“Athena Shrugged” comprised four four solo exhibits by important emerging and established female artists; it filled virtually all of the 2017 calendar at Long-Sharp Gallery’s New York Project Space, 24 West 57th St, New York, Suite 606. Featured were four artists:Constance Edwards Scopelitis (March 8-April 22), Jamea Richmond-Edwards (April 26-June 17), Sabina Klein (September 6-October 21) and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh (October 25-December 16). 

In 1971, Linda Nochlin penned her groundbreaking essay "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?" Her answer in part was that traditions and institutions were pragmatic in their representation of women.  According to gallery owner Rhonda Long-Sharp,  “It is the responsibility of galleries, museums and auction houses to demonstrate by word and deed that talented female artists have equal importance in the artworld.”  She adds “[T]his responsibility could be no greater than it is today.” With great respect and solidarity, “Long-Sharp Gallery is honored to launch Athena Shrugged, a series of solo exhibits by four spectacularly talented female artists in one of the world’s greatest and innovative art cities.” 

A bit about Constance Edwards Scopelitis, whose works are on display at present:  A student of renowned female figurative artist Isabel Bishop, Edwards Scopelitis was on the jury’s short list for “Art Prize 2016.”  Her works can be found in museum exhibitions and important corporate and private collections throughout the United States and Europe.  A 2013 Eli Lilly Artist Renewal Grant pushed Edwards Scopelitis into the new body of work which was the genesis for her solo exhibit at Long-Sharp Gallery’s New York Project Space.