Our Mothers Ourselves: Legacies That Shape Us will open Thursday, September 18, 2025 in the Fredrick Lawton Gallery, MIAD. Official reception will be Thursday October 18. The exhibition is curated by Ellen Konar and Adrienne Defendi.

Amidst the current battle about who makes decisions about motherhood, the photographic based exhibit Our Mothers Ourselves reflects the legacies of our mothers and their larger impact. Diverse in ethnic and generational backgrounds and experiences, ten artists share their work of photographic based prints, constructions and narratives which reflect their maternal legacies. The exhibition entices and even challenges viewers to reflect on their own mothers’ legacies and what they themselves hope to pass on to the next generation of Americans. This “legacy mindset” is one which prods the viewer to become a more considered actor, thinking beyond their own lifetime.

Our Mothers Ourselves artists: Federica Armstrong, Allison Calteux, Adrienne Defendi, Steve Goldband, Marsha Guggenheim, Ellen Konar, Kathleen McDonald, Lianne Milton, Charlotte Niel, Jerry Takigawa, JP Terlizzi, and Nic Umbs.

Our Mothers Ourselves: Legacies That Shape Us
Frederick Layton Gallery
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD)
273 E. Erie Street, Milwaukee, WI
September 18, 2025 – December 15, 2025 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Free Entry.
Opening Night—Thursday, September 18, 6-8pm
Gallery Night—Friday, October 17, 5-9pm
Gallery Day—Saturday, October 18

Staying Silent. © 2017