Tag: MOM museum

Categories
Activism AEHK Art Birth Blog Classes Conferences Digital Media Internships Education Events Featured Featured Artists Fundraiser International Internships JourMS Living Board Announcements Media MOM Conference Mother Studies motherhood Sociology st petersburg The Factory, St Pete USF

Support MoM Now: First, Local, Herstoric #GivingTuesday

Dear Friend, Ally, Neighbor and Associate –

This year, even in the midst of hurricanes and upheavals, MoM greeted 12,000 visitors locally (and internationally) and finalized work on a new exhibition: ‘MoM’s Escape Womb Experience‘ – exploring conception, gestation and birth (at a time when we need this more than ever). 

The Museum of Motherhood is (and has always been) a beacon of love, inspiration, and equity.

The volunteers have all worked hard and achieved some wonderful successes in 2024, with a substantial grant award from Foundation for a Health St Pete and additional grant awards from the St. Pete Arts Alliance and Hypatia Collective. 

2025 promises to be another groundbreaking year with MoM’s Art Auction in collaboration with OXH Gallery of Tampa on March 18th, 2025 as well as the 20th Anniversary MoM Academic and Arts Conference sponsored by USF.

But, MoM needs help! In order to sustain operations, the nonprofit must raise the necessary funds to secure its 2025 budget which will bolster activities, pay operations costs, and help us reach the community that needs us most. Will you donate?

We need to raise a minimum of 30K in order to keep our initiatives going from December – August 2025.

It’s hard to ask – but, no amount is too small. We understand the challenges of today’s economy, the status of worldwide relations, and how great the need is for so many

SUPPORT MOM

We believe that in the face of mounting pressure to constrain women’s voices and bodies, the Museum of Motherhood stands as a testimony to the beauty of creation, the power of human spirit, the love of a shared humanity.

We are working on behalf of you every day to implement collaboration and connection as guiding principles. Together we can change the world!

Please consider a donation to our operational campaign, by check, online, or through membership. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

MoM Loves You and Values Your Participation – Because YOU are wonderfully made!

IN THE NEWS

We were thrilled when Bob Eckstein included a chapter about the Museum of Motherhood in his book ‘Footnotes From The Most Fascinating Museums’. In fact, the book is featured on our large wall mural in the new location in Gallery Row at The Factory. But, imagine our surprise when Bob sent us a copy of this recent Reader’s Digest article that boldly mentioned MoM among other fascinating favorites in the USA. Check it out here. Reader’s Digest article with picture and mention of MoM.

ESCAPE WOMB IS OPEN

Our ticketing site for MoM’s Escape Womb Experience is live. The experience is designed to delight visitors with clues and puzzles about the nuances of conception, gestation and birth in a fun and informative environment. This health, wellness and education adventure is a-first-of-its-kind in the world. Open to people age 18 and above (younger with an accompanying parent or guardian) by advance reservation. Tickets can be through our website for up to six people at a time. Or come alone and we’ll place you with a team: https://escapewomb.resova.us/

DON’T FORGET – SUBMIT TO THE MoM CONFERENCE TODAY

Don’t forget! This year is the 20th Anniversary of the Annual Academic & Arts MoM Conference. This year’s theme titled ‘FUN, SEX and CRYING OUT LOUD’ brings levity and depth to the art, research, and auto-ethnographic works related to m/otherhood inclusive of all reproductive identities. This year’s conference is in partnership with USF. Submissions are due by Dec. 15th please. See the full international call for papers! Join Us.

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet our new volunteer! Valentina Blanco is eager to help with the beautiful projects of this organization as she has advocated for women’s rights since she was just a girl. She loves to educate others through art, connection, and community. She looks forwards to working with MoM & Joy at the new museum location at The Factory in Gallery Row. She also anticipates organizing some graphics and social media projects, assisting with MoM’s Escape Womb and whatever else needs to be done during her time each week. See more about Service Learning, volunteer and internship opportunities here.

A MESSAGE ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Pray & Stay as founder Martha Joy Rose undergoes surgery on December 12th at Tampa General after a challenging year of wellness struggles. Rose has been experiencing the long-term side effects of cytoxan chemotherapy, administered thirty years ago for Lupus. The resulting diagnosis of bladder cancer has consolidated the MoM Team into a skilled group of allies who have been managing the day-to-day administration of museum activities since the summer. Rose anticipates returning to management responsibilities in January, but recovery is bound to be cautious and gradual. Please support us during this difficult time.

EASY DONATION LINKS: PAYPAL OR STRIPE TO SUPPORT MOM

SUPPORT MOM

*Blog header graphics include Barbara Lynch, Sierra Clark, Martha Joy Rose and MaMaPaLooZa

Please see our holiday hours and book your trip accordingly. Our schedule is posted online here and updated regularly! Sending lotsa Holiday Love <3

Categories
AEHK Art Featured

Hurricane Recovery Successes & Losses: Moving Forward with MoM

Bent But Not Broken

Thank you for your patience & support as we go through one of the most challenging times we have faced as a team – and as the Museum of Motherhood organization.

We made it out of the hurricane but exist in a community full of obstacles.

Many of our board members, family members, and community members have extensive damage to their homes & jobs. Some homes & lives are lost forever.

While Tampa Bay limps back to basic necessities like water, electricity, and debris removal, our non-profit’s programming & access have been impacted.

Our Report

The MoM Art Auction in collaboration with OXH Gallery has been postponed until the spring with a new date TBD. We will update information here as we have it.

