June 2022

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In the 21st century, we begin to see a trend of female musicians rising on the top 100 charts. Artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, and more became popular in the music industry and slowly began to peel back the curtain on the struggles they faced in getting to where they are today. More and more, female musicians share their stories and paint the picture of sexism, hypersexualization, and rape culture that the music industry has been for women. And while it may seem better today, making it as a female musician is still quite the mountain to climb. 

Damsels in Crescendo is an exhibit designed to address and appreciate the women that set the foundation for female musicians to come. Each “damsel” was selected based on what impact they left or are leaving on their industry. Such greats like Janis Joplin and Patti Smith hang side by side with today’s heroines like Lizzo and Lady Gaga. Only in Damsels in Crescendo would these ten ladies of diverse and beautiful legacies hang side by side in framed fame and glamor.