The “Women’s World” that I created is a beach front three room multipurpose center with an outdoor auditorium. I created the idea through several of the concepts that I read about through this week’s lessons and also through my own opinions of free critical thinking space.  The two side rooms from when you first walk in center around the concept of education which is a key point in the “City of Ladies” reading. It was stated in “The Guerrilla Girls” on page 42 that academics got a “bad name” because only four women were instated in the academy per year.  To be a woman in that time and attend schooling was considered a great privilege and the same could be said in today’s society. Women still make up the lower percentage in universities and it baffles me as to how more women cannot attend college. Because of this I created two spaces to help this issue. To the left is a large library with high ceilings comprised completely of book shelves on every wall. This is a study and education room in order to allow women the same opportunity to knowledge that men are. Across the hall would be the applied thinking room. In this room it is filled with abstract art that is also purpose furniture. This creates a space where the women can come in to expand their minds on art and how art can be used. Art is extremely important and is a love shared by many women. Art can be viewed as a thinking tool and/or escape for stressed or less inspired individuals. The walls of this room are made completely of glass and look out into a small forested area. This is because many times when people would like to do their thinking they want to “escape”. Many artists including Anna Maria Sybilla Merian traveled to other places in order to perform their work better, she spent most of her life in Holland. The largest room at the end of the hall overlooks the beach. This room is provided for calming and communication. There are many chairs and desks that surround the glass walls in order to give a relaxing conversational space in which women can share their ideas, dreams, and life work. Lastly outside of the multipurpose center is a large stage with outdoor seating. There is a podium for women to stand and educate the public on their accomplishments and work. This could also be used a political center to communicate on how to make the surrounding area a better and safer place to live, free from objectification and rape that is mentioned in the text “City of Ladies”. Lastly I used open designs because I as a woman often feel enclosed in who I am and what I can do. I feel the glass walls, environmental change, and circular design will provide a more empowering space that allows women to feel free in their minds and safe to roam around the world and make change.

Christine de Pizan was a French Italian author who worked closely with the royal court in the 13^th century under Charles V. From the excerpt that we read regarding the “City of Ladies” I learned that women in that time were truly suppressed and underpowered.  I was saddened when I read the line of how she wished for forgiveness from God for being born a woman. Through the speech given by Lady Reason about education it was clear that not all men believed women should not be educated but most did. Almost all of the artists we have discussed through this lesson were lucky enough to have men in their lives that supported their decisions to become educated. My favorite part of the whole discussion though is when Christine and Lady Reason discuss the inventions and other advantages women have given humanity. It is empowering to read and remember all the good that women have done in the past. It is unfortunate that these good deeds are not remembered by all and celebrated like men’s accomplishments were. I learned through this reading though that women should be empowered and that they should not apologize for their sex.

Cahill talks about the rise of feminism in his lecture and presentation on the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages lasted from the 4^th century to almost the 15^th century. While this was occurring there was a playful feel in the era and most art was carefree and light. Color was a large tool used and he mentions the artist by the name of Hildagard who incorporated this idea of numerous colorful artworks into her various pieces.  The Middle Ages is also when nudity began to make more appearances in work but under a more humorous position regarding the male body.

Many different topics were covered in this week’s reading from the Guerrilla Girls. It begins by focusing on the 17^th and 18^th centuries and mostly focuses around Europe. While it starts by starting of war and it eases into the discussion of the forming of the Enlightenment period, neoclassicism, and Romanticism. While during this period the women’s place was considered to be at home it dives into several artists who created their lives work outside of home. The accomplishments of many female artists are noted including that of Judith Leyster who was known to have three male students because of her ability. She even sued a man because he accepted a student who used to study under her, something typically unheard of. Another artist discussed in this chapter that did something typically unheard of was Angelica Kauffmann who painted historical themes, something men were only known for doing. A large part of this chapter centers around the topic that was earlier discussed with how academics got a bad name from only accepting four woman at a time to be members.  Women were able to attend Salons though which were run by the Academy and later the Academy worn down its influence and was no longer considered to be a large part of prestigious education.