This work by feminist artist, Judy Chicago, is a large installation that has filled a space at the Brooklyn Museum since 2007. This is an actual table that measures 48’x48’x48′.  It was created around the equally large hope of restoring women to history by “giving them a place at the table.” Each of the 39 place settings is designed for a particular woman chosen from prehistory through the 20th century. Each includes hand-painted porcelain, ceramics, tablecloths decorated with textile arts. Women represented include Hildegarde of Bingen, Sacajawea, Sojourner Truth, and Emily Dickinson. The height of the plates increases as time moves around the triangle showing the increasing power of women.

This piece took five years and many volunteers to complete and many years of criticism followed it around the world and to Brooklyn. It is a silent protest screaming for an appreciation of women and a unique prayer whispered for all women as children of God.

If you could expand this table, who would you add? 

If you could include another table for little girls and young women, what shape would it be?

If you were saying grace at this dinner party, how long might it last?

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church