Mother Artists at Work (MAW) is a support and networking group for mothers working in the arts in Columbus, Ohio, formed in 2005. Women, and mothers in particular, are often overlooked and unseen in art history. For this show, Shade, we would like to shine a light on the invisible world of the female artist working quietly in the shadows.

Mother Artists at Work (MAW) was originally founded by Melissa Ayotte, Carolina Choroco, Missy Conley, Sharon Dorsey, and Alissa Head in 2005. The group was brought together by a shared frustration caused by their creative identities becoming completely overwhelmed by the role of motherhood. MAW met up in the living rooms of members, discussing favorite artists and sharing sketchbooks, rekindling creative flames. In November 2006, MAW had their first group exhibition, “Birthing the Artist”, at Sean Christopher Gallery. Fourteen years later, the group has grown into a diverse group of members who meet regularly in each other’s studios. There is an inspiring range of experience, background, education, and medium among the artists. Painters, fiber artists, sculptors, photographers, ceramicists, mixed media artists, enamellers, and writers come together to share what they do, what they have learned, and how they balance the creative roles of artist and mother.