann Williams, am the mother of two grown boys and a deceased daughter, who died two years ago from Cerebral Palsy.
What do you do?
I work in a retirement community. I like to work with older people helping them out.
What is your wisdom to share?
Spending time with my family, and looking out for the needy and families who have suffered abuse are really important to me. It gives me pleasure to cook for the needy and bake delicious cakes. I go to church every Sunday.
If you could do one thing for St. Petersburg?
If I could do one thing for St. Petersburg , I would help the kids in St. Pete, especially the kids who are disabled.
Would you like to give a comment about the Women’s Suffrage Centennial?
I support voting rights for EVERY CITIZEN.
Artist: Joyce Van Horn
Linda (Lin) A. Dreisbach Ferrol
Who are you (a brief description)
A mom, A 35 year care provider for people over 62 years of age and those with challenging physical conditions, A woman of faith, A Pennsylvania transplant, A Phillies Phan, A nature lover, An abundant liver
What do you do (just in general....otherwise you could write a book on this one)
I am an Executive Director for the finest Active Senior Living Community in St Petersburg. I oversee the entire operation of the community of 300 residents, including 40 residents living in Assisted Living.
What is your wisdom to share?
Practice patience, share what you have learned and experienced, listen to those who are older than you as they can teach you so much, give more than what you think you can, always be ready to help, be kind, smile through every situation, be the best YOU every day.
If you could do one thing for St. Petersburg what would it be? Continue to work on recycling and preserving the beautiful environment for many centuries to come. Continue to support the St. Pete Women's Chamber of Commerce as a strong leadership group in the city....also to continue to work on recycling efforts for the city.
Would you like to give a comment about the women's centennial.
Happy to know women and their work and achievements are being celebrated! I'm happy that those women worked so hard 100+ years ago to get the 19th
Amendment passed. It would be wonderful to have the same emphasis and initiative to get everyone interested in voting....young people, people of color, etc. It is such a precious right to have, yet many do not exercise their right to vote.
Artist: Mary Khosh
Barbara Hedge
Wisdom to share?
"Wisdom I'ld like to share is never be afraid of pursuing your dream, you'll never regret it, but you certainly will regret it if you don't try."
"Also don't be afraid to tell someone how you feel. You might not get the response you want, but you just might, and again, you'll always wonder what would have happened if you did."
if you could do one thing for St. Pete what would it be?
"If I could do one thing for St. Pete I'ld want to bring enough economic equity so everyone could have a place to call home for themselves and their children. Be it a home or an apartment doesn't matter, just the stability for everybody."
Would you like to give one comment about the women's centennial?
"I think its everyone's civic duty to vote, so I wouldn't just want to send a message to only women, I'ld want to remind everyone of their duty to vote. But I guess that's the beauty of women's right to vote for 100 years. It's now just a normal thing.
Artist: Harriet Godbole
Leeza Olar
Who are you?
Leeza. O
What do you do?
I am a Phlebotomist
What is your wisdom to share?
You Live & You Learn
If you could do one thing for St.Petersburg:
Would you like to give a comment about the Women’s Suffrage Movement?
Us women needs to continue to stick together.
Artist: Wendy Palmer
Lavonda Spruill
Who are you?
Lavonda Spruill
What do you do?
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin GM General Manager at the Gulfport Location
What is your wisdom to share?
-Keep God first.
-Work hard and remember what matters most (family)
If you could do one thing for St. Petersburg:
-Help get the homeless off the street.
-Help with rehabs and families who need help as well.
Would you like to give a comment about the Women’s Suffrage Movement?
I just love this idea and we need more things around to celebrate women
Artist: Phyllis Van Horn
Debra Smelik Walling
What do you do?
