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Tomorrow, the 8th of March will be the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, a day when women are recognized for their achievements.  It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments and more importantly for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

International Women's Day first emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.  In 1910 Women's Day was established at The Socialist International, a meeting in Copenhagen, to honor the movement for women's rights and to build support for achieving universal suffrage for women.  In 1911 as a result of the Copenhagen meeting International Women's Day was marked for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

Annually on the 8th of March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.  A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events to local women's craft markets, theatrics performances, and more.

In honor of International Women's Day, we will be featuring three women artists who work with artisans in the developing world and help them to generate sustainable incomes to support their families, continue their traditional craftsmanship, and share their skills with the next generation.  The products created by these artisans are hand woven, unique and made from local materials.

Patti Carpenter
Patti Carpenter began with a traditional designer education and over twenty years worked with top fashion designers.  The 80's and 90's were a creative time on Seventh Avenue, but that changed.  Patti became more focused on the "numbers and best-sellers" rather than on inspiration and design.  After a New Year's Eve in Brazil, Patti returned to New York City and volunteered with Aid to Artisans, a non-profit group that promotes craft businesses in developing countries.

Within a year, Patti had made the first of many trips to Africa and Central and South America, where she was impressed with the hand woven and embroidered textiles.  In 2006 Carpenter + Company was born with a mission to produce inspired, hand made decorative items that support cultural and artisanal sustainability.

To read more about Patti and see her products visit http://www.virtuarte.com/artists/patti-carpenter.

Our next blog post will feature Carol Cassidy and Ellen Dorsch.