Art Auction Postponed

Its not just us – our sponsors are struggling with their own infrastructure while MoM’s promotions and organization of the 25th Annual Academic Conference announcements have been delayed.

We are still setting up our new space in the face of extreme weather.

When Will We Focus On The Ethics of Well-Bring ?

WHAT CAN WE DO?

World focus needs to shift towards sustainability & longer term solutions.

Access, support, and fiscal stability for mothers, families & caregivers in the U.S. is an ongoing social epidemic which must be confronted.

Locally, ‘Give or Get’ is open for donations during MoM’s regular hours:

-Thursday-Sat 12-6PM

-Sunday 12-3PM

Visit our new location: 2606 Fairfield Ave. S Gallery Row: Building 7 Door B

Donation box inside. Child-friendly. Free play.

At MoM We Persist.

We continue because our mission is bigger than the moment.

The Museum of Motherhood team has come together in unprecedented ways. Even as this message reaches you, we are busy building back better ways to reach those in need, those who aspire, and those who are devoted to making the world a brighter, smarter, and more generous place.

BE THE LIGHT (WHEN YOU CAN):

May the peace that surpasses all understanding find you wherever you are.

I continue to embody JOY!

We are with YOU 💖

(Martha JOY Rose)

FB I Insta @museumofmotherhood

The Museum of Motherhood is the first and only exhibition & education center devoted to the art, science, and herstory of women, m/others, and families. We are invested in countering narratives that have kept women less visible. We keep abreast of changing birth technologies and give voice to a mom-made art movement through our actions.

#sustainability

Categories
Featured

Making HERstory w/MoM in Tampa Bay, Journal is Live & Other Extraordinary Strivings

MoM Art Auction

Four countries, 17 cities and 100% Mother-made art from multiple perspectives in partnership with OXH Gallery at The Spiral Staircase (a new gathering place of m/others): MoM is making HERstory once again!

The MoM Executive Board is pleased to present the 2nd MoM Art Auction, taking place Oct 22, 2024 from 6-8pm. Special invite registration only for this not-to-be-missed event.

If you have not received your email invitation, please reach out to team member Mary@MOMmuseum.org. Registration and auction preview: https://auctria.events/momartauction

Original art works by a curated mix of established, mid’ career and emerging artists will be auctioned at an exclusive catered event to raise funds to support the mission of the Museum of Motherhood to be followed with an exhibition at OXH Gallery co-curated by Courtney Kessel, Assistant Director of Experimental Design, COFA Scripps, University College and OXH Gallery founder/director Odeta Xheka. This pioneering party elevating the art of m/otherhood would not be possible without fundraising champion Mary Havlock of Little House non-profit.

Join this exciting opportunity to partner and participate with a visionary museum and leader in the field of Motherhood and Mother Studies. MoM collects, preserves, and disseminates Mother Made Art with a passion for the cultural, social, and historical issues and experiences that affect women, inclusive of all reproductive identities. This call to action to elucidate the art, science, and herstory of women, mothers, and families is at the forefront of the Museum’s mission and vision. More HERE.

MoM Is Moving

MoM is moving: Same street, different space, St Pete – in The Factory. MoM is excited to announce this move in response to the recent sale of The Factory to developers. “We aim for a soft opening with new murals being unveiled in an open, child-friendly area by Oct. 1, 2024 next to Florida Wildlife Corridor in Gallery Row,” says museum founder Martha Joy Rose. “We’ll be proximal to Leroy King of Art and in the new artist area adjacent to FloridRama.” Our last day in our current location will be Saturday, Sept 21, 2024 from 12-6PM: FREE MUSEUM DAY St Pete!

Visitors will be free to roam, interact with the murals, watch the videos on display, and lounge in the space whenever the Gallery doors are open to the public. “We’re still figuring out our new MoM hours,” says team member and community organizer Sierra Clark, “but the idea is that the space can be utilized for inspiration and and relaxation whether we are staffed or not.”

MoM’s newest feature will be it’s carefully designed ‘Escape Womb‘ experience. An obvious play on words, the Escape Womb highlights fun facts about conception, gestation and birth. The experience is a first of it’s kind and has been designed with teamwork in mind. Scholar and educator Jill Wood, Penn State U., has been pivotal in terms of the academic content, while MoM’s longtime curator, Rose has put her personal touches on the red room, adding “This summer, the MoM team visited Great Explorations Escape Room in St Pete for inspiration.” “Everyone had such a great time,” MoM executive board member and local mortgage broker Deanna Barcelona gushed. “We think this is going to be an incredible way for people to learn a lot of important stuff in a totally cool environment,” agreed board secretary and writer Barbara Lynch.

The escape womb will open on November 1st with advance tickets going on sale October 23. Prices for visitors are still being discussed. “We want to make it affordable to everyone but encourage an ongoing funding stream for our non-profit to thrive,” says Rose. “Excitement is at an all time high.” The room will be available for private bookings as well. Sneak Peek.

Journal of Mother Studies is Published

The Journal of Mother Studies is LIVE online! Shout out to each contributor for their brilliance, talents and labor – with a special shout out to Lead Editor, Meagan Welch for this year’s awesome publication. 

So many people contributed to the 2024 Conference and then many of those individuals stuck with us over the last few months to organize the 2024 journal.

