Since ArtsWave kicked off the POWER OF HER this summer with the help of P&G, Greater Cincinnati has put a spotlight on women in the arts. Sometimes that's a literal spotlight. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company announced their "Season of the Woman," a program which is full of strong female leads and storylines. Cincinnati Pops brought "Hamilton" star Renée Elise Goldsberry to town in September. Adanya Lin, an SCPA alum who started playing piano at age six, headlined this year's It's Commonly Jazz festival then headed off to Oberlin College after graduating a year early.

Sometimes the spotlight is pointed at the work. An exhibition of Saya Woolfalk's beautiful work is on display at the Contemporary Arts Center through October 27, and while she was in town, ArtWorks adorned a wall with one of her designs. Her mural was showcased through projection mapping layered on during the 2019 BLINK^® light festival. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Ballet kicked off their 2019-20 season with a mix of innovative dance by some of today’s most talented choreographers, including a trio of female powerhouses — Heather Britt, Andrea Schermoly, and Sarah Van Patten.

That's just the beginning. The POWER OF HER marks 100 years since the 19th Amendment was passed, while celebrating milestone anniversaries for several Greater Cincinnati arts organizations founded and run by women. The Taft Museum of Art's Historic House is turning 200 years old, the Contemporary Arts Center is celebrating 80 years, Cincinnati Ballet will turn 60, ArtWorks will turn 25, plus many others. Each was founded (at least in part) and is run today by women.

POWER OF HER will continue through 2020, celebrating the diverse voices of women in the arts. Visit artswave.org/her for a full list of upcoming events that are part of the initiative.

Of special note: Next month's Cincinnati Opera Gala is dedicated to Harry Fath General Director and CEO Patty Beggs, who conceived and leads the POWER OF HER effort. Patty's 35 years of service and role among a handful of female opera leaders nationally will be a centerpiece of the Opera's event.