1. THE DINNER: Artistic Innovation in Media and Message

2. THE DINNER PARTY by Judy Chicago
A monumental installation of 20th Century Feminist Art
Created by Judy Chicago and a collaborative team of artists in 1979
These artists, working in traditional female arts and crafts such as fabric appliqué, embroidery, needle point stitchery and china painting, used innovation to manipulate the new medium of installation art and change perception of the historical contributions women have made to society.

4. THE DINNER PARTY EXHIBITION HISTORY
In 1979 THE DINNER PARTY was first exhibited in San Francisco then other venues over the following years
Due to the controversy the work generated in its message and media, THE DINNER PARTY was exhibited sporadically for the next 25 years
In 2007 THE DINNER PARTY was permanently installed in the new Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum
There it continues to display innovation in media and message to a new generation of viewers

13. KEY CONCEPTS Innovation changes society’s perception
Innovation in art is defined by content and context in time
Artists use innovation to explore ideas and create new media to express those ideas

14. Artist and Artwork Judy Chicago: artist, writer and teacher
THE DINNER PARTY, , mixed media installation, The Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum
THE DINNER PARTY features 39 place setting honoring women throughout history. The place settings are arranged on a triangular table on the Heritage Floor. The names of 999 women of historical importance are painted in gold on the Heritage Floor
Various arts and crafts traditionally made by women; sewing, applique, embroidery, weaving and china painting were united in a collaborative effort to create THE DINNER PARTY

15. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
How has the artist been innovative in the use of media?
How has innovation in this work changed thinking or perception?
What innovative message has the artist sent to the viewer?

16. CRITERIA for INCLUSION
Worthwhile contribution to society and history
Improved conditions for women
Work illuminated a significant aspect of women’s history
Provided a positive model for the future and following generations
Created an enduring legacy

17. ART Making at Nashville School of the Arts based upon THE DINNER PARTY
Students viewed THE DINNER PARTY and participated in an open aesthetic discussion of feminism and gender found in Visual Arts
Students increased their knowledge of artists’ books as a contemporary innovative medium
Students selected and researched a women whose contributions met the criteria of inclusion
Students created a meaningful work of art in book form
Students wrote an artists statement explaining the enduring contributions of the selected feminist honored in their artists book

18. Madame C.J. Walker by Shakari Jones