Art for all is a short video clip highlighting some of the creativity that was on display in March. Artists Courtney Kessel ‘Fabric of Life, Martha Joy Rose, Museum of Motherhood welcome, Vanessa Marr; Tokens of Resistance/A Mothers Work is Never Done, Madison Hendry; Womb Project, Judy Lyons Schneider & Alice Harrison (the Bag Ladies) intergenerational conversation, Christine Carrig; Proudly Shamed in the USA – Art Installation w/ invitation for community collaboration, Emily Fitzgerald and Molly Sherman; The People’s Republic for Reproductive Empathy Workshop, Batya Weinbaum paintings, Alicia Campos Massó arts, Vanessa Hansen; n You Are Not Alone, and Victoria Bailey spoken word as well as Ayakoh Furukawa-Leonart Flower of the Womb works were all on display, with installation assist from Liliana Beltran.

The academic presentations were thoughtful, provocative and as always thoroughly fascinating. Those who submitted papers are represented the journal.

Congrats to Christine Carrig for the Journal Cover Photo from her installation “Proudly Shamed in the USA”. The schedule of conference presentations are archived online, and links to the videos of presentations can be accessed from the same page. JourMS 2024: LINK TO THE ’24 JOURNAL.

Mother Studies

CFP 2025: 25th Annual Conference! Fun, Sex and Crying Out Loud: This international call for papers invites artists, scholars, poets, sociologists, maternal psychologists, philosophers, anthropologists, women’s, sexuality, and gender studies professors, masculinity studies experts, birth-workers, doctors, researchers, students, and lay-people to share their work and tie it to this year’s theme. Works that are inclusive of all identities of birthing folx are encouraged.

Pls circulate widely & SHOUT IT! Deadline to submit Dec. 15th. LINK TO CFP

RECENT PUBLICATIONS: The Mother Wave from Demeter Press: Theorizing, Enacting and Representing Matricentric Feminism. Matricentric feminism seeks to make motherhood the business of feminism by positioning mothers’ needs and concerns as the starting point for a theory and politic on and for the empowerment of women as mothers. Based on the conviction that mothering is a verb, it understands that becoming and being a mother is not limited to biological mothers or cisgender women but rather to anyone who does the work of mothering as a central part of their life. The mother wave of matricentric feminism invites conversations with others and offers a praxis of feminism that aims to coexist, overlap, and intersect with others. Edited by Andrea O/Reilly and Fiona Joy Green. Read Martha Joy Rose’s chapter here too: ORDER HERE

Categories
Activism Art Birth Caregiving Classes Eckerd Education Events Featured Featured Artists Feminism Fundraiser gender health International Internships JourMS Living Board Announcements MOM Art Annex MOM Conference motherhood Opportunities Queering Parenting Residency

Making Our Time Together Count with MoM

News & More

DID YOU KNOW WE ARE 35 + VOLUNTEER STRONG at MoM?

Thirty Five + individuals with unique skills, talents, and expertise contributing to the success of MoM from a variety of backgrounds! I don’t always get to opportunity to connect the committees, volunteer efforts and interns in one giant gratitude brag. So, I’m taking the opportunity to do that here. We are doing great things at the Museum of Motherhood, embracing museum-lovers of all ages, creating unique exhibitions, and empowering future generations through education, connection and inspiration.

As some of my community members know I have been going through some personal health challenges. I am taking the time required to go through treatments and heal. I feel incredibly fortunate to have access to the necessary care and I’m surrounded by family, friends and yes- my MoM collaborators!

Although I’m currently relegated to home– and will be for the foreseeable future- I have watched our crew come together in AWESOME WAYS. The work continues at MoM! We are all in this together and TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG. In the spirit of JUNETEENTH and PRIDE MONTH we celebrate freedom, access, and inclusivity ~MJR, Director, Founder.

HERE’S THE NEWS:

  1. We have secured our 2024-25 lease at The Factory moving from our current location to Gallery Row in September.
  2. We will continue to operate in our current location through Labor Day in August.
  3. Our GRAND OPENING in the new space (Gallery Row, Florida Wildlife Corridor, Drew Marc Gallery) will be Sept 21 – free museum day in St. Pete. 
  4. We are in the planning stages for a MoM October Art Auction/ Fundraiser as part of the We Build Tampa Bay initiative to reach our goal of 100k in partnership with Odeta Xheka &  OXH Gallery. The committee is for this is forming now! Want to be involved? Write us here or at INFO@MOMmuseum.org
  5. Our MoM Conference 2025 (20th Anniversary) committee is meeting regularly. Thanks to Brittany DeNucci, Megan, Batya and Kassandra for getting the planning stages going! The title is “Fun, Sex and Crying Out Loud” mark your calendars March 14-16 2025,
  6. Studies show that giving to women and girls organizations represent 1.8 percent of charitable giving in the USA of the 8.8 billion dollar pie. The ‘We Build Tampa Bay” fundraising initiative at MoM is ongoing. Our fundraiser yielded $4 k of the entire 100k goal for 2024-2025 with Founders Circle now including Liz Dimmitt, Deborah & Hugh Gelch,  Aleks Miziolek & Betty Schaub. This is 4% of our goal – so we are doing well statistically speaking. Join us as a Founding Circle member.