My souls thrives on many things. I am a contributor of time, effort and talent to meet a desire, a need or to further a mission that is sought after. I am a volunteer. Since 1990 throughout St. Petersburg the path lead to being a cook, server and taker of prayer requests for the homeless to an ESL tutor and translating books to braille to name a few. For 25 years, within the landscape of death and dying I was a Suncoast Hospice volunteer. Currently, I am a perinatal loss doula volunteer where my connection to end of life remains. I am the caregiver for my 98 year old father. I am a creator of art mostly because I enjoy the process. As I write, paint, draw, or while I work with textiles, collage or turn to my photography; I capture what I see and feel. Good or bad there is an inner compulsion that exists so I honor this. I am the author of Tending To My Wounds, Coping with Grief One Square at a Time with its companion workbook - the portrayal of grief expressed through the written word and healing through art. An added resource for when one grieves, mourns, bereaves.
Who are you?
Where love, loss, sorrow and joy are intertwined, I am like you. We all have a story to tell. I aim to have a positive impact on people that I meet. Where there is worry, stress or negativity - I observe, listen and make every effort to not linger for that blocks the calm and peaceful contentment, the comforting consolation and positivity that we all hope for. I am a bit quirky, somewhat unconventional, creative, happy, content and joyful. With an open heart my desire is to serve, to lend a hand, an ear to listen or shoulder to lean upon. I believe in God and dwell happily in his creation.
What is your wisdom to share?
Wisdom is acquired by experience. Talk to our elders. Listen intently. Ask questions. Study the Serenity Prayer because no matter what our past has been we can begin anew.
If you could do one thing for St. Petersburg, what would it be?
Continue to be a good citizen. This is the essence of what we can do for St. Petersburg and how a city survives. St. Petersburg has an ample amount of programs, events and causes it supports for individuals and as a group. It is there for a community to pursue. There is no need to always create something new because more then likely it already exists. It is a matter of finding a place and getting involved.
Would you like to give a comment about the women’s centennial?
From their trials and tribulations to their accomplishments, we stand on the shoulders of giants. I know how blessed I am to be born in this time knowing what women have gone through in centuries past. I thank God for being alive and in this country. I admire the determined souls of those women who did not back down.
Artist: Esther Aall
Linda Morganstein
Who are you?
Linda Morganstein
What do you do?
I Clerk the St. Petersburg Monthly Meeting of Quakers. I also volunteer with Celebrate Outreach, which provides three meals a week, hygiene items and haircuts to unhoused folks in St. Pete, and is building Tiny Homes for unhoused veterans.
What is your wisdom to share?
Way opens with love.
If you could do one thing for Saint Petersburg what would it be?
Open political leaderships' hearts to a truly compassionate response to the lack of housing and resources for those in our community who are poor and/or unhoused.
Would you like to give a comment about the women’s centennial:
What a wondrous project! Thank you for this celebration of all of us sisters, unsung and sung, weary and energetic, discouraged, faithful, all of us.
Artist: Anne Martin
Nancy Orbe
Who am I?
Life itself.
What do you do?
Learn and teach.
Wisdom to share?
Burn your old, worn out stories. Write them down, and then burn them. Watch them go up in smoke and say goodbye to whom you were.
If you could do one thing for Saint Petersburg what would it be?
Halt the housing developments for people who don't live here full time.
Would you like to give a comment about the women’s centennial?
How far we've come. What new dreams can we imagine and bring to this life?
Artist: Betsy Orbe Lester
Bette Gregg
Who are you?
Bette Gregg:
I am an octogenarian. I am an 83-year old, well-kept White wife of a Black musician who is younger than I. So, I guess that makes me a Cougar!
My childhood was spent in Brooklyn until I was six, in a small town in western North Carolina during WWII with an aunt and uncle and back in Astoria, New York with my parents until I finished high school. How that influences me now is that I enjoy returning to city life occasionally and I love being in the mountains where I often visit family and friends. So, at heart, I guess I am a country girl.
With goals to study textile design, alas, circumstances took me to a small business school in North Carolina. I worked in an insurance agency and having gained secretarial skills, that later helped me to work my way through college and secure summer work and odd jobs when I needed them. I guess I was destined to teach (it was in my genes) and was hired to teach in Pinellas County in 1962. Eventually, I did graduate work in Guidance and Counseling and retired as an elementary counselor in January 1997.
