For Women, By Women exhibit creates space for feminine, nonbinary voices at Columbia College Chicago

By Janaya Banks

The second floor of 618 S. Michigan Ave. was taken over by students, families and artists to celebrate Columbia College Chicago’s fifth annual For Women, By Women gallery, which opened on April 24.

Live DJ music filled the space, which was surrounded by student-made art work on the walls and mixed with voices from a diverse crowd. Attendees immersed themselves in the creative student-made pieces, grabbed a bite to eat and collected mini knick-knacks made by the artist. A live auction at the end of the evening took place to fund the FWBW program and help it expand.

“It started with a student who wanted to keep learning about galleries, but also wanted to uplift women,” said Diana Vallera, an adjunct professor of instruction at the college. “We said the first thing we have to do is agree on a mission, and everything follows that.”

Keeping that mission has guided the exhibition in the right direction since it hung its first piece five years ago. Vallera said the focus of the gallery is to center women and nonbinary creatives, from the work seen on the floor to those who take the time selecting those pieces of art work. 

“It’s about building community and making sure we create a safe space,” Vallera said.

Vallera worked alongside co-founder Corine Pompéy, a Columbia alum, to create the exhibition in April 2022. Pompéy said the idea came to her during one of her photography classes where she was testing a new form of photography, but did not feel safe enough to present it in her class at the time.

“I envisioned something that would outlive me and give space to other artists who felt the same way,” she said.

Now in its fifth year, the exhibition has continued to expand, including connections beyond Columbia that reach all the way to South America and public speakers who have the power to provide these student artists with successful opportunities. 

Columbia student Katia Jackson, who worked as an intern on the show, was a featured artist the past two years. She said the gallery gave her a sense of freedom and community.

“It means a lot to be in a space where we can share our spirituality, our history and our heritage,” said Jackson, a senior photography major.

Because of her time working with other artists, her work is a reflection of collaboration. She said the support she has received behind the scenes is no less important than the artwork seen on the walls. 

“It was all love, support and really uplifting one another,” Jackson said. “I hope people feel like they don’t want to give up.”

Senior Columbia student Liya Brown left feeling that way after experiencing the exhibition. She said the gallery made her feel “seen and recognized.” 

“I think it’s great to acknowledge women specifically,” Brown said. “It’s inspiring to see other artists express themselves and makes me want to create and show my own work.”

That sense of inspiration extended beyond individual reactions and shaped the exhibition's broader intent.

“We want people to leave thinking about what the work is saying,” Vallera said. “And how they can uplift other voices.”