General Updates: The summer Interns are busy working on projects, Sierra Clark is overseeing schedule and Community Leadership projects, Whetley and Xy our summer HS interns are woman-ing up the space this summer w/special projects, Mary Noah is mentoring Xy as is Barbara Lynch mentoring Whetley & Barbara is attending St Pete Women’s Chamber luncheons on MoM’s behalf. Board Member Deanna Barcelona attended the last Chamber of Commerce event, Connie B. preservers with data (for our 2023 Form EZ accounting soon), Larry Dillahunty gave legal counsel on our new lease. Megan Welch is editing the Journal of Mother Studies, Ariana (Eckerd College) Sex Ed (embodiment education) is in the works to create and implement future programming. Escape Womb interactive exhibit planning is underway with with Jill Wood. Laura Bissell starts remote residency for June and Executive Board Meeting in July to approve the working budget. Mary at Little House non-profit is fundraising with a recent grant submitted to Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete, more grant writing, and sponsorships of new space.

Please write us if you’d like to join our team. In the meantime, keep strong, safe and blessed. MoM Loves YOU!

Welome Ariana

Ariana P is a rising senior at Eckerd College studying Sociology and Women and Gender Studies. She is the co-president of the feminist club at Eckerd that hosts body positivity and sex positivity events as well as a book club! She teaches sex education with a focus in comprehensive and inclusive sex ed. Ariana hopes to earn her masters in social work and go into case management and continue to work with non-profits. She was introduced to MoM through a classmate that also interned with MoM the previous year. In her time with MoM she hopes to educate people about their bodies and how reproduction works! As well as have in depth conversations about womenhood!

Remote Residency

Laura Bissell: My project is to work with MoM for the period of 1month from 21st June to 21st July. During this time I will attend the Matrescence Festival in Exeter, interview mother artists exploring pregnancy loss for my book, work on a project on motherhood and academia, Term Time, with Lucy Tyler, begin a book chapter called Adolescence and Matrescence: Seasons of the Witch for Demeter Press and complete my book manuscript. I would like to undertake a MoM residency at this time to celebrate and platform the work of some of the mother/artists working in performance whose work I write about and also to connect with a wider international community of mothers.

MoM Loves You!

MoM Volunteers
Categories
Birth Caregiving Dads Events Featured Featured Artists Feminism Fl Fundraiser History International JourMS MAMA MaMaPaLooZa Media MOM Art Annex Opportunities Queering Parenting st petersburg The Factory, St Pete

MoM’s Got Ya, This Month and Every Month…and Forever

May is coming and May is Mothers’ Month. What do we make of this month of observances at the Museum of Motherhood? Years ago, just over one-hundred years, Mother’s Day was voted into legislation as a national day of observance. On May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day requesting a proclamation which Woodrow Wilson signed into law.

We are grateful to Bob Eckstein for the release of his most recent book Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums, available to order online, which includes a shout out to the Museum of Motherhood. What an awesome surprise! Thank you, Bob.

The very first American celebration of Mother’s Day was in Grafton West Virginia, organized by Anna Jarvis who wanted a day for families to commemorate their loved ones. Previous versions of a motherhood movement prioritized social involvement for mothers for the betterment of society including peace initiatives like the one that Julia Ward Howe is famous for. In that context, the reading becomes Mothers’ Day (notice the apostrophe) (Read more here).

As the founder of the Museum of Motherhood, I was fortunate to celebrate the one hundred year anniversary of Mother’s Day with my own mother, as the featured speaker at the historic landmark St Andrews Methodist Church, which is the International Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton West Virginia. My keynote talk addressed the importance of place, one of the core components of the commitment I feel towards the Museum of Motherhood. Humans need physical places to acknowledge our embodied experiences and to activate memory and cultural identities.

I purposely chose to embrace motherhood as a socially engaged activity involving not just families but the well-being of communities, hence my efforts on behalf of women, mothers and families (inclusive of all reproductive identities) through the years. As a young mom living in New York City, I learned how important friendship and collaboration are. The parks and playgrounds became my home away from home with four children in tow. Those friendships became the bedrock of my life as a mother. These gals were the people I turned to for support, compassion, understanding, and FUN! Since moving to Florida with my now adult children, I still look to my community of women for a shared sense of passion, camaraderie, and the mission of the MoM.

This year, for the first time in many, I said ‘yes’ to Liz Dimmitt at The Fairgrounds St Pete when she suggested we bring a MaMaPaLooZa Festival to Tampa Bay. The festival initiatives, begun in 2002, have worked alongside the Museum of Motherhood to generate more visibility regarding the labor, art, and enterprise of women. This year, marks the first time in over ten years, where I personally agreed to an event outside of MoM. So, in addition to our May fundraising activities at the museum to build a ‘Womb of Our Own‘, the MaMaPaLooZa Festival will take place on May 4th in partnership with The Fairgrounds St Pete at The Factory in Tampa Bay. Hope to see you there or at one of these other opportunities we will be creating this month! ~Martha Joy Rose, Director and Founder; MoM, MaMaPaLooZa

The Journal of Mother Studies: a peer-reviewed, international, interdisciplinary open-access, digital humanities hybrid project.

CFP 2024: Threads of Connection–Sorry/Not Sorry: Confronting mother (and other) blame–healing & resistance in contemporary culture and beyond. Submissions to the Journal are open until May 31st [Link to Submit]. Also seeking lead editor for the 2024 edition. MORE INFO.

The Saint Petersburg Month of Photography in collaboration with the Museum of Motherhood presents the exhibition MOTHER LENS: Four Visions of Motherhood: Mikaela Martin, Jena Love, Águeda Sanfiz, and  Angelika Kollin, present their reflections on motherhood with very distinctive voices that range from the visual personal journal, the photojournalistic essay,  conceptual photography, and fine art portraiture.  [More]

Description: Join us for a day of celebration and empowerment at MAMAPALOOZA St. Petersburg 2024! Hosted at The Factory by MoM and Fairgrounds St. Pete, this event honors and uplifts mothers and caregivers in our community through a dynamic mix of music, art, and camaraderie.

