Because there is strength in numbers, the group Fringe has formed to give professional female artists a way to network, brainstorm, boost visibility and provide peer support.
“Fringe is important because feminine art in Oklahoma City is vastly overlooked,” said Amanda Bradway. “Also, community is important, so getting a bunch of people together, whether male or female, 2-D or 3-D, is really impactful.”
For “Link,” Fringe’s first exhibition, 15 artists have interpreted the theme of the kinship of women, linked through the various roles they play in society. The theme offered a unique opportunity for those not used to adapting their art to a specific idea.
“It has changed how I create, because I feel like I’m back at school getting an assignment,” Cynthia Curry said. “I had to really think about it, rather than just going with the flow.”
Christie Hackler anticipates Fringe organizing four shows a year and hopes more artists join the monthly meetings.
Feminine art in Oklahoma City is vastly overlooked.
—Amanda Bradway
“Fringe is not so much a feminist movement as it is just looking at issues that affect us when we make art, which is how we communicate our thoughts,” said Hackler. “There is no hierarchy. It’s a group effort that is kind of nebulous at this point and will evolve into what it needs to be. We are not setting up a heavy structure, just a bunch of free-floating ideas coming together collectively to make art and to make something happen.”
