
North Carolina Artists Shine a Spotlight on the Menopausal Journey
Opening at Rocky Mount Mills on World Menopause Day, October 18, 2023, M is for Menopause, Baby! is a major group exhibition that will use art to raise awareness and challenge the myths, stereotypes, and stigma that surround the menopausal journey. Featuring more than 50 works from North Carolina artists- including vibrant paintings, works on paper, assemblage, and mixed media artwork - the exhibition celebrates the diversity and complexity of the menopausal experience.
By 2025, it's estimated that 1.1 billion women will be experiencing menopause, or The Change as it is frequently called. Menopause is not a disease. Menopause is not a mental health condition. It is a natural part of the aging process when a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. In the United States, the average age for menopause is 51. However, it can occur earlier in life. But what is menopause? What does it mean to be perimenopausal or postmenopausal? Too often, these normal life stages are spoken about negatively in hushed tones as if they're something to be ashamed of or feared. Those with symptoms may be told it's all in their mind and struggling can become normalized. The M is for Menopause, Baby! exhibition will bring together creatives, healthcare practitioners, and librarians to help reframe the narrative around the subject of menopause.
Artwork: Top Row (left to right): Is it Host in Here? By Carol Torian; Going Gray by Kiki Piper. Bottom Row (left to right): Nubian Queen by Corliss R. Owen; Mother by Maria Tavarez; and Liminal no. 2: The Fall by Jacqueline S. Dulin
The exhibition will be presented by Drinking Gourd Gallery in partnership with Rocky Mount Mills, Kiki Piper, and UNC Health Nash.
Carol Torian, exhibition co-curator and Drinking Gourd Gallery founder, said, By sharing our questions, concerns, insights, and humorous moments, through this exhibition, we can be a support and help to those who are on the menopausal journey. We can also be a beacon of light for premenopausal individuals, so they are better prepared and informed when they begin their menopausal journey.
Kirsten Moore, exhibition co-curator and Kiki Piper founder, added, This exhibition provides fresh insight about a subject that is still relatively taboo. There's so much secrecy and silence about perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause, but together we can change that and have some meaningful discussions.
Featured artists include Kristin Barta, Lyudmila Tomova Clark, Jacqueline S. Dulin, Michelle Franklin, Brenda Harris, Debra Johnson, Lisa Kelbaugh, Art Love and Rendon Foy, Darryl Matthews, Kiki Piper, Barbara Outterson, Corliss R. Owen, Maria Tavarez, Carol Torian, and many others.
This project also highlights the urgent need for health equity to reduce the disparity in health status for underserved populations. Building on that perspective, the exhibition will feature a silent auction during the opening reception on October 18, 2023, to benefit My Sister's House, which is a nonprofit that aids victims of domestic violence. Likewise, to address period poverty, a period products drive is occurring in conjunction with the exhibition, and drop-off boxes will be available at Rocky Mount Mills, Eastern North Carolina Medical Group, and UNC Health Nash. Menopause and menstruation share many commonalities. For some, the first period can be shrouded in the same embarrassment and confusion as the last period. And in both instances, life changes forever in new and unexpected ways that are often not talked about. The M is for Menopause, Baby! exhibition will provide an art-centered space to start a conversation that welcomes all voices.
Related Content
The exhibition will be accompanied by a variety of in-person and virtual engagement programs at Rocky Mount Mills, Books & Beans, and Larema Coffee House. Programming includes Let's Talk About It: Menopause, Perimenopause, and Postmenopause, with Dr. Joanna Dauber, DO, NCMP of Eastern North Carolina Medical Group; Yesterday, I Cried: Menopausal Grief & Loss, with Camilla Y. Black, M.Ed., LCMHC; and Positive Pause: Circle Dance, with Judy Robison. Visitors can also enjoy an artist talk, artmaking workshops, book discussions, a nutrition session, and a comedy event. Programming details will be posted on the Drinking Gourd Gallery website. All programming is free and open to the public.
The exhibition will be featured on the Drinking Gourd Gallery website as well as on social media using the hashtag #MISFORMENOPAUSEBABY
Drinking Gourd Gallery
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina and established in 2018, Drinking Gourd Gallery is a commercial art gallery offering the works of established, mid-career and emerging artists in a virtual setting. Looking back and ahead, the gallery is dedicated to artistic freedom and committed to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives. Known for its eclectic, ever-changing collection, Drinking Gourd Gallery offers a relaxed space for visitors to discover and shop for unique artwork and gift items.
Rocky Mount Mills
Located along the Falls of the beautiful Tar River, Rocky Mount Mills is a development of historic proportions, bringing together residential, commercial, cultural, and entertainment amenities in one unique destination. The 82-acre campus of this restored cotton mill showcases a bold approach to historic preservation - honoring the past while also breathing new life into the plank floors, stout timbers, and intricate brickwork of this storied place that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rocky Mount Mills features vibrant community gathering areas, abundant restaurant options, craft breweries, River & Twine a tiny house hotel, indoor and outdoor event venues plus light-filled residences and workspaces. It's
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
09/10/2026
September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026
New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/09/2026
Applications open for Future Leaders Delegation to BitSummit 2027 15 September 2026
Applications are open for Screen Australia's annual Future Leaders Dele...
