Protest-inspired art exhibit gives voice to women in politics
Ahead of the Advocate’s upcoming panel discussion about the treatment of women in politics taking place at Kindred on July 7, the Kawartha Art Gallery will be putting on an exhibit at the coffee shop beginning June 29 and 30.
The pieces of art will be created in the theme of protest posters and will explore themes of civic engagement, democratic participation, institutional change and collective action.
The art will be made by seven local female artists including Rylie Van Halteren, who also serves as the program coordinator for the exhibit. Other artists include: Gillian Steven; Samantha Jones; Christina Patton; Ruth Kelly-Koebel; Sydney Martin; and Jess Spagnolo.
Van Halteren hopes that the takeaway people will have from the exhibit is, “the realization that this kind of thing is still going on in 2026. That women are still being harassed, even if they’re serving their community.”
Her piece will be inspired by early 2000s PSA commercials. “It’s very photographic, with powerful women and powerful messages.”
Jones will be using the maple leaf in her piece. After the 2022 Freedom Convey and recent political tensions with America, she’s hopeful to bring the leaf back as a symbol of peace.
“As I heard about Tracy (Richardson’s) story, which I had not heard about before this project, I started researching more women who have been affected by harassment in politics, and there’s a lot,” Jones said. Canada may talk about equality a lot, she says, but “we’re not actually demonstrating that within our own political systems.”
Stevens views herself as an advocate, not an artist, and with a background in political science the treatment of women in politics isn’t a shock to her. She hopes that the artwork will help to inspire young women. “It makes me think of the new voices that are going to be coming with our generation, and I want them to be loud, and I want them to be proud.”
In her piece, she plans to play on the fact that not everything is black and white. Stevens will also be putting a focus on which fonts she uses to emphasis the language.
Van Halteren said all seven artists were happy to contribute, even with short notice of the exhibit. “All of us women, we were very happy to get on board, not just for Tracy (and other women affected) but for ourselves.”
The three artists are looking forward to seeing what conversations will stem from both the exhibit and the upcoming panel discussion. “If you want to serve your community and you want to just exist as a woman, you really should not need a warning label on every choice you make. I’m just hoping that people will see these posters, read our slogans, and think about it a little bit,” said Van Halteren.
“The gallery’s contribution was creating the opportunity. The most important voices here today are those of the seven young women who accepted that invitation and chose to participate,” said Susan Taylor, executive director of the gallery.
“Art can be a catalyst for conversation, engagement, and community building and the gallery saw an opportunity not only to highlight an important issue, but to create a meaningful platform for young women to contribute their own voices, ideas, and perspectives to the discussion,” Taylor said.
“As discussions about harassment, democratic participation, and the experiences of women in public life continue across Canada, it was important not only to talk about these issues, but also to create opportunities for young women to contribute their own voices and perspectives.”
The Advocate panel discussion will happen July 7 at Kindred. The panel dicsussion features Ward 8 Coun. Tracy Richardson, Maryam Monsef, former MP for Peterborough-Kawartha, and Diane Therrien, former mayor of Peterborough. The event is free to attend from 6:30-8 p.m.
