Women are being invited to create a piece of art to help celebrate 125 years of women's suffrage in New Zealand.
Female artists with a Taranaki connection are being invited to submit artworks to the I Am Woman exhibition which will be held at the Percy Thomson Gallery in December and January.
Gallery director Rhonda Bunyan will curate the exhibition which she says will be a true celebration of womanhood.
"I think it's important to have an event that recognises the struggles women have had and still have and a chance to get up front and personal with yourself and dig deep.
"You may have an ancestor who inspires you. It might be your own personal story. It might be the vision you have for a daughter or granddaughter's future.
"The brief is wide. Each woman has a unique view of her place in the world through her own personal journey. No two stories are the same.
'"It really will be a celebration of women."
Rhonda says the brief will force artists to think about the past and present as well as what they hope for our future. The idea has struck a chord with many artists who are looking forward to coming up with ideas.
Artists must have a connection with Taranaki and all works must be new and made specifically with the brief in mind. Rhonda says there has been a ground-swell around women's rights of late, and women are feeling empowered and inspired.
Rhonda says a few men had asked why they are not included.
"I make no apology for making an event that is by women for women.
"Every exhibition is exclusive - men can't understand what it is like to be a woman. I agree there are a lot of men who are total supporters of women's rights but it is difficult for a man to describe how they feel as a woman."
On 19 September 19, 1893 the Electoral Act gave all women in New Zealand the right to vote. New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world where all women could vote in elections. To register interest in the exhibition email Rhonda, director@percythomsongallery.org.nz