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Health, Wellness & Black Maternal Health Week at MoM

We finished an awesome month of Women’s Herstory activities in March, culminating with the 20th Anniversary MoM Conference (supported by USF) and the MoM Art Auction in partnership (with OXH Gallery).

Our impact over the course of five days was 200 + American and international guests that began with a tour with Girls Rock on Thursday, March 13th at MoM and ended with the MoM Art Auction on March 18th in Tampa.

MoM Art Auction

The Auction remains LIVE through April. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PROMOTE: People can ‘buy now‘ or bid’ as the fundraising continues.

*Thanks to everyone who helped, attended, contributed, and supported. Thanks to our various, hard-working committees. We appreciate our partners and contributing artists especially.

MoM Art Auction in partnership with OXH Gallery

St Pete is continually impressed with our dynamic team. Everywhere I go now, I hear the same thing: “What an amazing team MoM has.” TRUTH!

Congrats are in order for two highly successful networking events organized by Mary Havlock with Hypatia Collective and Working Women Tampa Bay, and attendance at Nerd Nite promoting MoM’s Escape Womb Experience. Meet Mary at monthly play dates. See our Events Page.

Kudos to Sierra for her March Women’s Herstory Events celebrating local she-roes and for bringing CONA(Council of Neighborhood Associations) to the space on March 25th from 6-8PM. Sierra is up to great things in April, kicking off April 8th with an evening of financial awareness for kids and families. Flyer is on the events page and below.

Sierra Clark hosts Health, Wellness and Education workshops at MoM as our Community Empowerment Facilitator

April also brings Black Maternal Health Awareness Week. MoM will host an event organized by USF that involves our Health, Wellness and Education committee members: doula Courtney West as well as award-winning photographer Sara Hunter on exhibit at MoM April 10th 5-8PM with a DJ and refreshments.

Sara Hunter, award-winning photographer on display at MoM

Thanks to Amanda Bartles for her lactation groups on Sundays at noon. We are hoping to replace this activity while Amanda goes on maternity leave. Yay, Amanda!

Barbara Lynch continues to network on our behalf and leveraged another encounter with 16th St Farms for a collaboration while also bringing a book club to MoM.

A University of Tampa Senior, Mary-Margaret Russo has approached us about doing a short documentary on MoM with filming taking place in April. We hope to film all April events culminating with MaMaPaLooZa on Sunday May 4th!

MaMaPaLooZa is Sunday, May 4th in partnership with FloridaRAMA.

We welcome returning sponsor BayFirst Bank.

We still need more volunteers onsite at MoM and we need a bigger board. Cast your nets. We will be focused on a board-building event leveraging the contacts we amassed for the art auction. This will be held in June. Think who you might want to invite or if you wanna join!

A renowned artist from NYC- Raisa Nosova (who contributed to the MoM Art Auction) has asked The Factory owners if she can paint a mural for MoM. The owners said YES – now we are figuring out timing! See her gorgeous design here.

The Journal of Mother Studies (JourMS) is open for submissions through May 31. Submit Now!

Currently we have rent paid through August when our lease is up!! This is a HUGE accomplishment. Thank you to all our contributors!

If we could miraculously raise $15k towards next year’s rent in the next 3 months, we will renew the lease for 2026.

Also, I am so grateful for being presented with the ‘Joy Award’ for 20 years of MoM Conference organizing. Thank you Courtney, Brittany and Meagan! This will be my last time leading the conference planning.

From left to right: Beth Charles, Brittany DeNucci, Barbara Lynch, Meagan Welch, Martha Joy Rose, Courtney Kessel

I thankfully gave my notice so that a new team can RISE and is empowered for next year’s academic and arts conference. I will stay on as an advisor only. New Team: Brittany DeNucci, Meagan Welch (also serving as editor to JourMS), Jill M. Wood, Beth Charles, Sonia Meerai, & Batya Weinbaum, Courtney Kessel with Michelle Hughes Miller, Aurelie Athan and myself in advisory roles and Hannah Brockbank advising on the Journal of Mother Studies (JourMS).

Health Wellness and Education at the Museum of Motherhood

April 8 (Tuesday 6-7:30PM

EVENT DETAILS: April observation of financial literacy SHEENA QUALLES Founder/CEO/owner at Kidzonomics LLC “Stacks & Future Facts”.