14/09/2026
Lil Baby's Dead Fresh kicks off ESPN's Week 1 Monday Night Football, ...
14/09/2026
With Super Bowl LXI waiting in Los Angeles, ESPN will use the regular season to ...
14/09/2026
By Bailey Pennick
One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. ...
14/09/2026
Three new models introduced
Sony have just announced the launch of three new pairs of headphones that span their premium, mid-range and entry-level line-ups...
14/09/2026
New flagship Thunderbolt units aimed at pro studios
Audient's latest announcement sees the company introduce three new high-end audio interfaces designe...
14/09/2026
Cobalt Digital IBC Stand 8.F90 // Journalists: Click to visit Cobalt
Highlights...
14/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/09/2026
Bitmovin, a leading provider of video streaming solutions, has announced that Australia's largest media company, Nine Entertainment (Nine), has deployed Bit...
14/09/2026
Creativepool Annual 2026 Winners Announced
Brie Clayton September 13, 2026
0 Comments
The creative industry's Most' awards celebrates another...
14/09/2026
Monday 14 September 2026
Award-winning network Sky Mobile to Offer iPhone Duo, ...
14/09/2026
Apple's latest software updates introduce Siri AI, a more intelligent, knowl...
14/09/2026
WTA Awards Tier 4 to Agility Beyond Space Subic Bay and Cikarang sites...
14/09/2026
As local models become more capable, AI agents can handle more work directly on a PC while keeping sensitive information on the device.
Portable Computer is a ...
14/09/2026
RT in association with the BBC today released first look image from the second series of The Walsh Sisters, inspired by the novels of international best-sellin...
13/09/2026
Offers eight audio and CV outputs via USB
Elektron's latest launch offers a convenient way for users to integrate hardware instruments, effects and mixe...
13/09/2026
Pixel Academy Announces Autumn Courses
Brie Clayton September 13, 2026
0 Comments
The ACT Entertainment tvONE and Green Hippo Pixel Academy has releas...
13/09/2026
2Vision Powers Dawid Podsiad o's Obrotowy Tour with Blackmagic Design
Brie Clayton September 13, 2026
0 Comments
Touring multicamera workflow buil...
13/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
13/09/2026
Sunday 13 September 2026
Sky releases trailer for Crystal Lake, an A24 produced...
12/09/2026
J. Alphonse Nicholson, Danielle Brooks, Walter Thompson-Hernandez, and Bodhi Dell attend the premiere of If I Go Will They Miss Me at the Library Center Theat...
12/09/2026
Latest Obsolete Devices pedal announced
Great Eastern FX Co. have just launched the latest pedal in their Obsolete Devices series, a range of effects pedals...
12/09/2026
September 11, 2026
BUDAPEST & SEATTLE, 10 September 2026 - Qumulo and Colorfron...
12/09/2026
Calrec expands its IP ecosystem with new Type RT console and Apex M6 Modular I/O Platform at IBC 2026 Type RT is the centrepiece of Calrec's news at IBC 202...
12/09/2026
At IBC 2026, Calrec has unveiled Type RT, a new 6, 12 and 18-motorised fader console range that condenses everything a broadcast audio desk needs into a compact...
12/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
12/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
12/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
12/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
12/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
12/09/2026
WUPPERTAL, Germany Sept. 11, 2026 From July 6 to Aug. 23, 2026, Paris hosted the Esports World Cup (EWC), a seven-week live production spanning eight stages...
12/09/2026
Riedel Communications today announced that Mediacom has purchased and deployed Easy5G , Riedel's Private 5G solution, for live broadcast coverage of La Vuel...
12/09/2026
AMP VISUAL TV is continuing the evolution of its production infrastructure with further investments in Riedel technology across its OB fleet and fixed productio...
12/09/2026
Riedel Communications today announced that Touring Video, a premier entertainment mobile production service company, continues to expand its production workflow...
12/09/2026
Atomos (7.B19) today announced new third-party accessories for Sumo PRO-19 and Shinobi 7 II, developed by SHAPE and SmallRig to give production teams more ways ...
12/09/2026
Deity Microphones Brings PR 2ii, TC-2, and D4RX to IBC2026
Brie Clayton September 11, 2026
0 Comments
The Deity PR-2ii arrives with production firmwar...
12/09/2026
Blackmagic Design Announces Special Pricing for Ultra HD Products
Brie Clayton September 11, 2026
0 Comments
Now customers can afford to upgrade to Ul...
12/09/2026
Grass Valley EDIUS Future Assurance Program launched at IBC2026
Brie Clayton September 11, 2026
0 Comments
New program gives EDIUS customers access to...
12/09/2026
Berklee Students Develop New Ideas for Live Entertainment and Travel in London This summer, a group of music business students collaborated with Heathrow, Bri...
11/09/2026
Calrec will introduce two new products at IBC2026 (Stand 8.C47, RAI Amsterdam, September 11-14): the Type RT broadcast production console and the Apex M6 Modula...