To All Things Being Equal - Editorial

DEAR READERS,

I recently attended a business meeting of people outside the artworld and about halfway through the first session noticed I was the only woman in the room. It took me by surprise because I am of the generation that has not experienced this phenomenon on a regular basis. I handled it (actually, I rather enjoyed it), and left the two-day meeting full of new thoughts and insights into the wide world of business. But, the experience did leave me ... well ... thankful.

One of my best female friends is a physician, another is a highly success writer/author, another heads the fundraising department for a prominent Chicago hospital. I don't think we have ever discussed our inability to succeed in the workplace because of our gender. But, throughout my career I have met women who proudly remind me that they fought for me to be where I am today.

I am thankful for that fight, but equally proud to be in an industry that doesn't seem to squelch a woman's ambition. In the art business, women have experienced a tremendous level of success: as artists, as publishers, as gallery owners, as curators, as dealers, even as collectors. Though I am sure the glass ceiling exists somewhere in our world, the art business seems to be one that embraces women and does not hinder those who want to achieve success. For this and many other reasons, I am proud to be a part of the art business.

In the October 2000 issue of ABN, we plan to spotlight some of the influential women in the art business. And--all things being equal--an upcoming issue dedicated to the influential men in our business, as well.

ALL THE BEST,

JULIE MACDONALD Associate Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

COPYRIGHT 2000 Pfingsten Publishing, LLC
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group