ARTIST STATEMENT:
A tender rebellion in color and texture, Hiba Alyawer’s sculpture wraps transformation in mesh and memory, where every drip, and dot whispers resilience in progress. This piece is electric like stepping into the wardrobe of a cosmic ballerina mid-rehearsal. The posture says defiance, the palette screams joy and that mesh skirt? It’s not just tulle, it’s a constellation of stories stitched in paint.​

 

She doesn’t wait for the world to color her in, she paints herself bold, fearless, and unapologetically strange. A patchwork of power stitched in whimsy

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ARTIST BIO:

Hiba Alyawer is an Iraqi-American abstract artist known as DC's “Sleepless Artist,” balancing her two passions, Art by night and a technologist by day.

Her artwork is very expressive, and her process is very intuitive in nature. Her work invites the viewer on a journey to interact with her artwork and stimulate their curiosity using her signature palette of vivid, day-glow reminiscent pigments harmonized with vibrant, rich tones, playful markings, and dots that renders her recollection of her own experiences and moments.

She draws inspiration from her daily life and close observations of organic shapes and colors. Her work is for the art enthusiast that wants to make a bold loud statement with their collection. Hiba's artwork is part of private collections nationally and internationally.

 

Hiba aims with her work to inspire people and ignite their imaginations to generate positive feelings.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Nature knows no division, only love and symbiosis. History can be found in the earth as colored layers in rocks or rings on a tree. Amongst humans our layers are sewn and stained with painful histories of racism, sexism, greed and inequality, layers that continue to harm the most vulnerable. This sculpture is about acknowledging and learning from those layers as the pathway forward.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

This girl reflects the light of her bright present and future. Complex and made of so many delicate parts she comes together to make a strong individual. You see yourself in her. The sky is the limit. ​

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ARTIST BIO: 

Kathrine Campagna is a mixed-media artist based in Washington, DC. Campagna’s work often touches on subjects based on nostalgia, repurpose, and satire.

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Her work centers around the exaggeration of American expectations and expectations of gender roles. Her use of found objects mixed with paint and printmaking further exhibits the layered, complex reality women experience today.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Hanji is a Korean paper made from the inner bark of mulberry trees. A multipurpose medium, when manipulated, hanji becomes strong and durable, possessing a fabric-like quality. With this material, I created the traditional hanbok that the girl is wearing.

 

Hanji is of the earth, and like the earth, it needs nurturing, care, and mutual respect to grow and provide for us. For this sculpture, I wanted to honor Mother Nature and the land in which we’ve planted roots. Our lives are forever intertwined with the beating heart of this planet, and it is important to defend our protected lands and preserve our natural world.

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ARTIST BIO:

Julia Sunah Chon, better known by her artist name Kimchi Juice, is a Washington DC and Denver-based artist and muralist. Chon’s work explores the relationship between cultural tradition and its effects on generational identity and the decisions Asian Americans make to form their identities. With a prominent Korean aesthetic in each piece, Chon merges her ancestry and traditions with the contemporary to convey the nuances of the Korean diaspora.

 

As Chon’s work makes its way from canvas to large-scale murals, these intimate portraits take center stage in an urban environment. Her murals can be found internationally and her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows in Washington DC, Los Angeles, CA and New York City, NY. Chon’s clients and collaborations include NASA, Apple, the Korean Cultural Center, and the Phillips Collection, among others. Chon was featured in the HBO docuseries “Take Out with Lisa Ling”.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Vera stands in quiet defiance, her message simple yet unwavering: “Love and truth always win—always.” Subtle tones speak to inner strength, while her hand-scrawled sign evokes conviction, vulnerability, and hope. She reflects the enduring spirit of girls growing up in a world that asks much—and needs even more from them.

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ARTIST BIO:

Dr. Robin Davisson is a former biomedical scientist turned abstract painter, whose career path is as layered and expressive as her art.

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After decades of award-winning research at Cornell and Georgetown, she followed an irresistible pull toward painting full time. Her lyrical, process-driven work is held in private collections around the world and is at the heart of StudioLab RD, her creative hub in Georgetown, DC.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

I use my visual language of ‘Optical Improvisation’ in the service of love. With each stroke of color, text and iconography, I intend to remove all social constructs that prevent humanity from seeing with the collective heart beyond the confines of the individual mind. For me, every canvas becomes a weapon of mass construction.

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ARTIST BIO:

In 1997, Halim A. Flowers was arrested at the age of 16 and given two life sentences. His experiences were filmed in the Emmy award-winning documentary Thug Life In DC. In 2005, he started his own publishing company, through which he published 11 books.

