The Art of Democracy: Pole-2-Polls Workshop
The Art of Democracy: Pole-2-Polls
Tuesday, October 8th
5-8pm (Workshop drop-in 5-8pm / Discussion 7-8pm)
Free
Venue: Louis L. Manderino Library, PennWest California, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419
MAKING WORKSHOP: 5-8pm
The Art of Democracy: Whose Choice? exhibiting artist Penny Mateer will lead a making workshop, Pole-2-Polls. For the past ten years, fiber artist Penny Mateer has engaged the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County communities around art making and voting rights. Pole-2-Polls is a volunteer-run and community-led project for the creation of nonpartisan lawn and garden VOTE! signs. It originates from the recycling of cloth from past projects, including the enveloping of the railings of the Andy Warhol Bridge in downtown Pittsburgh. Come as you are for an evening of arts and crafts, talks, and community celebration!
PANEL DISCUSSION: 7-8pm
Abortion, birth control, IVF, parental notification. Who has access, what are your rights, and how can you take control of your bodily autonomy? Facilitated by Keystone Progress Education Fund, join members of Planned Parenthood Western PA, Women’s Law Project, and the Auto(nomous) Body Shop for a conversation on the state of reproductive healthcare in Pennsylvania and beyond!
This is a free workshop and seating is limited. To RSVP, fill out the form below.
We are also coordinating transportation, please check below in the form if you are seeking a ride to the event.
About the Panelists:
Sydney Etheredge became the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania in January 2022. Prior to this role, Sydney worked for Planned Parenthood Federation of America for nearly ten years where she provided guidance on ways to further embed women’s health in system transformation efforts.
M. Tyler Gillett joined the Western office of the Women’s Law Project in August of 2022, starting as a law clerk and now working as a staff attorney. He is engaged in supporting all of WLP’s legal work, including victim advocacy, impact litigation, legislative issues, and community outreach.
Alecia Ott is the founder of the Auto(nomous) Body Shop, a Pittsburgh based mobile mutual aid resource van supporting bodily autonomy & community care by providing free info and supplies for reproductive/sexual health, abortion care, and harm reduction. She has worked in the reproductive health and justice world for over 15 years with organizations like Planned Parenthood, Women on Waves, Plan C, and Shout Your Abortion.
Rebecca Susman is the Communications and Development Director of Keystone Progress Education Fund and hosts their podcast, (In)Accessible, where she talks with people doing innovative work in reproductive healthcare and rights. Rebecca previously served as Co-Director of the Western PA Fund for Choice, and worked in prison justice for many years.