Austin Woman's Club Programs - January


	Program Card for January - February 2012 January 5 11:30 a.m. “Women of Afghanistan” Peggy Kelsey Peggy Kelsey is a professional photographer who was inspired to begin the Afghan Women’s Project after meeting with a delegation of Afghan women who passed through Austin in 2002. She traveled to Afghanistan the following year and created a photo-documentary chronicling the narrative histories of forty women. In the spring of 2010, she revisited the country to meet new women and gain new insights. She now travels around the United States sharing her slide presentations and exhibit. Her book on the subject is due out in 2012. In her book, “Women of Afghanistan”, Peggy tells the story of 15 women she met on her 2010 trip to Afghanistan and some issues the women face. The stories of a midwife trainer, women's defense lawyer, women's rights activist, a woman who went on the hajj to Mecca, a business woman and an educator, among others, illuminate a few of the issues facing women. Peggy’s presentation will challenge some of our assumptions about Afghan women. Hostess Chair: Connie Hudson Hostesses: Karen Leeke, Joyce Chaney January 12 11:30 a.m. Hats Yesterday and Today Laura Del Villaggio, Owner of “Milli Starr” Millinery Laura Del Villaggio possesses over 20 years experience in fashion history, design, and construction and holds an MA in Museum Studies: Costume & Textiles, plus a Certificate in Millinery from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has worked as a clothing and textile consultant and conservator, wardrobe stylist, retail manager, milliner and theater costume designer. Since 1999, Laura has devoted herself in particular to the art of millinery, including educating others about the wear, care, history and allure of hats. As a professional milliner, she designs under the label "Milli Starr” and her work has been featured on stage, on the runway and in numerous publications such as Tribeza, Jewell, Austin Monthly, Opulence and Weddings (UK). Milli Starr hats have been spotted at the Kentucky Derby, the Melbourne Cup, Royal Ascot and at numerous other special events around the world. Examples of her work can be viewed online at www.millistarr.com. Laura will give a brief presentation on the history of traditional millinery and the hat as an essential accessory, both functional and frivolous, throughout human history. Laura will discuss common tools, techniques, and materials, with an emphasis on hand-blocking felts and straws. She will also talk about hat etiquette and how to choose a hat that is flattering and appropriate to the occasion. Laura will conclude with a brief look at the handmade hat in the 21st century and its relevance as an artisinal or couture accessory. Original hats and fascinators by Milli Starr will be available for purchase during the luncheon on January 12th. Hostess Chair: Nancy Alliegro Hostesses: Pam Bell, Gwen Ford January 19 11:30 a.m. Mezzo Soprano Liz Cass from the Austin Lyric Opera As Austin Lyric Opera prepares for the January 28 opening night of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, we hope to get you in the mood for opera with a live performance by Liz Cass. She is a mezzo of unique brilliance, depth, and agility. She has star quality that radiates through her portrayals on the operatic stage and in concert. With accompanist Cynthia Wilson, she will present a mostly French program: “Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix” from Samson and Delilah, 3 Faure songs, an aria from Carmen, “O mio Fernando” by Donizetti, and the upbeat and popular “Bei mir bist du schon”! In addition to her busy performance schedule, Liz maintains a large vocal studio at the Armstrong Community Music School, trains promising young singers in performance skills, runs an intensive summer vocal workshop for advanced singers at ALO, and creates and implements opera education programs for ages 5 through adult. Ms Cass also produces and stars in ALO's Unplugged video series as well as her own Opera Lady video series. We are fortunate to have a private performance of this quality for AWC. Plan to come and enjoy and learn. You'll remember this one! Hostess Chair: Ann Wilhelm Hostesses: Martha Ventress. Pat Connolly January 26 11:30 a.m. “On Safari” Bill Whitehurst Bill Whitehurst, photographer par excellence, will take us on a photo safari to Batswana, Zimbabwi, and South Africa. These photos will be breathtaking as were Mr. Whitehurst's pictures of India which he shared with AWC last year. You will want a front row seat. Hostess Chair: Mary Gay Grigg Hostesses: Lillian Montomery, Sandy Perkins February 2 11:30 a.m. Valentine’s Day Celebration The AWC will celebrate Valentine’s Day early this month. Please bring a signed Valentine card to share with another AWC member and wear red, pink and/or white. No reserved seating for this meeting, and our program time will be used to socialize and visit with one another. Please bring guests and invite JAWC members to come join us as we celebrate the AWC together. Hostess Chair: Kathy Clark Hostesses: Elizabeth Lerner, Sydney Jones February 9 11:00 a.m. General Meeting Learn what is happening at the club and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Jeff. Members only please. Hostess Chair: Sharon Woodul Hostesses: Debbie Kitchen, Joan Curtis, Charlotte Pounds February 16 11:00 a.m. Joint Meeting with the Junior Austin Woman’s Club Steve Wilson, Curator of Film for UT's Harry Ransom Center Steve Wilson will talk about the history of film and the various treasures and film collections at the University of Texas, which include Gone With the Wind, the Robert De Niro collection, and the Gloria Swanson collection, to name a few. The highlight of Steve's presentation will focus on the Ransom Center's Mike Wallace Interviews Collection. February 23 11:30 a.m. A Trip to Burgundy with Sherry Smith Art Historian Sherry Smith, who has taught at The University of Texas at Austin, will take us to the Burgundy area of France. Expect to be charmed and to come away with unique knowledge of this Romanesque area. Ms. Smith is quite an expert, you will be impressed. Hostess Chair: Betty King Hostesses: Mary Gay Grigg , Peggy Gunn