Did you know May 28, 2014 is the first-ever Menstrual Hygiene Day? You may be asking yourself why such a thing would even exist or you might be slowly smoldering with anger about the use of the word "hygiene". I assure you both the day and the word are critically important. Access to clean water and affordable menstrual management supplies are things we take for granted in industrialized nations like the United States and Canada. Our sisters in developing nations are not so fortunate. Here are just a few stats put together by WASH United about the dire circumstances abroad:
UNESCO estimates that 1 in 10 African adolescent girls miss school during menses and drop out eventually.
In Bangladesh, garment workers miss work for an average of 6 unpaid days per month due to vaginal infections.
Only 34% of girl schools in India have functioning toilets.
Only 17% of girls in Burkina Faso have a place in their schools to change their sanitary materials.
1 out of 3 schoolgirls from South Asia were not aware of menstruation prior to menarche.
Only 2.5% of schoolgirls in South Asia knew that menstrual blood came from the uterus.
In order to raise menstruation awareness, Beauty in Blood has partnered with WASH United and director Diana Fabinova to PREMIERE her short film "Monthlies". This 28-minute short documentary explores the physical and emotional aspects of menstruation through the narrative structure provided by Dr. Helena Maslova and the experiencial stories of 11-16 year girls. This film was created with teens and tweens in mind, but it is equally informative and enjoyable for adults.
Join us at Open Media Foundation for the DENVER PREMIERE of MONTHLIES on the first-ever Menstrual Hygiene Day, May 28th! Doors 6:30 PM. Screening 7:00 PM. Seating is limited so come early. Menstrual management product demos and samples provided by our friends at the following companies:
Please share this event with anyone in the Denver area who might be interested in attending! If you are in the Denver area, I hope to see YOU on May 28th!
Updates / Events
May Cycle. Creation in progress. Stay tuned for new art!
See It Live.
May 16 - July 12, 2014
"Juried Art Show" | The Kinsey Institute
Indiana University - Bloomington, IN
Last weekend we attended the Opening Reception of the 9th Annual Juried Art Show curated by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Let me just say that if you are within driving distance to Bloomington, you simply must take a road trip to see this exhibit. There are over 80 artists presented with works addressing sex, gender, and reproduction. Campus is beautiful and surrounded by delicious dining opportunities. If you cannot make it to the show, the all works are available for viewing online. There is some true talent and skill deployed while grappling with such difficult and delicate subject matter. For more information, please visit The Kinsey Institute's website.
Notes from the Sales Floor
Look no further for original artwork that represents your values and politics! Now is your chance to purchase works of art that were on display earlier this year at the Feminist Art Conference and the Social Justice Art Festival.
Coastline (10"w x 8"h) - Feb 2013
Thin Pink Line (10"w x 8"h) - Feb 2013
The Perfect Cell (10"w x 8"h & 12"w x 8"h) - March 2013
Delicate Flower (12"w x 8"h) - May 2013 Cycle 1
Her Lips (8"w x 10"h) - May 2013 Cycle 1
Ripple (8"w x 10"h) - Jun 2013
Cotton Candy (8"w x 12"h) - Jul 2013
Email me today to add a piece of feminist art history to your personal collection! Don't forget if these pieces don't strike your fancy, we can custom print any work in our gallery and we are happy to ship internationally.
