The Student Body: A Celebration of Women's Beauty
Speakers

• Artist Larry Kirkwood
  Kirkwood’s plaster body casts, made from real-life everyday models, are a beautiful exploration of the human body. In his accompanying lecture, Mr. Kirkwood interweaves the theme of body image with politics, race, health, economics, culture, art, and literature to prove that by changing the way we see our bodies, we can change our lives and revolutionize the world.
• The Punany Poets
  The Punany Poets unite artists, performers, musicians, and comedians to bring sexual issues to the forefront of public discourse, especially focusing on how AIDS affects African American women. The Punany Poets, as seen on HBO, promise to be nothing less than cutting edge.
• Folksinger Kristen Lems
  Ms. Lems’ politically charged folk music first gained popularity during the second Women’s Movement, and Ms. Lems has shared the stage with musicians and activists alike. She is best known for the song “Mammary Glands.” 
• Erin Weed of Girls Fight Back
  When her sorority sister, Shannon McNamara was murdered at Eastern Illinois University in 2001, Ms. Weed decided not to take violence against women sitting down. She started the organization Girls Fight Back to teach self-defense for women. Ms. Weed will give a presentation on preventing violence as well as an interactive workshop in self-defense.

In addition to these distinguished guests, the conference will also be full of fun and thought-provoking events, including:

• An open mic night at Galesburg’s own Cherry Street Bier Garden. We encourage all of our guests to bring pieces to share.
• Vocal and body movement workshops with Knox professors
• An art opening featuring Larry Kirkwood’s sculptures and Knox’s very own photography exhibit
• A Love-Your-Body Party
• Yoga class

You will receive a more detailed schedule of these events upon registration. Last but not least, the conference will serve as a great forum for meeting young feminists and politically active women from schools across the Midwest.

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