The Creative Women’s Showcase, set to take place at The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster, opening November 1st, is much more than just an art exhibition. It is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the unexpected journey that brought together a diverse group of women artists and entrepreneurs.
The November 1st opening, which runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., features a blend of art, entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the work, creating a unique space where creativity thrives in various forms. From the gallery showcasing traditional art forms to the studio area where artists and business owners will sell their creations, this event promises to be a memorable experience for both participants and attendees.
An Accidental Beginning
Ilisa Zollenberg, the driving force behind the Creative Women’s Showcase, describes the event’s origin as an unexpected but fortuitous journey. “The art show happened by accident, which makes it kind of a cooler story,” she explains. “I’m an artist by trade, but after having kids, I was searching for where my creative outlet would be now that I was balancing motherhood.”
Zollenberg, a Boston University School of Fine Arts graduate, initially explored various creative avenues, from freelance photography to a heat-pressing business. However, it was in designing custom blankets that she found her true artistic calling. “The blankets became more than just products—they became a medium for storytelling,” Zollenberg says. “People would come to me wanting to tell a story on their blankets, and it felt right to me for the first time in a long time.”
Building a Community
As Zollenberg sought new avenues to grow her network and share her work, she posted on local websites, inviting other women artists, crafters, and business owners to collaborate. The response was overwhelming. “In 12 hours, I received 60 responses,” she recalls. “I was like, ‘Wow, there must be a need for this.’”
Determined to understand each woman’s story and how their businesses could complement each other, Zollenberg personally interviewed every respondent. “It was amazing because they were so honest and shared so many things with me,” she says. “Art is a powerful vehicle for communication, and it comes in so many different ways. You don’t have to be a painter to be creative—you can be a writer, a chef, or an entrepreneur. Creativity is essential in all of those things.”
Among those who reached out was a board member from The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster. After meeting and sharing her vision, Zollenberg found the perfect partner to bring her showcase to life. “Being able to put this on at The Center for Contemporary Art was an unbelievable opportunity,” she says. “I’ve done so many things in my career, but being a curator of an art show—I didn’t think that was going to be me, but here I am.”
A Showcase of Talent and Community
The Creative Women’s Showcase will feature two distinct events: a gallery setting where traditional artworks will be exhibited from November 1 – December 8 and the November 1st opening event where artists and business owners will sell their creations. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to interact directly with the artists and entrepreneurs, learning the stories behind their work.
“I wanted the audience to be able to come and interact with the artists and business owners and hear their stories,” Zollenberg explains. “So many times, you walk into a museum and think, ‘I love that painting, but what’s it really about?’ One of the best aspects about my show is now the people will be able to ask the artists the questions.”
Gratitude and Reflection
Zollenberg expresses deep gratitude to The Center for Contemporary Art, whose mission as a nonprofit organization is to serve the community through classes, exhibitions, events, and community partnerships. The galleries are free and open to the public seven days a week, making art accessible to all.
Reflecting on the journey that led to the showcase, Zollenberg is humbled by the talent and stories of the women involved. “It’s unifying, creating this network of women and kindness,” she says. “Making the showcase has been like creating a living piece of artwork—you have this idea in your head, and then you start creating it and putting all the pieces together. But now, when I look back at the atmosphere we created and the people I can now call my friends, it’s just amazing. The amount of talent in that room is just inspiring.”
The Creative Women’s Showcase is a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of women supporting each other. It is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best things in life happen by chance—and those chances can lead to something truly extraordinary.
For more information visit www.ccabedminster.org/creative_womens_showcase.
“Art is a powerful vehicle for communication, and it comes in so many different ways." - Ilisa Zollenberg