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The issue of separatism in the Woman's Building of 1893:

This was a burning question, for upon this subject everyone had strong opinions, and there was great feeling on both sides, those who favored a separate exhibit believing that the extent and variety of the valuable work done by women would not be apprehended or comprehended unless shown in a building separate from the work of men. On the other hand, the most advanced and radical thinkers felt that the exhibit should not be one of sex, but of merit, and that women had reached the point where they could afford to compete side by side with men, with a fair chance of success and that they would not value prizes given upon the sentimental basis of sex.  *

[[image]] [[caption]] Diana-Statue. Miss Grant England [[/caption]]

Even though I don't play any specific role there, I feel a real part of the Woman's Building, and the Woman's Building is a real part of me. I feel this every time I come there-I feel like it's my second home, whether I come there to see the galleries or dance at a party or sit in the coffeehouse or hang curtains in the auditorium or go to the Bookstore or paste-up SISTER or just hang around and chat with people-basically it's a beautifully comfortable place. The impor-Building, that women knew then as we know building-it has nothing to do with men. It's our place, we made it and we are keeping it alive, and it's keeping us alive.

Sue Talbot

[[image]]
[[caption]] Lesley Barnett, Laura Silagi, preparing for a performance. [[/caption]]

[[image]]
[[caption]] Cynthia Marsh, Lesley Barnett, and Priscilla Cowgill assisting each other on a project.[[/caption]]