Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer

'WOMAN IN Art' is shaping up to be a major feature of this year's instalment of an annual trade fair organised by Woman Inc.

On Thursday, the Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Leonora Rueda, will open the exhibition which has traditionally been a part of the Woman Trade Fair since 1985.

The show, which will be mounted at the Gallery Pegasus, aims to highlight the creative energy of women, many of whom are recognised artists.

Past president of Woman Inc, Patsy Mair, is coordinating Woman in Art. According to Mair, this year represents a revival for the art show which was a part of the trade fair in 2000. She says the participating artists have been generous, as many of the pieces have been donated. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the works will go toward the maintenance of the Woman Inc's Crisis Centre and crisis shelter.

The exhibit, slated to run for seven days, will carry the work of select female artists exploring the theme 'Celebrate Life' - the theme of the Woman Trade Fair - in mixed-media paintings and ceramics. Artists taking part include Lady Hall, Charl Baker, Moje Brooks, Jean Taylor-Bushay, Vivienne Burnett, Myrth Hall-Butler, Ingrid Coke, Betty Glanville, Viv Logan, Patsy Mair, Nancy McLean, Margaret McGhie, Vilya Thomas Newell, Sonia Richards, Rico, Melhanie Spence, Samere Tansley and Angela Worton.

The show will open with a cocktail reception and a silent auction of select pieces. There will also be a contribution box in the gallery to allow patrons the chance to support the crisis centre and the crisis shelter.