Art for Change: A Global Women’s Collective Show benefiting WINGS

Seven women, who connected while pursuing their Master of Fine Arts degrees at The Art Institute of Chicago, are coming together to create a transformative art show to support women affected by domestic violence. This inspiring collective, featuring artists from Russia, India, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, has long envisioned using their art for positive impact. Their vision will become reality on June 15th at Stasia’s Gallery, located at 44 East Cedar in Chicago’s Gold Coast.

The event is free to attendee but donations are encouraged and 20% of the proceeds from any purchased artwork and items from a silent auction will benefit WINGS, the largest provider of domestic violence services in the state of Illinois.

The collective efforts of these talented artists have culminated in a collaborative show, fulfilling their long-held dream. Their combined talents and shared commitment to this cause promise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many women.

At the forefront of this initiative are Stasia Lev and Diana Motta. Stasia Lev, originally from Russia, opened her first gallery in Chicago in 2023. Her gallery not only showcases artwork but also fosters a supportive community. Stasia has played a pivotal role in organizing this event, channeling her passion for art into supporting women in need.

Last year, Stasia won the prestigious Glamour award for “Woman of the Year” in the “Entrepreneur in the Field of Art” category.

Diana Motta, whose impressive accolades include exhibiting alongside renowned art mogul Marina Abramovich and other top Brazilian artists, has recently garnered significant recognition. She won first place at the IV Salão Internacional de Artes Plásticas SINAP/AIAP and third place at the 22° Salão de Artes de Mococa.

The remaining four artists who have been pivotal in supporting this event include:

Liz Bail: Liz captures natural landscapes using a multi-step technique that combines painterly layers with material exploration and experimentation.
Marina Ross: Marina creates paintings with a heightened sense of color and touch, referencing iconic figures.
Shirsti Bahl: Shirsti’s practice focuses on manipulating materials, forms, and surfaces to create new spaces and worlds.
Michelle Alexander: Michelle’s work addresses the body’s response, providing an experiential confrontation with what has been endured.
Elise Bagnoli: Elise’s work is diaristic, using abstraction, symbolism, and visual metaphors to navigate the concept of a hero’s journey, expressing an understanding of personal growth and discovery.

Proceeds from the event will benefit WINGS Program, Inc., an agency whose mission is to provide housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. WINGS offers critical resources across Metropolitan Chicago including two Safe Houses, Transitional and Rapid Rehousing programs, comprehensive children services, and Community Based Services including hospital partnerships, Survivor Lifeline Mentoring, A New Direction community program, and counseling through WINGS new Foglia Family Resource Center.