Special thanks to our sponsors: St. Anthony’s BayCare, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, The Barn UPT, and Stephanie Allen Coaching. MAMAPALOOZA St. Petersburg 2024 offers a diverse lineup of activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages. [LINK]

CALL TO ACTION: Join Our Founders Circle- Building MoM in Florida. Calling one hundred friends to invest in the future of Tampa Bay by helping us grow locally. Also, a Womb of Our Own Sculpture – Seeing Red coming this month.

MoM invites you to become join our Founders Circle by making a donation of $1,000 to fund our 2024-25 budget at The Factory in St. Pete. Donate and then help us celebrate the Museum of Motherhood in St. Pete. We invite YOU to join us as we bring this legacy project to its next phase of development. May 8th 6-7:30PM – Please PLEDGE by May 1st using our form here

MaMaPaLooZa Performers – MoMs ROCK! And, so do YOU!

In partnership with The Fairgrounds St. Pete

Event Title: MAMAPALOOZA Family Festival / FB invitation / FB Page

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: The Factory, 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Susan B Music
Nora Ricci
Jennifer Medina
Hex Appeal – Girls Rock St Pete
The Rum Syndicate
Some vendor opportunities still available
Categories
Activism AEHK Art Birth Caregiving Conferences Education Events Featured Feminism health History home Living Board Announcements Media MOM Art Annex MOM Conference Opportunities Social Justice

The Museum of Motherhood, Tampa Bay’s First and Only Women’s Museum Seeks Friends, Funding, & Business Associates

CALL TO ACTION: Join Our Founder’s Circle- Building MoM in Florida. Calling one hundred friends to invest in the future of Tampa Bay!

MoM invites you to a celebration of the Museum of Motherhood in St. Pete 2024. As we acknowledge our enormous growth since moving to The Factory in September 2023 and now we invite YOU to join us as we bring this legacy project to its next phase of development.

May 8th 6-7:30PM – PLEDGE by May 1st using our form here / Find out MORE by going HERE.

A Womb of Our Own

The Museum of Motherhood (MoM) is an international museum and teaching facility located in St. Petersburg, FL, devoted to the art, science, and history of women, m/others and families inclusive of all reproductive identities. Through exhibitions and education, MoM tackles the ubiquitous nature of reproductive identity, birth, and parenting by examining the social, psychological, and economic realities embedded in these experiences and by turning the lens squarely on the people at the center of these endeavors. 

In September of 2023, MoM moved to The Factory in St. Pete. Now situated in the arts district plans are underway for how to sustain and grow MoM in the community. With over 1,200 visitors a month, the museum aims to remain free and open to the public with plans underway for a new ‘experiential’ portion of the museum to be built in the fall. Founder Martha Joy Rose oversees operations with a volunteer staff located here in Pinellas County.

April 17 6-7:30 PM – What is Black Maternal Health Week? In celebration of Black Maternal Health Week Doula Courtney West, owner of 3 Gems Birth Services, partner, with MoM Empowerment Facilitator Sierra Clark to have an open discussion on how empowerment effects black maternal health. Many times we hear disturbing numbers of maternal mortality and morbidity in the Black community. We don’t always hear the ways to make change in this area. During this 90 minute conversation we will address some of the current concerns around birth in the US, talk about the practicalities of birth, and why awareness around black maternal health is essential. With empowerment, education, passion and love we can make the change. Online at IG and in-person at MoM. We’d love to see you in person. Register here. Register here or call 877-711-MOMS (6667) and leave a message

This year, with the help of WEDU PBS, ABC Action News, the Tampa Bay Times and several local sponsors and supporters, word has gotten out in great ways. But the project is still largely unfunded and the non-profit seeks support to meet its 100k budget for 2024-25. 

A May Mamapalooza event kicks off mother’s month with family events on May 4th with collaborators Liz Dimmitt and The Fairgrounds St. Pete, followed by a fundraiser on May 8th. Undeterred by statistics that charitable giving to women and girls organizations represents less than 2% of all philanthropic activity in the U.S., that only 11% of U.S. History books are about women and only 11 % of museum collections contain art made by women, MoM remains committed to change by taking its rightful place in the museum world.

This call to action invites women and their friends to invest in the future of Tampa Bay by joining the Museum of Motherhood non-profit Founders Circle. MoM invites local leaders to take the next step forward with this first, local and herstoric legacy project. Read more about this event here.

UPCOMING EVENTS – Mark Your Calendars

MaMaPaLooZa 2024 in Tampa Bay

The Saint Petersburg Month of Photography in collaboration with the Museum of Motherhood presents the exhibition MOTHER LENS: Four Visions of Motherhood: Mikaela Martin, Jena Love, Águeda Sanfiz, and  Angelika Kollin, present their reflections on motherhood with very distinctive voices that range from the visual personal journal, the photojournalistic essay,  conceptual photography, and fine art portraiture.  

