By Polina Smith

*Image by Seismic Sisters, Art courtesy of Nicole Dixon*

In March 2024, we embarked on a mission to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of feminist artists who are making waves in the Bay Area. Our Woman Made II event at Manny’s was a month-long celebration that kicked off Women's History Month with a bang.

Woman Made II provided a platform for reflection, dialogue, and a glimpse into a more equitable future. Showcasing some of the Bay Area's most captivating artists, the event left an indelible mark on all who walked through Manny’s doors.

From the unforgettable opening reception on March 1, featuring performances by Mia Pixley, Ash Rex, and the Molly James Band, to the awe-inspiring finale by Rhodessa Jones, the event was a testament to the power of female artistry and activism.

Celebrating Those Who Supported the Woman Made II Event

We extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who showed their support for the event, from the many attendees at the opening reception to the hundreds who packed Manny’s throughout the art show's duration. Your enthusiasm and presence made this event truly unforgettable, and we can't wait to do it all again in the future!

We’re also so thankful to the talented performers who helped this event go down in history! Be sure to follow these artists and see where they show up next!

Mia Pixley

Mia Pixley, Ph.D. is a mother, clinical psychologist, and artist who uses her cello, voice, and music performance to study and represent aspects of self and other, community, and the natural world. Similar to the collaborative lens from which she approaches her psychotherapy practice, Mia’s artistic collaborations lead with curiosity, honesty, humility, and humor. Protectively whimsical and simultaneously melancholic, Mia’s music gravitates toward the beauty hidden in sorrow, pain, and loss and this beauty’s potential to inspire curiosity, wonder, rebirth, and reconnection to ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

She brought her enchanting blend of cello, vocals, and composition to Woman Made II, captivating audiences with her soul-stirring performances. Mia's music, influenced by her experiences as a clinical psychologist, mother, and nature enthusiast, delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of resilience and connection.

Ash Rex

Ash Rexford is a clown, contortionist, dancer, and movement artist. Since 2010 Ash has been performing on stages from theaters to festivals, choreographing solos and ensembles, developing characters, designing costumes, directing, producing, and traveling the world sharing her passion for performance. Starting as a dancer and a natural on stage, Ash always dreamed of being a modern circus performer but never believed it was possible.

Ash Rex mesmerized audiences with her breathtaking blend of contortion and dance. Since 2012, she has been wowing audiences worldwide with her unique talents and artistic vision. In addition to her performances, Ash also offers Slither classes, blending dance and contortion to create stunning sequences that inspire and delight. These classes blend dance and contortion, using foundational poses and acrobatic movements to create beautiful contortion dance sequences. It was such an honor to have Ash share her talents with us!

Molly James Band

Molly’s soulfully rich voice greets you with open arms and a nod of recognition: we’re in this together. With ukulele in hand, she offers music that speaks to the dynamism of our human experience. Joy, grief, family, violence, love, patriarchy; nothing is off limits. With power, humility, and integrity, she sings with a vision toward healing the wounds of our world.

She created and lead the Bay Area’s feminist-driven 9 Lives Music Collective. She lead the minimalist folk band Tooth and Talon, and then the jazz-dipped Molly James Band.

The Molly James Band, led by the wondrously talented Molly James, brought their signature jazz-infused sound to Woman Made II. Their performance added a soulful vibe to the event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Check out their new album coming out in Fall 2024!

Rhodessa Jones

Rhodessa Jones of San Francisco is an actress, teacher, singer, and writer who is the co-artistic director of the San Francisco-based theater company Cultural Odyssey and the founding director of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women, which brings performance workshops to incarcerated women and women living with HIV. Jones first learned the art of storytelling from her grandmother and her aunts. This has led Rhodessa into the art of autobiographical theater and stortelling to support the most vulnerable people to heal collectively.

Rhodessa Jones, Co-Artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey in San Francisco, delivered powerful original monologues at the event that had us at the edge of our seats. An acclaimed actress, teacher, singer, and writer, Jones is renowned for her groundbreaking work with the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. Her words inspired action and reflection, leaving a profound impact on all in attendance.

Thank You to Our Additional Talented Visual Artists

We also extend our gratitude to the talented visual artists whose works adorned Manny’s throughout the event, creating an immersive and inspiring environment for all who visited.

● Nicole Dixon: Nicole Dixon, an Oakland native with a rich history in the arts, has shared her talents across the country, from the Bay Area to D.C., and even internationally in the Kalahari. With a BA in Studio Art from Spelman College, her work as an artist, educator, and art administrator spans over two decades, aiming to empower communities and foster positive social change through art.

● Taiko Fujimura: Taiko Fujimura, a San Francisco-based mixed media artist, crafts stunning artworks using watercolor, ink, acrylic, and oil. Her art, a rich montage of personal experiences and connections, navigates the complexities of dualism—balancing chaos with order, the industrial with the organic, and more.

● Tiffany Conway: Through her art, Tiffany Conway explores the power and resilience of her journey as an African American woman. Using oil paints, she crafts a vivid and bold world that offers a space for freedom for everyone. Her creative process transforms grief into beauty, using the canvas as a medium for inner dialogue.

● Nye Lyn Tho: Nye Lyn Tho is a freelance artist in Virginia Beach, VA. She uses photography and graphic design to create unique narratives for brands and individuals. Her portfolio includes collaborations with major corporations and local businesses. She skillfully uses tools like Photoshop and a Canon 5D Mark IV to forge emotional connections.

● Nathalie Kardjian: Nathalie Kardjian, a San Francisco-based multi-media artist, creates art that showcases resilience's power through bold colors and sweeping brushstrokes. Beyond her visual art, she directs the documentary project "Hairlock Stories," which explores the resilience found in crises. She has also worked with global non-profits like UNHCR to offer art therapy.

· Susan R Kirshenbaum: Susan R. Kirshenbaum uses modern technology in her art, primarily using an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to create digital paintings and collages inspired by life drawings. Her works, characterized by graphic, sensual, and sometimes whimsical styles, are often output onto fabric or paper, preferring life-size scales and soft textures

· Krystal Lauk: Krystal Lauk is one of the two driving forces behind Lauk Haus. She is known for her distinctive illustration style that blends cultural influences with a tech-savvy approach. Her work is clear and empathetic with the ability to capture complex human emotions.

A Seismic Thank You to Manny’s for Hosting Woman Made II!

Last but not least, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Manny’s for hosting not only the opening event but the entire art show. Your support made this event possible, and we are endlessly grateful. And if you haven’t already visited Manny’s, be sure to check them out for an unforgettable culinary experience.

If you haven’t already, follow us on Instagram at @seismicsisters for all the latest updates on the Bay Area feminist scene. We'll keep you in the loop on all the exciting events to come!

About the author: Polina Smith is a theater producer and staff writer for Seismic Sisters.