Today is International Women's Day and with worldwide interest increasingly focused on female causes and achievements, I see this as yet another day women are coming together--even virtually--to hold hands with each other in support and praise. Let this be a day, year, and decade when we continue to lift each other up, and be the advocates for those whose pathways aren't as free--let's strive to be the role models for the next generation.

Here are five contemporary women who've been the vanguard of the art world:

1. AMY SHERALD

The recent unveiling of the Obamas individual legacy portaits certainly made big news, but perhaps it was this unmissable image (see top, above) that really swept the nation up in its adorableness and the amazing impact of Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama on the next generation. This is the power of art. Sherald must have thought when seeing the photo, "Nailed it!," not just for capturing the beautiful likeness of the former first lady, but also getting the full attention of an active two-year-old girl. It's never too late to introduce children to art!

Sherald, a Baltimore native, is a great role model for not only achieving incredible success as an African American artist, but also as a woman in her forties, whose pursuit of art almost came to a grinding halt completely when her health took a dramatic downward turn when she was diagonosed with a rapidly failing heart at 30. Fortunately, a transplant a few years later saved her life! (Note to self: check organ donor status). Learn more about her life and art here and here.

2. ZAHA HADID

The world of architecture lost a real trailblazer when Dame Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect, died in 2016. This winner of top awards in her industry was nicknamed, "The Queen of the Curve," because of the dramatic sweeping curves that characterize her amazing buildings, including London's 2012 Olympic Games aquatic center, Michigan State University's Broad Art Museum, and the Guagzhou Opera House in China.

Hadid (writing a postcard to her younger self, via): “Your success will not be determined by your gender or your ethnicity, but only on the scope of your dreams and your hard work to achieve them.” See more about her life and work here. (Image via)

3. YAYOI KUSAMA

When you experience the work of Japanese octogenarian Yayoi Kusama, you may not realize that her fame may come more from her beloved status on social media and not necessarily because she holds the record for the most money paid for a work of art by a female artist (White No. 28 (1960) sold in 2016 at Christies New York for $7.3 million!). Famous for her colorful polka dot takeover themes and transcendental mirror room installations, this artist draws blockbuster crowds to any show in her honor. Fortunately, a museum dedicated to her work has opened in Tokyo! Who says incredible creativity and fame can't come in our golden years? (Image via)

Which women are you thinking about on this day? What inspires you about them? Share below in the comments--I'd love to know more!

XXoo Cristin