Image: Angelika Kollin, titled: Ndahafa / South Africa / 2023

Contact MoM: 877-711-MOMS (6667)

E: INFO@MOMmuseum.org

W: MOMmuseum.org

Location: 2606 Fairfield Ave. S St Petersburg, FL 

Categories
Art Featured History The Factory, St Pete

MoM’s Healing Garden – Finding Your Path To Wellness

Before we round the corner into February, we want to share some upcoming opportunities that we think are worthwhile reflections of a ‘new year – new you journey’ with MoM. Many of us charge out of the gate with the best of intentions post-holiday as we turn the calendar on another year. Each of us carries some degree of hurt, loss, pain, or trauma. We already know this. Studies also show that arts, culture and community are great ways to feel more integrated, connected, and educated about our purpose and place in the world. MoM is so pleased to support the work of some of our friends, facilitators and collaborators for this ongoing holistic journey to serenity, connection and even happiness.

Black History Month

We celebrate Black History (and HerStory) Month at MoM with our exhibit featuring Sojourner Truth, activist, suffragette, mother and preacher. We are continually inspired by her example of calling out gender and racial inequity. We stand by her memory and share her story at our space in The Factory in St. Pete beginning with the First Wave of Feminism circa 1850. We also celebrate our local Carter Woodson African American Museum here locally. Carter G. Woodson was a scholar and historian who dreamed of an entire month devoted to Black History, just as we, at MoM dream of an entire field of study, museum, and month of scholarship, art, and education devoted to mothers each May across the USA.

Well-Being Is (Mostly) An Inside Job

Visit MoM’s Healing Garden growing onsite at The Factory. We didn’t know we needed this, but we do! Part of our mission at MoM is to ‘start great conversations’. Over the course of the last four months we’ve been astounded at the humans in need of a deeper connection as they process issues around loss, grief, stress, and isolation. Inspired by our neighbor @Gio’s_Typos and his garden at The Factory we’ve decided to carry the mantle of floral expression to new heights as we build out our in-person experience with prompts, poetry and stress -relievers. Bring a flower, take a prompts, enjoy the serene and intentional setting and visit soon. We’ll be waiting for you! Regular hours are 12-6 Wed – Saturday, Second Saturday Art Walk (Second Saturday each month) 6-9PM, Indie Flea (First Sunday of each month) 12-3PM. Call ahead to book your tour and make sure our volunteers are on site. 877-877-MOMS (6667). Leave a message and we’ll call you back.

Break Free from Anxiety & Love Yourself Unconditionally 

A Very Special Women’s Retreat Feb 9-14. 5-days $299 or just the weekend $149 – plus accommodations (meals included). Rooms with private bathrooms are selling out. Finally release layers of emotional pain and reconnect with calmness, clarity, and happiness. Experience on-the-spot anxiety relief plus music, movement, and meditation to reawaken joy. 

LEARN MORE: 

https://www.stressisgone.com/retreats#nextretreat

The Stress Is Gone Method is a transformational healing modality facilitated by Author & Stress Expert, Brett Cotter. He is a clairaudient empath that guides you to reopen your heart as you feel self-love melt down emotional pain in your body and inside old memories. Brett has 25-years experience helping people recover from the most traumatic events of their lives. 

“As a clinician, it was impressive feeling my own stress lift out of my body. I’ve encouraged several family members to call for coaching!” Gerri DeBenedetto, Mother, LCSW

”It was a life-changing experience. Brett creates a safe space to open up and has an innate ability to get to the core issues. You feel tension leave your body.” Sarah StanczewskI, Working Mom, NY
Immerse yourself in a safe place for deep, lasting emotional healing. 

“I never expected in the first 5 minutes he’d be able to identify the source of my trauma, and give me the words to release it and move on.” Deidre Auchmoody, NY

[POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS] 33 Days of Transformation In-Person & Online Development Workshop

Sierra M. Clark, MoM Empowerment Facilitator invites you to join her onsite at the Museum of Motherhood each Tuesday at 6PM beginning Feb. 6th (or online) for FOUR WEEKS – 33 days – of personal and professional empowerment. Each week focuses on specific aspects of the empowerment journey, allowing participants to delve deeper into their strengths, obstacles, and break-through to new awareness and behaviors that will benefit every area of their lives. Sierra uses custom built tools which she shares with you as part of this workshop for your ongoing success. These tools can also be used for a self-paced experience which Sierra will guide you through. Register now for this insightful, personal, and empowering experience! 

MoM Announcements


“Womb Project”
By MADISON HENDRY
Time-Based Sculpture and Documentation
Sculpture: Pink Yarn, Crochet Hook
Prints: Color Print on Foam Core
May 2013 – January 2014.

This 9 month long documentation explores the physical changes artist, Madison Hendry experienced throughout her first pregnancy. By crocheting around herself during this period, she creates a “womb-like” soft sculpture, which protects and comforts her, just as her womb protects and comforts her growing baby. Madison utilizes the repetitive and meditative process of crocheting to reflect on her pregnancy. As her baby continues to grow and begins to manipulate her body, it is apparent that the sculpture is doing the same. The more the baby grows, the more difficult it becomes for the artist to continue creating her work. However, it is inevitable that she continues. This is catharsis. At last, when the sculpture is complete, it is then deconstructed by the artist to reveal the greatest work of art; her baby. The “Womb Project” is currently on display at MoM.

Please Welcome Our New Board of Directors 2024

Courtney Kessel, President, is a mother, artist, academic, and arts administrator living and working in Athens, Ohio. She is currently the Assistant Director for Experiential Design at Ohio University and a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Arts. Courtney is one of the pioneers of the mother-made art movement.

Kayley Robsham – Secretary, is professional life coaching and Neuro-Linguistic Programming trainer, advanced Certified Life & Business Coach working with entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, healers, and visionaries to grow their business by helping them heal their subconscious mind and body. 

