Screening of "The Making of Judy Chicago's 'The Dinner Party'" with Panel Judy Chicago & Maura Reilly

For those (myself included) unaware of Judy Chicago's (b Amer 1939) large art installation  {48' for each side of an open triangle} featuring mythical & historic women figures of prominence in history, it was first presented in 1979 at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.  The project took 5 years to complete & relied on over 100 volunteers (mostly women).  After a much heralded opening in 1979 in San Francisco, the "Dinner Table' went on an int'l tour of 16 countries and then put into storage for an extended period of time until 1996 when it found a permanent home in the Brooklyn Art Museum.  The open triangle is a symbol of equality.  There are just over 1,000 place settings made in tribute to women & they are honored with unique artistic ceramic plates set upon handwoven cloths.  One thousand more names are inscribed in the 'Heritage Floor' comprised of triangular white handmade tiles.  The names are written in gold luster; all being of equal font size.  The doc. film 'The Making of Judy Chicago' just released is an edited version of the laborious & glorious work process highlighting its frustrations, personal conflicts and artistic expression.  Chicago is an artist, political activist and pioneer in bringing women's art & contributions to the forefront.  The doc. is fascinating for its tactile expression of artistic creation, an up close & personal view of Chicago creativity,   intentions and frustrations and the amazing commitment & dedication involved in the 5 year process & its evolutions.  After the film, Judy Chicago was present to discuss 'The Dinner Party', her body of work and her commitment to women's issues.  Dr. Maura Reilly, Chief Curator of the Nat'l Academy  Museum was also on the 2 women panel.  Dr. Reilly was previously the founding curator of the Elizabeth Sackler Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum.  These two dynamos shared their sparkling wit, wisdom & unqique experiences.  I could have listened to these two talk about art, personal experiences and the arch they've seen in the art world in relation to the women's garnering attention.  Chicago's main goal in the 'Dinner Party' installation was to bring into discussion, or bring to the table if you will, many women who have been erased, ignored or ignobly treated.  This was a fascinating evening (but for the Q&A's -  Chicago dismissed some questions as irrelevant).   I admit to not knowing many of the women whose names are inshrined in this intriguing & innovative artwork.  I intend to head to the Brooklyn Museum and see this installation as soon as possible and learn more about the women represented.   Watching the film & having the privilege to hear Judy Chicago speak about her work was a fortuitous & unforgettable event.