International Womens Day

 The Purpose and History of International Women’s Day

Every year on March 8th, people around the world come together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a global day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. While today it is widely acknowledged through rallies, events, and social movements, the origins of International Women’s Day trace back over a century, rooted in the fight for women’s rights, fair labor practices, and political representation.

The Origins of International Women’s Day

The idea for a day recognizing women’s rights first emerged in the early 20th century, a time of significant social and economic change. In 1908, thousands of women marched through the streets of New York City, demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and voting rights. Inspired by this movement, in 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual Women’s Day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen. The idea was widely accepted, and the first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

In its early years, IWD was closely tied to the labor movement and women’s suffrage, with protests and demonstrations pushing for equal rights in workplaces and politics. The movement gained further momentum when the United Nations officially recognized March 8th as International Women’s Day in 1977, encouraging nations to observe and promote gender equality worldwide.

International Women's Day Suffergette Poster

The Purpose of International Women’s Day Today

Over the decades, International Women’s Day has evolved from a labor rights demonstration to a broader celebration of women’s achievements in politics, science, the arts, business, and beyond. It is also a day to highlight the ongoing challenges women face, including the gender pay gap, access to education, and violence against women.

Each year, International Women’s Day is centered around a specific theme, encouraging action on key issues affecting women globally. Recent themes have focused on breaking gender biases, celebrating women’s leadership, and advancing digital inclusion for women. Governments, organizations, and activists use this day to host events, launch initiatives, and push for policy changes that promote equality and inclusivity.

Celebrating International Women's Day

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day

There are countless ways to honor International Women’s Day and contribute to its mission:

• Educate & Advocate – Learn about the history of women’s rights and share knowledge with others.

• Support Women-Owned Businesses – Invest in female entrepreneurs and creators.

• Donate to Women’s Causes – Contribute to organizations fighting for gender equality, education, and empowerment.

• Attend or Organize Events – Participate in marches, panel discussions, or community gatherings.

• Amplify Women’s Voices – Celebrate the contributions of women in your life and across the world.

Art Deco International Women's Day Pinback Button

The Future of International Women’s Day

While progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, there is still much work to be done. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it’s a global issue that impacts society as a whole. By continuing to celebrate and advocate for change, we move closer to a world where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive.

As March 8th winds down, take a moment to reflect on the achievements of women throughout history and consider how you can contribute to a more equitable, inclusive, and empowered future for all.

Watercolor International Women's Day Magnet

The WPA Art Legacy

 The WPA and the Golden Age of American Travel Posters

In the depths of the Great Depression, millions of Americans found themselves unemployed, and the nation’s economy was in turmoil. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the New Deal, a series of programs aimed at economic recovery and job creation. One of the most impactful initiatives was the Works Progress Administration (WPA), established in 1935. The WPA provided jobs for millions of workers, including artists, writers, and designers, through various projects that enriched American culture and infrastructure. Among these initiatives, the WPA's Federal Art Project (FAP) played a crucial role in the development of iconic travel posters that continue to inspire art and tourism today.

Trio of WPA Inspired Travel Posters:
London, Denali National Park, Honolulu

The WPA’s Role in Art and Tourism

The Federal Art Project was created to support artists while also producing public artwork that would uplift and educate the American people. Artists under the FAP were commissioned to create murals, prints, and posters promoting public health, education, and travel. The travel posters, in particular, became one of the most recognizable artistic legacies of the WPA.

Designed to encourage domestic tourism, these posters featured stunning illustrations of America’s national parks, bustling cities, and historic landmarks. They promoted rail travel, road trips, and visits to state and national parks, fostering a sense of adventure and appreciation for the country’s natural beauty. At a time when Americans were struggling financially, these posters presented travel as an attainable and enriching experience, encouraging citizens to explore their own backyard.

Mackinac Island WPA Inspired Poster

The Art Style of WPA Travel Posters

WPA travel posters are instantly recognizable due to their distinctive artistic style. They often featured bold colors, simplified yet striking compositions, and strong typography. The style was influenced by Art Deco and early modernist movements, with an emphasis on clean lines, geometric shapes, and an overall sense of optimism. Artists such as Dorothy Waugh, Richard Halls, and other WPA designers crafted images that were both functional and beautiful, ensuring their message was visually compelling.

The screen-printing techniques used to create these posters allowed for vibrant color palettes that stood out in train stations, post offices, and government buildings. The posters depicted breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, as well as cityscapes of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Each piece captured the essence of its subject, transforming these destinations into aspirational travel goals.

Trio of WPA Inspired Posters:
Alamo, Alcatraz, St. Louis Arch

A Lasting Legacy

Although the WPA was dissolved in 1943 as World War II shifted the nation’s focus, the travel posters it produced left a lasting mark on American visual culture. The original prints are now rare collectibles, and their timeless designs continue to influence contemporary artists and travel marketing. Many modern printmakers and designers pay homage to the WPA style, creating vintage-inspired posters that evoke the same sense of adventure and nostalgia.

Today, WPA travel posters serve as both historical artifacts and sources of artistic inspiration. Museums, galleries, and online retailers continue to celebrate these works, ensuring that their legacy lives on. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a travel enthusiast, these posters offer a window into a pivotal era of American resilience, creativity, and wanderlust.

Explore more WPA inspired travel posters.