Deanna Barcelona, Treasurer, (aka Dr. B) is a proud St. Petersburg local mama to two teenagers. Her Ph.D. is in Higher Education Administration with a cognate in Anthropology which she studied for both her undergraduate degree and Master of Arts. She currently works as a home loan specialist transferring her strengths and skills as an educator into the world of helping people build wealth through homeownership.

Atlas Obscura January 11, 2024– Thank you for adding us to your collection of newsworthy organizations. Atlas Obscura has a mission to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share. MoM is part of 28,202 unique places shared by this resource. [LINK] for their recent coverage of MoM – because, ya know, m/otherhood is so obscure!

CFP: Incarcerated (M)others Publisher: DEMETER PRESS / Editors: Olga Marques & Michelle Hughes Miller. Writers, artists, academics, activists, and all those who work in and/or study or explore (m)otherhood within the context of incarceration are invited to propose a chapter for this interdisciplinary anthology centered within the criminalized, regulated, resisted, and lived experiences of (m)others who are or have been incarcerated and/or are or have been under state supervision. When we use the term (m)others, we refer to anyone who self-identifies as a mother or parent who has or is engaging in motherwork. We use the term incarceration to reference state governance over the lives of individuals within the state’s regulatory authority. CFP PDF Download

We continue to promote, thank, and celebrate the work of WEDU PBS who did an extraordinary job capturing the journey of founder Martha Joy Rose music career to motherhood through illness to the creation of the Museum of Motherhood in St. Petersburg, Florida. From inception in 2003 in New York to actualization, the aim of MoM is to reach humans everywhere with a message of inspiration, education, and compassion. The video is on rotation locally in throughout the Tampa Bay/ Sarasota area and is also available for viewing on YouTube. Here’s the LINK.

Categories
Activism Art Birth Blog breastfeeding Caregiving Classes Conferences Education Featured Feminism Fl Fundraiser health home MOM Art Annex motherhood The Factory, St Pete

#GivingTuesday: Mothers Give Everyday: what Rosalynn Carter said about caregiving

“There are only four kinds of people in the world—those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Rosalynn Carter.

What is a m/other, if not someone who sees to the wellbeing of her family whenever and if-ever possible? From birth on, the person who both gave us life and also the person who often sees to our care and upbringing are forever linked through body, mind, and psyche to the one’s whom they are connected.

Through our biologies, our relationships and our care-work, we are all connected in unfathomable ways

Our children’s cells live on in our brains. Whether we are caregiving forward towards our offspring or adopted children, or our neighborhood, or caring backward for a parent or grandparent , the circle of life involves constant attention to our collective well-being.

Research shows women who live near each other affect the other’s reproductive cycles. It is also scientifically proven that we share more than just our pregnant bodies with our offspring. “Women have microchimeric cells both from their mother, as well as from their own pregnancies” (Link). These remain in our bodies throughout our lives. We are indeed present in not only our physical reality but also our energetic one.

We honor the work of Rosalynn Carter and of all the mothers and others who have devoted large portions of their lives to caring for others: this can mean mental health care, infant care, healthcare, domestic care, professional care, partner care, community care, parent care and even environmental and pet care.

MoM needs your help as we nurture the nurturers and empower the future caregivers of the world

At the Museum of Motherhood we work everyday, round the clock to share the art, science and herstory of mothers. In September, we moved to a new 1,000 sq. ft venue in the arts district of St. Petersburg, Florida!

With over a dozen volunteers who reach thousands of individuals each month, we require the dollars to stay open, accessible, and free to the public.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Fundraiser Museum of Motherhood end of year 2023

Our ‘Mothers Give Everyday’ Campaign is a call to raise $30K:

Can you help us pay the rent and utilities in 2024 at our new venue?

Can you help us make our website ADA compliant.

Will you add a name to our Tribute page?

MAKE A LEGACY DONATION IN THE NAME OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE ON OUR TRIBUTE PAGE! Donate here [Link at bottom) or on our GoFundMe page!

Join this campaign in memory of your mother, grandmother, and those people you hold near & dear: the blended families, the non-traditional families and the individuals that have nurtured you. Or, honor a professional who has impacted your life by taking care of your reproductive health: the midwives, obstetricians, nurses, doulas, and pediatricians. The teachers, aunties, and other mothers who have and are impacting the future leaders of our world!

After 20 years of creating conferences, working with students around the world, mentoring young women (and men), and creating a safe and then significant space for family members, we have landed:

HELLO ST PETERSBURG WE HAVE JOINED THE CITY OF MUSEUMS!

Make a tax deductible donation in any amount to the MOM Art Annex 591c3 for the Museum of Motherhood .

MoM loves you and values your participation.

Remember there is only one degree of separation between YOU and MOM.

DONATE NOW / Honor Somone on our TRIBUTE PAGE (optional)
Categories
Activism AEHK Art Birth breastfeeding Caregiving Classes Education Events Featured Featured Artists Feminism gender health History home International Internships MAMA MOM Art Annex MoM Pop Up motherhood

Great Things Coming!

We have been working over the past few weeks to make the transition from our offices- where our permanent collection has lived for the last seven years at the MOM Art Annex to our new location at The Factory in the Warehouse District in St. Pete.

Only a mile from our current spot, heading south on 28th St., take a left at the decorative art pole on Fairfield Ave, and go a few hundred yards to a small parking area where a rainbow sidewalk appears. Walking through the double doors at 2622 Fairfield Ave., the Fairgrounds and Daddy Cool Records are on your left – then, to the right and up the ramp is the new Museum of Motherhood location! Whoo hoo.

