This week marked my sixth year photographing artwork for Women Writing for (a) Change Jacksonville, and every single year I leave feeling inspired by the creativity and vulnerability these women bring to their work.

This nonprofit amplifies women’s voices through art and writing, and it truly is such a beautiful mission to witness firsthand. Each year, artists and writers contribute pieces to an annual anthology centered around a theme. This year’s theme, Bodies and Faces, invited so many different interpretations, from literal portraits to landscapes and bodies of water. When I asked Jennifer, the executive director, how she came up with this year’s theme, she smiled and said, “It comes to me in a vision.” If you’re a creative person, you probably understand exactly what she meant.

My role in the project is photographing the artwork so it can be transformed into digital files for the anthology, and this year I also had the opportunity to photograph pieces displayed downtown at the Ritz Theatre and Museum. Some of the artwork had also appeared in last year’s Spaces and Places collection, which made it especially meaningful to see those pieces again in a new setting.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting artist Teresa Cook. Her work immediately stands out to me because of the incredible detail she’s able to create, even in smaller pieces. I also admired Emily’s beautiful use of paint on canvas. As someone who has taken both drawing and studio art classes myself, I know enough to deeply appreciate the level of skill and creativity these women bring to their work.

I keep space in my calendar each year for projects that allow me to support meaningful work happening within our community, and this is one I always look forward to. It’s an honor to play a small part in preserving and celebrating the creative expression of these artists and writers.

To every woman who bravely shares her voice, perspective, and creativity through this anthology, thank you. Your stories, your art, and your willingness to create something meaningful truly matter. The world needs more honest expression, more beauty, and more spaces where women feel seen and heard. I hope these artists continue creating boldly for years to come.