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In 2019, Halim was released from prison after serving 22 years. Upon his release, Halim was awarded the Halcyon Arts Lab and Echoing Green fellowship awards. In 2020, he signed to be represented by DTR Modern Galleries as a visual artist. His visual art has been commissioned for the Queen of England Platinum Jubilee, Warner Brothers centennial celebration, live painting at the Royal Wedding of Norway for Princess Martha and exhibited at the Venice Biennale with the European Cultural Center. He has done panel discussions with Milken Institute, Silicon Valley Bank, and Blackstone.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

My piece is a stylistic take on Norman Rockwell’s 1964 painting, “The Problem We All Live With”, a powerful commentary on racism and segregation in America.

 

Similarly, restricted reproductive rights are shaping the coming-of-age story for our next generation. The piece offers the perspective of the hypothetical girl and the observer. Are you helper or a hindrance?

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ARTIST BIO:

Brandon Hill  draws on his fascination with materiality, history and the urban landscape to shape his multidisciplinary art practice.

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With more than ten years of experience in public art, he has lost count of the number of murals and public art installations he has made. (More than 100, less than 1000.) Hill has exhibited at The Bishop Gallery, Richard Beavers Gallery, Ron David Studio, Culture House, and the Arts in Foggy Bottom Outdoor Sculpture Biennial. As a muralist and designer, he has collaborated with prominent brands and organizations, including Disney, TikTok, Lululemon, the Washington Capitals, Art Basel Miami, Aspen Ideas Festival, and The Washington Post, among many others nationwide.

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His work is also part of the permanent collection at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Has painted murals during Art Basel Miami and D.C.'s DC WALLS Festival, AND NBC 4. Hill also co-founded D.C.'s No Kings Collective (2010-2023).

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Hill lives and works in Washington, D.C., where his studio, ALL DAY PROJECTS, is based.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

“Have It All” represents the weight girls start carrying young, and never really put down. It’s the expectation to be strong but gentle, ambitious but nurturing, independent but never intimidating, and to do it without ever showing the strain. She wears a tapestry of invisible labor. Mental tabs, to-do lists, emotional load, and the quiet costs of womanhood.

 

We see her strength. Do we see the weight too?

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ARTIST BIO:

Sally McBratney is a multidisciplinary creative based in Washington, D.C., working across painting, digital illustration, and mixed media. Her work explores themes of identity, body image, motherhood, and nostalgia through vibrant color and layered symbolism.

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With a background in installations, events, and immersive experiences, Sally combines visual storytelling and creative strategy to connect with audiences on both intimate and large-scale levels.

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Sally is one of the founding artists behind Our Daughters' Futures Fund and Vote For Your Daughter. 

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Red and Blue have become symbols of division, polarizing our nation instead of bringing us together. I believe the full spectrum of color has the power to inspire, heal, and unite us in shaping a more empathetic, equitable, and vibrant country.

 

Color has the power to inspire, heal, and unite us.

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ARTIST BIO:

Maggie O’Neill is a creative visionary, artist, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience shaping the cultural and design landscape of Washington, D.C.

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She co-founded design firm SWATCHROOM in 2013, leading the creation of immersive environments for over 70 restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, and commercial spaces. Today, she is committed to designing spaces that foster engagement and connection, blending art, design, and activism to spark meaningful conversations.

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Maggie is the founding artist behind Our Daughters' Futures Fund and Vote For Your Daughter. 

ARTIST STATEMENT:

It has been eight years since I attended the first Women's March in Washington, D.C., in 2017. At that time my daughter was a toddler and I felt an urgent need to advocate for her future. That urgency has only intensified, morphed into absolute fear for all our daughters' futures. You can kNOck us down, tell us we're not eNOugh, but we'll keep getting back up. Because we are NOble and raveNOus, and ready to make some NOise.

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ARTIST BIO:

Carolyn Sewell is a designer/illustrator/letterer living in Northern Virginia. A potty-mouthed lover of all things typographic and bacony, her work is hand-lettered and deep-fried in butter and hugs, topped with shiny, irreverent sprinkles. Some of her clients include Hillary Clinton, Dairy Queen, Princess Cruise Lines, Rite Aid, Starbucks, Southern Poverty Law Center, AARP, and Lonely Planet.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

“I Have a Voice | Tengo una Voz” is a declaration, not a request. This sculpture of a young Latina girl affirms that even before she is old enough to vote, her voice carries power—rooted in culture, lived experience, and a fearless belief in her right to speak.

 

The bullhorn at her hip represents readiness: when she chooses to speak, her message will be amplified. Every element on her—beaded bracelets in English and Spanish made by local youth, a sin miedo (‘fearless’) necklace crafted by a Salvadorian, LA-based female artisan, and the 21 Latin American flags stitched onto her jeans—reflects a layered identity shaped by both legacy and present-day realities. Her hand-painted body honors the vibrant textile traditions of Latin America, while her upcycled, custom-designed clothing makes space for young people to see themselves in her image.