This move signifies a huge leap for MoM in the state of Florida. As a woman-owned organization focused on art, community, culture, and education in a climate that holds so much potential, we aim to cultivate relationships based on inclusion, love, and empowerment. This means holding space that is both safe and welcoming.

We do our best, all the time.

We invite you to participate in this new grand experiment in St. Petersburg, Florida (and online), as the Museum of Motherhood explores women’s place and progress in Western society. Together, we will collectively develop new notions of what it means to grow and collaborate together while celebrating our shared legacy of birth, life, and death on this planet.

Join us in our unwavering journey to inform and inspire!

Welcome Please Our Newest Intern

Graziella Pierangeli s a senior English/Museum studies major at Bryn Mawr College. She is passionate about recognizing the academic and personal achievements of women throughout history. She has worked on projects highlighting the important work done by women scientists, on the role of motherhood in ancient Greek tragedies, and the unique perspective of lesbian authors. When she isn’t working at MoM, she can be found tutoring at the Bryn Mawr Writing Center, taking long walks around campus, or reading a science fiction novel. She is so excited to be included in the founding mothers project!

Call to Action

Categories
Activism AEHK Birth Featured Featured Artists Feminism gender History International Internships Media MOM Art Annex MoM Pop Up motherhood Social Justice Sociology Spiritual Motherhood USF

Up, Down and In-Between

Hello friends-
Happy July! I am sharing some wonderful news.

The Museum Of Motherhood is moving to The Factory in the warehouse district this August in St. Petersburg, Florida. From that new location we plan on executing quarterly exhibits. The first, which runs August 28-Oct., is titled ‘Motherhood On Motion’ curated by Liliana Beltran in collaboration with me, Martha Joy Rose.

Additionally we anticipate sharing aspects of our herstorical exhibitions permanently throughout the year, along with a compelling ‘Futurisms’ exhibit, interactive opportunities,  and we will have a vibrant store onsite.

We are looking to work with partners who wish to create events within the space and are as excited by this new location as we are. Internships and residencies at the MOM Art Annex are ongoing.

On a personal note, as the museum founder and as a kidney transplant survivor, I have recently and unexpectedly come up against a physical impediment, which has been most inconvenient. I have been hospitalized with a bronchial infection- no doubt exacerbated by the Canadian fires and am currently in recovery which is why communication has been slow. It has been a long time since I have been brought this low by a physical limitation, and while I feel confident about moving forward, I anticipate another few weeks of recovery. 

Lilliana, Beltran, curator, and I have been able to collaborate in terms of written curatorial statements and organizing art exhibitions, work that was begun over a month ago. I was able to ask a local artist to put signage up at the new location so second Saturday visitors this month would see our new spot (Thank you Paul Leroy), which is all good.

Because of this most recent development in my health, I am reaffirming the need once again for activate our Living Board. The Living Board is not a governing board but rather intended to keep MoM’s initiatives active and ongoing in the community even in the event of my unavailability. It is crushingly clear to me over the past several weeks the manner in which the blog has not gotten written, the newsletter has not gone out, the physical space which needs attending to has not been attended to, that every endeavor requires a team beyond the team, which means backup. The community-needs of MoM require local hands-on coordination. My ability to navigate on the phone amidst coughing fits has been impossible. To that end, I will re-initiate this community aspect when I return in August.

As we rapidly move towards our ‘soft opening’ date of August 28th, which is also the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington – MoM will work with The Factory Team to fashion a press release and make plans for the ‘official’ opening of Sept. 9th, Second Saturday Art Walk.

Artwork will begin going up during the first two weeks of August. For those of you who wish to help, volunteering time, posting social media, and circulating news of our new space – we appreciate all the help we can get. We aim to create a generous, supportive, and creative space. AEHK are invited to share their work- we can produce gift cards for the store for example- with any themes relating to embodiment, motherhood in motion, or procreative or feminist endeavors. People who are looking to get involved can write with their ideas, proposals, or just sign up for potential volunteer hours, etc., using this online form: https://mommuseum.org/volunteer-mom/

In the spirit of progress and purpose, we now also put ourselves in in the capable hands of our strategic advisors who have been diligently working towards crafting a compelling narrative for potential funders and donors and to Connie B for her work on Salesforce & Quickbooks bringing us ever closer to fiscal well being, accountability, and preparation for MoM’s next great leap forward. We enthusiastically thank everyone who has been part of MoM over the course of the past year or so.

We are grateful to Maggie Duffy & Leonora Anton of the Tampa Bay Times, our St Pete High School volunteers & local teachers, Jeff Herman and Creative Grape, Gloria, Munoz, and Tombolo Books, SpaceCraft, Marcile Powers, Maureen McDole of Keep St Pete Lit, Yes Chef Village, our mothers groups, Batya Weinbaum for her onsite mural work, social media manager Margot Pomeroy, Empowerment Coordinator Sierra Clark, Hannah Brockbank, Larry & Cathy Dillahunty Law, Paul LeRoy, Dwayne Shepard, Nick Ribera, Jim Woodfield, Liam and Kristen Lansing, Olga Bof and Localtopia, Historic Kenwood, Neighborhood Association, and Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood, all those who donated towards the purchase of the Mother Tree, and everyone who toured MoM or took an interest in our initiatives as well as our new partners at The Factory!

Can’t wait to be with you again soon,