The Makings of

A Seat At The Table

"Women belong in the kitchen."

Yet how many homes have stayed running precisely due to the time, effort, and energy of the women who camebefore us?

A Seat at the Table hopes to engage in conversations that enable the reclamation of negative or stereotypical connotations of girlhood/womanhood. By adopting the spirit of early 20th-century feminist tea rooms(where, tired of being turned away from public places when they showed up without a male companion, women began togather, organize, and discuss their rights) we hope to provide a space for recognition of those of us whose accomplishmentsare unrecognized, overshadowed, or disregarded entirely.

The Impetus Behind Our Work

Currently, within the United States, women’s rights are at risk and have begun to backslide. Elements such as equitable healthcare for women, using federal funds to support abortion, and funding women’s health research are being systematically taken away, especially for women coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of developing innovations and solutions to problems, but very few receive the recognition they deserve. A Seat At The Table challenges the stereotypical role of women in the kitchen and invites dialogue to uncover the hidden truths of women throughout history, preserving their names as our rights are stripped from us.

Our Process

By repurposing discarded/donated materials like ceramic plates, cups, and other fine "tea time" essentials, our aim is not only to raise broader awareness of the many great things women have done, but also to ensure their legacies are further preserved.

Each woman featured in a series will have a corresponding, unique, one-of-a-kind tea set (cup and two plates) with their name and portrait affixed, serving as a featured display piece.

Sets are all comprised of re-used/found materials thrifted from local Goodwill around the NOVA/D.C. area.

Waterslide decals are laser printed, soaked in water, and applied to ceramics.

They are then set in place on a low-fire setting in the oven.

The Components

RECIPE BOOK

Accompanying the giveaway called "recipes & remembrance," where each of the women will have their

biography and a food recipe that relates to where they are from and/or what they're known for (there will be

blank pages in the back to add recipes of their own.)

TEA BAG TAGS

Part of what we give away to participants. Customized tea bags each with our logo and the portrait of one of our honored women on it.

DOILIES

The doilies are custom and will have a pattern/design related to each of the women, their accomplishments, etc.

ARCHIVE OF EVERYDAY WOMEN

We will have a form for participants to fill out asking them about any women from their life they would invite to sit at the

table. We will then compile these in it’s own small book/archive honoring “everyday” women