Born to a military family, Mana Hewitt has lived in Arizona, England, Florida, Illinois and South Carolina. Her mother was an art teacher; so from childhood, Hewitt was drawn to art. She received her BA and MFA from the University of South Carolina, where she is currently a Senior Instructor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Visual Art and Design. Hewitt’s award-winning art has taken many forms over the years, including ceramics, painting and metal. Her work is included in numerous collections, namely the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (AL), the Arkansas Arts Center, the SCANA Corporation (SC), First Citizens Bank Headquarters (NC), the Columbia Museum of Art (SC), the South Carolina State Museum, the Lieberman Collection (NY), the Federal Reserve (DC) and Palmetto-Richland Children’s Hospital (SC).Persistence is an exhibition of over 60 commemorative medals in recognition of the courage and perseverance of women who have challenged societal perceptions and worked to improve conditions for all. According to Hewitt, “They are intended to familiarize and instruct, lest we forget the women that forged a path to give us voice today.” Each medal, all of which are meant to be worn as a brooch or hung, is made of etched brass, copper, sterling silver and an enameled portrait; and some include faceted stones. The designs reflect aspects pertaining to the individuals portrayed. For example, renowned soul singer Aretha Franklin’s medal takes the shape of vinyl record. The back sides of the medals are etched with either a mini biography or a quotation. Ready for some women’s-history trivia? See how many significant women you can identify when you visit Persistence at the Art Museum.
the work:
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