Thank you, Elizabeth Sackler, for giving the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art to Brooklyn.

An exhibition
and education facility dedicated to feminist art, the Center’s mission is "to raise awareness of feminism’s cultural
contributions; to educate new generations about the meaning of feminist
art; to maintain a dynamic and welcoming learning facility; and to
present feminism in an approachable and relevant way."

Sackler, who is a historian and philanthropist, was born in Brooklyn. Speaking at the press preview Thursday morning, she told the overflow crowd of artists, critics, curators, press and photographers that she was told by her parents that the  Brooklyn Museum "was where you went to learn about ancient cultures." She talked about art as a democratic form that was capable of being a tool for change.

She said she looked forward to a time when there would be"equal rights for women artists, as well as equal pay, equal sales prices and equal wall space."

The crowd cheered. 

At the press conference, Judy Chicago spoke of taking the bus to the Chicago Art Institute to visit her childhood friends, Monet, Matisse and Degas. But, she wondered, "Where were the women?"

"It was an art world only men were allowed to populate." From an early age, she believed that women had a history that should be told. That’s why she created what she called "a fitting and sumptuous vast, symbolic history of half of our world’s contribution."

"It’s been a long arduous journey."

The Center’s 8,300-square-foot space encompasses a gallery devoted to The Dinner Party; a biographical gallery to present exhibitions highlighting the women represented in The Dinner Party;
a gallery space for a regular exhibition schedule of feminist art; a
computerized study area; and additional space for the presentation of
related public and educational programs.