A budgeting workshop that frames financial literacy as a game plan for future success. Helps young people see money as a tool for building the life they want rather than something just for spending.

Kidzonomics mission- cultivating children, understanding of money management to strengthen their financial wellness as adults for program coordinators. Organized by Sierra Clark, Community Empowerment Coordinator. Questions call: 877-711-MOMS (6667)

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Raising awareness and advocacy for the improvement of maternal health outcomes for Black women, their infants, and families—not just in Tampa Bay, but throughout Florida. We have a fun and informative week of events planned, starting with our Photography Exhibit and Showcase Kick-off Event at the Museum of Motherhood in St. Petersburg, FL, with USF.

Organized by Courtney West, facilitated by Sierra Clark featuring the award-winning birth photography of Sara Hunter.

#BMHWofTampaBay2025

Skills Drill with the Rainbow Midwife and Escape Womb Visit

April 18 5-7PM Sills and Drills with The Rainbow Midwife. The Skills and Drills for birth workers and the people who love them with a tour of the Escape Womb after.

You Must Pre-Register: Call 877-711-MOMS (6667) and leave a message.

May 4th, 10-4PM at The Factory in St Pete

MAMAPALOOZA St. Petersburg 2025 offers a diverse lineup of activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages. Highlights of the event include:

Interactive art installations celebrating the creativity and resilience of mothers with a marketplace featuring local vendors offering handmade crafts, jewelry, and other unique items. Join us as we come together to celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of mothers everywhere. MAMAPALOOZA is a day to honor the past, embrace the present, and envision a brighter future for all families.

CONFIRMED BANDS WITH GIRLS ROCK, ST PETE: Hex Appeal & Anarkitty along with The Rum Syndicate!

MoM Art Auction March 18, 2025 online & in person – Original Artworks to ROCK UR WORLD!

Join us if you dare- Artworks to Rock Your World:

OXH Gallery Presents a Celebration of the Arts

MoM Art Auction: Celebrating and Supporting Mother Made Art

THERE IS STILL TIME TO SIGN UP! ONLINE & IN-PERSON: March 18, 2025 6-8PM at The Spiral Staircase in Tampa, Florida 425 N Florida Ave, Tampa FL 33602.

OXH Gallery presents the second annual MoM Art Auction ONLINE and IN-PERSON: pioneering a collaboration in the arts, science and beyond. Odeta Xheka, founder of OXH, the Executive Board of the Museum of Motherhood bring together visionary artists, collectors, and supporters for an evening of Mother-Made Art. The event signals a shift in Tampa Bay’s cultural landscape.

RSVP & REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE

This year’s auction will feature original works by a curated selection of established, mid-career, and emerging artists. Proceeds will support MoM’s mission to collect, preserve, and disseminate art that illuminates the diverse experiences of motherhood. The fundraiser promises to be an evening commitment to grow in connection, brilliance and a shared affection for the most beautiful things life has to offer.

RSVP through our dedicated website accessible through MOMmuseum.org. Items for auction will go on presale during the event. Attire for the evening is relaxed but festive. Catering by Emerald Events & Catering.

A Vision for Art and Motherhood

RSVP & REGISTER

Tampa Bay’s first and only women’s museum – an initiative that highlights m/others and others in the arts, science and herstory. The Museum of Motherhood redefines how we discuss motherhood, viewing it from the perspective of m/others. Through innovative exhibitions and education, MoM examines the ubiquitous nature of reproductive identity, birth, and parenting while exploring the social and psychological factors embedded in these experiences. By amplifying women’s voices and challenging limiting ideologies, MoM fosters a compassionate, inclusive community that uplifts individual stories and celebrates motherhood’s vital role in our cultural narrative. MOMmuseum.org

About OXH Gallery and Odeta Xheka

OXH Gallery carefully curates exhibitions that feature works from both established and emerging artists, showcasing not only a diverse range of styles and mediums but also, most importantly, of viewpoints and intellectual stances.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE AMAZING PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:(BOJITT) Bojana Ilic
Alison Curtis
Amuri Morris
Anabella Lenzu
Ariel Basson Freiberg
Beth Ellen Cohen
Breanna Cee Martins
Caroline McAuliffe
Catherine Walker
Cayla Skillin-Brauchle
Courtney Kessel
Danielle C. Wyckoff
Julie Gladstone
Leigh Brooklyn
Michelle Lubin
Odeta Xheka
Patricia Wintermeyer
Rachael Grad
Raisa Nosova
Robin Assner-Alvey
Shweta Bist
Sierra Clark
Twiggy Boyer
Vanessa Marr & Danny Mars

March is Women’s Herstory Month with the Annual International MoM Conference at USF & the MoM Art Auction in partnership with OXH Gallery – Join Us!

