NAWA Luminaries is the intersection of NAWA’s Historical Research and current events around the United States, highlighting celebrated NAWA members.

Judith K. Brodsky keynote speaker at the 2024 NAWA Luncheon. Photo: Mary Ahern

A NAWA Annual Luncheon with guest speaker and Honorary Vice President Judith K. Brodsky.

It was difficult tearing myself away from my studio and writing practices to go into the city to make the hour-long journey for the NAWA luncheon, but I assured myself it would be worth it. It would be an opportunity for face-to-face conversations with committee mates and rare opportunities to meet the other women involved in the organization. The added bonus was a talk by  HVP Judith K. Brodsky. I had read enough about her to know she had important things to share with the group of advocates for women artists.

My dessert had just been served, and I watched the waitperson place the dish in front of me, the raspberry swirl and blue-violet of berries against the creamy yellow of a mound of cheesecake grabbing my attention for an instant as Judith began to speak. I had no appetite for the delights of the morsels before me, Judith was talking, and I was mesmerized.

Her professorial command of the room when she stood before the microphone, ease of locution, and passion for her work were enthralling. Though images flickered on the screen to my left, begging for scrutiny, her eloquent words painted vivid tableaus, transporting me into the writer’s trance.

Judith has had a solo show at the NAWA headquarters, showcasing  Memoir of an Assimilated Family, a project that took her ten years to execute. More recently, her work was included in the Hollis Taggart Gallery, along with other Honorary Vice Presidents, and next to the work of her close friend, Faith Ringgold.

Judith spoke about her art practice in and outside the studio, NAWA’s history in the context of the history of women’s intellectual and creative organizations, and NAWA’s importance in promoting the visibility of women artists. It was a stimulating journey through her achievements and ours as women, artists, and NAWA members.

Throughout her storied career, Judith has been an indefatigable champion for women, her passion for uncovering the oft-overlooked contributions of female artists throughout history inspiring and empowering the young creatives fortunate enough to have been mentored by her guiding hand. As Mary Ahern gazed upon the profound impact of Judith’s advocacy, she was awash with wistful longing – “If only I had encountered such an admirable force during my formative years…”

Judith’s impassioned oration struck a profound chord, plumbing a well of emotions – a visceral testament to the commanding advocate’s empathy, reverberating as a powerful embodiment of the feminine spirit. Ensconced within this nurturing nest of formidable yet supportive women, an emotional unveiling was embraced, not suppressed behind protective barriers that would deny our very essence. Our sensitive depths and intellectual capacities must be given space to breathe, to be felt and voiced, for they inform the authentic tapestry of our work and lives.

We bring our admiration and respect to the women we honor with the status of HVP, but they, in turn, give us so much as role models and sources of inspirational energy when they address our membership. For those who could not attend, please know that I will cover Judith’s talk and an interview in the next issue of NAWA NOW.

Susan M. Rostan, M.F.A , Ed.D. Co-Leader: NAWA Historical Research Team. Website

Signature Member of the National Association of Women Artists

NAWA. Empowering Women Artists Since 1889