After retiring and still wanting to pursue my artistic goals, I began painting and stained glass classes (with Lee West). I loved it. An aunt and my grandfather taught me a little about painting as a child and I wanted to learn more.
About 20 years ago a lady asked me to join the board of a jazz association. Over the years, I became president and painting took a back seat. With a very competent young man on board who has become president, I hope I can pursue my love for painting again and finish some glass projects that are still waiting for me to complete.
How could I leave this for last! I have been married to a wonderful man for almost 35 years. He puts up with so many of my faults - like procrastinating, being late and holding on to things. He accepts me as I am and for who I am.
What do you do?
I have volunteered/worked for ADTBJA (Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, Inc.), a non-profit 501(c)(3)) for about 20 years and eventually became president. I became involved with the organization because of my love for Jazz and because a wonderful older lady who was an ardent Jazz fan invited me to become a member of the Board. I had retired from education as an elementary teacher/guidance counselor and I had never been a member of a board. What an honor, I thought!
What is your wisdom to share?
When making choices in your life, examine them carefully and be willing to change your mind. Sometimes we become set on something we want to do
and when alternative options come along we turn them down. One of my favorite poems is by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken." I think back on choices I have made and project my life if I had chosen a different "road." Perhaps I missed some wonderful experiences because I wouldn't change my plan or take advantage of an opportunity that arose. Having goals in your life is essential; however be receptive to making changes.
Artist: Rebecca Skelton
Ariela Rosenberg
Who are you?
I am love and faith.
What do you do?
I am traveling
What is your wisdom to share?
You decide how to feel regardless of the world’s doing.
If I could do one thing for St. Pete
I would create a building for the homeless.
Would you like to give a comment about the Women’s Suffrage Centennial?
Women brought humanity to the world and the world must return its respect.
Artist: Jayde Zimmerman
Christa Lopez
Who are you?
My name is Christa Lopez. I’m a 32-year-old fourth generation Tampa Bay native, and I’m proud to call St. Petersburg my home. I’m a wife, and mom to two boys. I love to travel, enjoy good food and experiencing new cultures, and give back to my community.
What do you do?
I’m a local attorney. I graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2012 and have been a practicing attorney since 2013. I specialize in traffic law; defending clients that have both civil and criminal traffic-related matters in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties.
What is your wisdom to share?
Go with the flow, and never stop learning. One positive outcome from this difficult 2020 year has been learning how to be more efficient and balanced when it comes to work, and even our daily lives in general. If we are open to new ideas and learning new ways of doing things, we will be able to adapt easier to the constant change that comes our way.
If you could do one thing for St. Petersburg, what would it be?
Help preserve the beauty of our city for years to come by increasing local events that promote local businesses & encouraging eco-friendly urban development that brings the St. Petersburg community together.
Would you like to give a comment about the Women’s Suffrage Centennial?
It is an honor to be a part of such a historic event; 100 years since the passage of the 19thAmendment, which gave women the right to vote and finally have a voice. It is important to celebrate and share with our children the accomplishments of women past, present and future, who make a difference every day to make our world a better place.
Artist: Rose Bellissimo
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Cate Caron
Who are you?
I am Cate Caron: a self assured, confident single woman.
What do you do?
I create a good experience for my guests at the Hanger Restaurant in St Petersburg fl. I meet, greet, serve food, to new and faithful customers.
What is your wisdom to share?
I share always my ability to stay positive, keep moving forward and be nice!
If you could do one thing for St, Petersburg what would it be?
Select a few of the main streets in the downtown area of St. Pete to close and make as open areas for people to be more friendly ,meet, greet and celebrate. More free seating will downtown will enhance the city as well.
Would you like to give a comment about the women's centennial?
We need to acknowledge the strengths of woman always..for without women-this world would be moving backwards.
Artist: Diane Gugliotta