March is Women’s History Month with the Annual International MoM Conference at USF and the MoM Art Auction in partnership with OXH Gallery in Tampa Bay and Online. Women’s Herstory is every person’s story: We hope you will celebrate, learn, play and activate with us during this extraordinary time starting with starting with 03/04 Tuesday’s FREE Workshop celebrating local she-roes with Sierra Clark onsite 6PM. See our Events Page here. JOIN US! We can’t wait to meet you.

St. Pete Coffee Connections at MoM with Working Women of Tampa Bay hosted by Mary Havlock and Little House Non Profit

When: 05 Mar 2025 9:00 AM, EST
Where: Museum of Motherhood

EVENT DETAILS: Come join us for a morning of meaningful networking with Working Women of Tampa Bay! Meet like-minded professionals at our St. Pete Coffee Connections. This monthly event is your opportunity to connect and grow your business in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Guests will receive a complimentary cup of coffee and baked goods. Directions are here. Open to members of Working Women of Tampa Bay: Join Us -More information and online registration: St. Pete Coffee Connections.

The 20th Anniversary International MoM Conference is sponsored by two generous grants from USF taking place at MoM and on campus at USF March 14-16th. Huge gratitude to Michelle Hughes Miller; MoM Academic Board member and Caryn Nesmith, USF for sponsoring the space onsite at the USF St Pete campus! Brittany DeNucci and Meagan Welch have done a fantastic and rock-steady job of communicating with conference presenters and organizing the schedule! Schedule is HERE. (There will be a family lactation room onsite).

USF Students and Faculty are FREE to attend and the conference is OPEN to the PUBLIC – advance registration only: Registration CLICK HERE in advance please.

The MoM Art Auction takes place on March 18th 6-8PM in partnership with Odeta Xheka and OXH Gallery at the Spiral Staircase. This fundraising event is made possible by a generous underwriting partnership with Odeta Xheka and OXH. (If you have not been to Ybor City to see Odeta’s gallery – run, don’t walk! It’s beautiful!). Register NOW for participation online and in person for this event happening at The Spiral Staircase in Tampa, FL. Also thanks to Courtney Kessel for artist’s submissions and Barbara Lynch for collating exhibits & Mary Havlock for expertise. RSVP & REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE.

You Are Invited

MaMaPaLooZa Sign Up is Open for Artists, Sponsors and Activity-Makers

Hold the date – Sunday May 4th, 2025 for Mamapalooza™ in partnership with FloridaRAMA in Tampa Bay, Florida. Fun, Free Family activities with a music stage, samplings, and activity tables. All those interesting in participating as sponsor-partners or performers please SIGN UP NOW online. We will be in touch about time slots, stage options, discounted tickets to FloridaRAMA and more. We look forward to having an awesome and informative time. Mamapalooza™ Together we focus on Women-Empowered, Mom-Branded, Entertainment, Education, Business & Activism. Mamapalooza is a steady supplier of varied and exciting programs that have led to innovative activities positively impacting families, amplifying the voices of women and revolutionizing the ways in which we understand the nuanced and varied multicultural experience of families- inclusive of all.

Access to Healthcare and Embodiment Education at MoM

The Museum of Motherhood (MoM) approaches reproductive justice by focusing on the intersection of motherhood, reproductive rights, and social justice. It recognizes that reproductive justice extends beyond simply access to healthcare. Instead, it emphasizes a broader framework that includes the right to have children, the right to not have children, and the right to parent in safe and supportive environments. We call this ‘Embodiment Education’ and we do it onsite everyday. MoM fosters dialogue and education about issues like race, class, and gender, which heavily influence reproductive rights and experiences. It also highlights the voices of marginalized groups, advocating for the empowerment of women, particularly women of color, in all aspects of reproductive health, from pregnancy and birthing experiences to parenting.

Through exhibitions, community events, and The Escape Womb with it’s educational programming, the Museum of Motherhood underscores the importance of inclusive, equitable policies and practices that support reproductive health and justice for all individuals and families. See our work in this area through our projects and people at Big Human Family.

