An exhibition highlighting local female artists will be on display in downtown Victoria beginning this week.
Women Hold Up Half the Sky features female artists from Vancouver Island of all levels and disciplines.
Roughly 120 works from 70 local artists in photography, three-dimensional work, installation work and video art will be on display at the Bay Centre from Feb. 25 to March 13.
This year's theme is women actively engaging with the world through their art.
“We're hoping to show a diverse range of artistic expression and just envision the way women feel today in contemporary society,” said Stephanie Eisenbraun, executive director of the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria, that is responsible for hosting the fourth annual event.
Last year, works from both male and female artists were on display at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. This year they're expecting anywhere from 80 to 100 art lovers and non-art lovers to walk through per day.
Eisenbraun said it's important to display lesser-known female artists and their work in order to shed light on different issues.
“In celebration of International Women's Day, if there are particular issues that females are dealing with that might go unnoticed, we're just hoping to bring those to light,” she said.
“It's a lot about the feminine, care for the earth and lots of contemporary social issues.”
To kick off the exhibition, there will be an opening reception on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There will also be a musical performance and refreshments. Admission is free.
The exhibition will be on display on the third level of the Bay Centre (1150 Douglas St.), next to Club Monaco.