All month long, students and faculty will have the opportunity to view the work of some of NIU’s best female artists.

The Women’s History Month Art Show showcases works of art in March at the DeKalb Area Women’s Center, 1021 State St.

The free show will feature the work of two NIU female faculty, two undergraduate art students, three graduate students and six renowned Chicago artists, said Patricia Farrell, a junior art education major. Each artist will showcase four to six pieces. The show will have a total of 35 pieces.

It features artistic media such as watercolor landscapes, photographs and postmodern art.

Farrell said she submitted six pieces for the show. Her work deals with femininity and serves as an advocate for female liberation.

“When I got the call, I jumped on the chance,” Farrell said. “I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to be a part of.”

Erin Kerrigan, a senior art education major, submitted six pieces for the show. She said she feels this is a great opportunity to showcase her work.

“It’s very difficult for women in this field to get recognition,” Kerrigan said.

John Scott Ways, of Chicago, brought one of his 28 faceless dolls. The doll, made of yellow and blue fabric, has no eyes, mouth or nose. It only has long blonde curly hair.

Graduate art student Angela Wilson said her work is about raising children and relationships.

“Some images have my daughter,” Wilson said.

Anna Marie Coveny, art gallery director for the DeKalb Area Women’s Center, said the show also features site-specific installation art, where the artist looks at the space provided and creates a work of art to fit in the space.

The site-specific art resembles a large spiderweb, with intertwining black and white strings. Several of the strings have an additional string tied to them with little bags hanging down.

Creating a buzz around campus for the show has been difficult, Farrell said.

“Most of it has been word of mouth – calling people, sending out e-mails,” Farrell said.

Farrell and Kerrigan, curators of the show, each donated $20 to print flyers to distribute around campus.

Coveny said the show has been an annual event since 1996.

The center held an opening reception Wednesday to showcase the art. Twelve artists attended to discuss their artwork.

On March 20, the DeKalb Area Women’s Center will also host Women’s History Month “Herstorical” Tea. Coveny said attending artists will be available to speak about their work.

The art show is sponsored by the DeKalb Area Women’s Center, NIU School of Art, Women’s Studies and Museum Studies.