 

She stands at the intersection of heritage and urgency, in the face of still-present inequities, showing that a young advocate carries generations behind her and a future ahead—and that a young person can form a voice that is informed, thoughtful, and entirely their own. This work is not just about finding your voice or being heard—it’s about being believed, supported, impossible to replace, and never silenced.

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ARTIST BIO:

Tammy Barnes is a Washington, DC-based artist working at the intersection of public art, education, and community storytelling. Before becoming a full-time muralist, teaching artist, and sign maker, Tammy had a prior career in mental health advocacy, and previously held internships in the U.S. House of Representatives and the White House. Today, their artwork spans community murals, custom signage for local businesses, and visual arts education for both youth and older adults—often focused on helping students discover their unique voices and offering accessible, boundary-free spaces for creative expression. Tammy’s murals are featured throughout DC in public schools, police stations, foster care homes, small businesses, and other community spaces. As a public artist, Tammy often creates tangible takeaways—such as coloring sheets or activity books—that extend the impact of a mural beyond the wall and into an interactive space where anyone can engage with its themes through creative expression. Their practice reflects a commitment to sustainability, community connection, and amplifying voices that are too often overlooked.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

HEIRESS II was born from the question: What would I tell the young girl I once was?

 

Created with vintage Laura Ashley fabric—like the floral dresses my mother and grandmother once sewed for me—HEIRESS II honors the feminine strength passed down through my maternal lineage. But what I didn’t consciously know until womanhood, and what I’d tell my younger self, as well as girls of current and future generations: Your power lives within you. It is beautiful. It is whole. It belongs to you. And it is yours to claim and express.

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ARTIST BIO:

Annie Broderick draws on her childhood roots in southern Georgia and the rich needlework traditions of her maternal lineage to create fabric-based sculptures, often intricately pleated and hand-stitched. Known for her wall sculptures, she has exhibited widely, with pieces in private and corporate collections across the nation. Recently, she has branched into large-scale free-standing sculpture, with a notable permanent placement at Reagan National Airport's American Express Centurion Lounge. Broderick is also the founder of Miss Lou, an art initiative empowering future generations, and serves on the Workhouse Art Foundation’s Board of Directors.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Inspired by the free movement of dance, this disco girl reflects the light of her bright present and future. Complex and made of many delicate parts, she comes together to create a strong individual. You see yourself in her. The sky's the limit.

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ARTIST BIO: 

Kathrine Campagna is a mixed-media artist based in Washington, DC. Campagna’s work often touches on subjects based on nostalgia, repurpose, and satire.

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Her work centers around the exaggeration of American expectations and expectations of gender roles. Her use of found objects mixed with paint and printmaking further exhibits the layered, complex reality women experience today.

ARTIST STATEMENT;

As part of the Forever Fearless movement, my statue represents the transformative power of love. While I may not identify as a political artist, I believe that choosing love is a profound act in today’s world. Dressed in vibrant patterns, my sculpture stands tall, symbolizing hope and resilience. The phrase "Choose Love" serves as a reminder that love can uplift and unite us, creating a nurturing environment for all, especially young girls.

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This piece invites viewers to reflect on love’s impact in their lives. Each detail showcases the beauty that arises when we prioritize compassion and understanding. In a time when connection and positivity are vital, may this mannequin inspire you to embrace love as a guiding principle, fostering a brighter future for everyone.

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ARTIST BIO:

After initially pursuing a career in medicine, Roxanne followed her heart and embraced mer true passion for art. Upon completing graduate school, she joined a talented team of artists specializing in decorative painting, where she honed my skills and developed a deep appreciation for creative expression. Eventually, she started her own business, allowing her to share her love for art with others. Now, she is excited to explore new avenues, including sculpting and canvas art, as she continues to grow and evolve as an artist. Her journey reflects a commitment to following her passions and celebrating the beauty of creativity.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Our world is simultaneously on fire & drowning. Women & girls disproportionately experience the greatest impacts of man-made climate change, yet remain underrepresented in discussions across the globe despite their knowledge of ancestral best practices & deep understanding of community social & economic considerations. In the midst of rising seas and fiery temperatures, girls & women create solutions that are more inclusive, longer-lasting, & sustainable.

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ARTIST BIO:

Ann Farley creates whimsical works of bright colors and playful shapes that celebrate communities and places. Her bold graphic scenes of local landmarks and icons spark joy, stir memories, and heighten senses. Fueled by sunshine and recharged by water, Ann’s creations often start with hand-cut paper arranged in fields of color with strong lines. Because she loves stumbling upon unexpected public art in her travels, she has been inspired to create digital designs as evolutions of her cut-paper work for multiple public art projects in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Her obsession with the interaction of light and color has her continually exploring new artistic media to share visions of the waves and rays that connect us to each other and to the natural world. Ann’s background is in science and business, but she has always been an artist at heart.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

This statue reflects the experience of growing up as a girl today, with armor symbolizing the resilience built to navigate societal pressures. The American flag colors represent the influences shaping their identity and sense of belonging in this country.

