Gerda reports on Judy Chicago events in Pasadena, CA

Judy Chicago with Gerda Govine Ituarte

This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that still resonates.  The curator for Judy Chicago's show at the Pasadena Museum of California Art gave an excellent talk utilizing stories that were rich and real.  Afterwards, Judy spoke at the Pasadena Women’s City Club, sold her books with proceeds going to the Museum, and stayed for an elegant reception—mouth-watering brownies got me.    Judy is a trailblazer who said that she did what she felt she had to do.  And, initially did not focus in on the impact because she spent most of her time in her Pasadena studio.  She recalled that when she was teaching, for some reason, she did not have to go to faculty meetings.  We all laughed when she said, "Initially I did not get why they did not want me to attend." A young woman shared the challenges she was facing, for example, dealing with people who she believed did not like her and criticized her work.  Judy listened intently and responded, “I did not become an artist to be liked.”  My life applauds meeting her as my brain is still stuck in What just happened?  She has an upcoming exhibit in Santa Monica and at least three more exhibits within the next couple of years.  ​