Creating Culture Beyond the Bridges: Black History Month

Museums make America great and people make museums ~ MJ Rose

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, no one has played a greater role in helping all people understand Black American’s history than Carter G. Woodson.” Carter Woodson championed Black History month because of his singular devotion to “Negro Life and Culture,” and the formation of an organization whose goal was to make Black history accessible to an audience beyond college campuses and academic texts. Woodson was a “man whose only passion was history, and he expected everyone to share his passion.” This passion resulted in the formation of Negro History Week in 1926, which eventually came be what we now know as ‘Black History Month‘.

We are so lucky to have our very own Woodson African American Museum in St Petersburg, Florida. With big plans underway for future development, we are encouraged and lifted by their successes. Here at MoM, we celebrate and honor our one Big Human Family. We are all different and we are the same… With love as our guiding principle, we encourage all people to put aside the divide and recognize that together we rise! See or listen to Maya Angelou’s poem titled Human Family and stay inspired!

What’s Next at MoM in February?

Since 2023, Sierra Clark has spearheaded programing that reaches into the he(ART) of the St. Pete community with a message of inspiration and love. As MoM’s champion of Health, Wellness and Education Outreach as a funded partner with Foundation for a Health St Pete, Sierra has organized two February gatherings that highlight Black History month as a time for self-care, story telling, and culture.

“Know that you hold the power to change your whole narrative. The only thing between you and living the life you deserve is the way you see these things and the meaning you give them. Be the lighthouse that leads you to your power. Finding Sierra’…. the journey to finding oneself is about removing the paradigms, especially the ones we see ourselves through. Letting go of all the ( M. U. S ) made up stuff we believe and subscribe to that stops us from living the life,. Instead, WE SAY WE WANT!! D.A.R.E 2 B a better you” Sierra Clark SIERRA SPEAKS.

February 4 6-7pm with Tresalynn Morris -Founder & Community Health Advocate Inspiring Health’s Collective Advocacy Alliance.

Event Title: “Heart Beats for Wellness: Health & Love Fest”. Observance: American Heart Month & Valentine’s Day. Theme & Description: Promote heart health, self-love, and community wellness with a festival that merges health education and fun activities. Attendees can participate in wellness screenings, fitness classes, and workshops on building healthy relationships. RSVP INFO@MOMmuseum.org 877-711-6667

February 25th 6-7:30 Angela. Observance:

Black History MonthEvent Title: “Bridging Our Stories: Black History & Resilience.” Description: Honor the resilience and achievements of Black individuals and families through storytelling, historical panels, and wellness workshops that focus on community strength. More info: 727-906-7542 or INFO@MOMmuseum.org. The Factory 2606 Fairfield Ave S. Gallery Row Building 7 Door B.

RSVP please. 877-711-6667

Don’t Forget the Playdates, Lactation Groups and Escape Womb Experience: Escape Womb Tickets Here

Mothers Group with infants and toddlers at the Museum of Motherhood

March Preview: MoM Art Auction with OXH Gallery

Save the date! MoM Conference 2025 in partnership with USF St Pete. Open to the public March 14-16 followed by the MoM Art Auction Fundraiser with OXH Gallery in Tampa Bay at The Spiral Staircase. Pre-event press is here in ArtNet. “Not shying away from the complexities of women working in the visual arts, OXH Gallery embraces the influence of motherhood and herstory on contemporary women artists.”

Thank You St Pete Chamber of Commerce for the Awesome Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Ribbon Cutting St Pete Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting

ST. PETE, Fla. (January 17 2025) — The Museum of Motherhood has taken a new residence inside Gallery Row at the Factory, St. Pete located at 2606 Fairfield Avenue South in Building 7, Door 2 B (to the left of the FloridaRama & DaddyKool entrance next to Florida Wildlife Corridor).

The museum’s (re)opening celebration will highlight its newest visitor experience, an escape room adventure with Ribbon Cutting celebration in partnership with the St Pete Chamber of Commerce.

Museum of Motherhood Ribbon Cutting with the St Pete Chamber of Commerce

St Pete Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Museum of Motherhood

MoM Executive Board member Barbara Lynch and Emanuel 15th St Farm at the Museum of Motherhood

Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity, curiosity, and courage for a truly fulfilling journey.

MoM Director Martha Joy Rose at the Museum of Motherhood with Chris Steinocher