About

The Unforgiving Yardstick: A Look at Women’s Roles and Struggles in Westchester County
Artwork by Fleur Spolidor | Featuring the Rye Historical Society Collection
more at www.ryehistory.org

Women, Measurement, and Societal Expectations
For centuries, women have been measured—both literally and figuratively—against standards that dictated their roles, freedoms, and even their attire. This exhibition, led by artist Fleur Spolidor, explores these constraints through 23 original works, including portraits of remarkable Westchester women and sculptural pieces crafted from measuring tapes. From corsets to cycling bloomers, these works challenge us to reconsider the ways in which society has shaped and confined women’s lives.

Credits
Curated by: Fleur Spolidor
Research, Visual Documentation & Exhibit Design: Jim Frank, Christine Moore, Stephanie Paquin, Sophia Rishel, Agnesa Rraci & Alison Relyea
Special Thanks: Anne Gold, Natalie Hofstedt & Gretchen Snyder

Presenting Sponsors
@artswestchester

Ten portraits of notable women on white background with mixed media art on embroidery hoops mounted on yardsticks and measuring tapes.

photo credits: Jim Frank

Portrait of Peg Lyon

Portrait of Peg Lyon

Enslaved woman emancipated in 1800; her descendants became landowners, skilled tradesmen, and Underground Railroad activists.

Portrait of Caroline O'Day

Portrait of Caroline O'Day

The first woman elected to Congress from New York as a Democrat, championing labor rights, social justice, and anti-discrimination policies.

Portrait of Ruth Nichols

Portrait of Ruth Nichols

Record-breaking aviator who paved the way for women in aviation, holding multiple speed and altitude records.

Portrait of Ethel Barrymore

Portrait of Ethel Barrymore

Acclaimed actress and early advocate for performers’ rights, helping shape protections for stage and film actors.

Portrait of Elsie Clews Parsons

Portrait of Elsie Clews Parsons

Anthropologist and feminist scholar whose groundbreaking work challenged societal norms and gender roles.

Portrait of Delores Johnson

Portrait of Delores Johnson

First female police captain in New Rochelle, NY, advocate for women of color in law enforcement.

Portrait of Orial Redd

Portrait of Orial Redd

Civil rights leader and Westchester trailblazer for fair housing and justice.

Portrait of Anne Fausto-Sterling

Portrait of Anne Fausto-Sterling

Biologist and scholar transforming perspectives on gender and science

Portrait of Jennifer Johnson

Portrait of Jennifer Johnson

Olympic para-athlete, and champion for accessibility and inclusion, for disabled athletes in the U.S. and Jamaica.

Portrait of Jeanhee Chung

Portrait of Jeanhee Chung

Community activist who mobilized regional volunteers to sew masks for frontline workers during the pandemic.

Three Silhouettes made of measuring tapes: Corset and hoops, Bathing Suit and bicycle bloomers.

photo credits: Jim Frank

IMG_0164 copy.jpg

In the Studio: inspiration, material and portraits

photo credits: Pascale Charpiot.

Back to collections