Ordinary/ Extraordinary Women
Honoring the extraordinary achievements of women in the ordinary context of their lives.
In 2004 I created a portrait to honor a very special woman. Her name was Ruth Spring and she was 92 years old.
Ruth was a naturalist, landscape painter, organic gardener and an inspiration to all who knew her.
Inspired by my experience creating this portrait, I have chosen fifteen other women who have been part of my life, that I wish to honor. The portraits are all larger than life, as that is how I see these women. I've decided not to show most of these portraits in their entirety until the series is completed, although a couple have previously been exhibited.
So far I have completed fourteen larger than life portraits.
Scroll down for images and videos.
Keep checking back to follow my progress!
The Ordinary/ Extraordinary Women series hits the road!
The series is scheduled to begin traveling in 2025.
Here’s the schedule so far!
Holter Museum of Art
12 E. Lawrence St.
Helena, MT 59601
holtermuseum.org
(406) 442-6400
January 16- March 22, 2026
Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts
N50W5050 Portland Rd.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
wiquiltmuseum.com
262.546.0300
August 20-November 15, 2026
**I’m looking for more museums and large non-profit galleries to exhibit this work. Please email me if you are interested! @ liz@lizalpertfay.com
Below are details of the completed portraits so far.
Ruth Spring
Kimberly Day Proctor
Kathleen Riley
Marilyn Bottjer
Jane Pollak
Jessie Turbayne
Chelsea Fay
Marisabina Russo
Sherry Paisley
Francine Even
Kristin Müller
June Myles
Victoria Cummings
Julie von Wettberg
A few photos of work in progress…
Preparing to dye wool.
Hooking in progress. (Left side hooked)
A completed portrait.
Dyed wool ready for hooking.
Studio with work in progress.
Designing in progress.