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ARTIST BIO:

Erin Friedman is an abstract artist based in Bethesda, Maryland, known for her layered, expressive work on raw canvas. “Art has been pouring out of me since childhood. It is how I process the world and connect with myself. When I paint, I am completely immersed. I am drawn to the complexity of emotion, how layered, messy, and beautiful it can be, and I try to capture the essence of being human in my work. Conflict, change, joy, and sadness all find their way into each piece.

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I begin by pouring mixed acrylic onto raw canvas, then build layers using a palette knife, brushes, and oil sticks. I work intuitively, responding to each mark as it comes. The process is fluid and constantly shifting, often changing direction as the painting evolves. I do not paint specific moments, but the emotions tied to them emerge through textures, brushstrokes, and pastel lines. Each piece becomes a pause, a place where feeling rises to the surface, both mine and the viewer’s.”

ARTIST STATEMENT:

As an artist with an invisible disability, a former special needs educator, and the mother of children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I create work that speaks to resilience, advocacy, and the power of community. “200%” reflects strength in fragility, with golden egg shells marking areas of physical struggle and 24k gold leaf symbolizing perseverance and empathy. Mosaics highlight the beauty in brokenness, while the ADA flag calls attention to the need for visibility, dignity, and government support for people with disabilities. This piece is a celebration of our worth, our fight, and our ability to shine in the face of adversity.

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ARTIST BIO:

In my work, I blend symbolism, texture, and materiality to communicate strength through vulnerability. I am drawn to the juxtaposition of beauty and brokenness, which I often express through intricate mosaics and delicate, yet durable materials like gold leaf. In pieces such as my sculpture “200%”, broken golden egg shells represent areas of fragility, while the gold leaf embodies resilience, perseverance, and empathy.

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I aim to tell a story of overcoming, thriving, and exceeding expectations in the face of adversity. My work celebrates the strength, dignity, and unique contributions of women, particularly those who experience multiple forms of marginalization. It is about finding beauty in brokenness, affirming our worth, and embracing the power of our collective artistic voice.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

My artwork not only features my students, but celebrates and honors them as living pieces of art. I hope my work inspires and informs viewers about gun violence and its effect on today's youth. My sculpture speaks to and for the youth and educators, especially those working in Title I schools.

 

I used rich black paint, hand-painted fabric, and custom fabricated textiles to illustrate the emotional trauma suffered by students who fear or have experienced gun violence.

 

My students often express feelings of discard by the government, and feel they are deemed invaluable. My art showcases these individuals — their stories and experiences — as the masterpieces they truly are.

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ARTIST BIO:

“I see Black people as art.” I am a mixed media artist, educator, and photographer based out of Washington, D.C. I combine striking black and white photography with acrylic paint or fabric and upcycled frames as canvases. My artwork not only features my students, but celebrates and honors them as living pieces of art. My art is about them; the photography is them. The subject matter is always them. I like to connect them, placing them in Black history. There’s something beautiful about connecting the past and the present and teaching them visually in that way.

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My work is a tribute to the Black community, its essence, beauty, magic, and resilience. I hope my work inspires and informs viewers — while also speaking to and for the youth and educators, especially those working in Title I schools. I use a collage method to connect my students to figures and happenings of the past. I use a visual medium to teach Black history, while also commenting on the current state of the community. This infusion of the past and present, rooted in the culture, sheds light on stories that are often forgotten, hidden, or untold.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

How we have forsaken the little girls of this country?​ In the first 3 days following the 2024 election of Donald Trump, this phrase was used across social media platforms 53 million times.

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ARTIST BIO:

Maggie O’Neill is a creative visionary, artist, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience shaping the cultural and design landscape of Washington, D.C.​ She co-founded design firm SWATCHROOM in 2013, leading the creation of immersive environments for over 70 restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, and commercial spaces. Today, she is committed to designing spaces that foster engagement and connection, blending art, design, and activism to spark meaningful conversations.

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Maggie is the founding artist and activist behind Our Daughters' Futures Fund and Vote For Your Daughter. 

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Often young women early on are put in a box or have expectations placed on them, before they can define themselves. When we expand our vision and remove the limits from our potential, we can do and be anything. There is a powerful hero in each of us, and the more we let that hero shine the more we can create change and inspire the world.

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ARTIST BIO:

Tenbeete Solomon, better known as Trap Bob, is a multidisciplinary artist based in Washington, DC. She is known for her use of bold colors and gestures to convey both the humor and struggles of everyday life.

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Her work is socially conscious and frequently inspired by activism and community issues, with an aim to bridge the gap between her audience and her message. Her work can be found in both the digital space and within the community - from instagram gif stickers to murals throughout the DMV area.