Louise Laheurte

  From the Series: Women of New York

Words of Gratitude: ''Hello Beautiful Marlene & Women of New York, What an amazing evening, with all your radiant presence!!! Melanie put it so well in her email that I felt almost physically there, but missed it all the more.  So happy for you Marlene, for such a great celebration  and recognition, not only of your artwork but also, I'm sure, of all the love and appreciation for you.  I am also full of gratitude for having you in my life and for being part of your wonderful group of friends.'' Louise, 21 March 2017

Patricia Ramirez

 From the Series ''Women of New York''

After Opening Night Gratitude: ''Marlene and the Women of New York - I was not aware of the level positive impact this exhibition and project Marlene has put together was going to bring. Aside from the numerous messages and calls I have received from friends, family and network asking about the project, the inspiration it has awaken in me and the drive to continue making my mark in my community has duplicated. Marlene, you will forever be the person that ignited this momentum, and for that, I am eternally grateful.'' Patricia

Vincenza Di Maggio

From the Series: ''Women of New York''

After Opening Night Gratitude: ''I'm still receiving so many wonderful comments on the exhibition opening and Marlene's stunning artwork! It was such an incredible night filled with so much joy.  I haven't stopped smiling since! I want you to know that I've truly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you amazing women.  You are all an inspiration to me.  I'm so grateful that Marlene included me in this project with you all and I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to meet you.  I'm not quite sure of how to describe it, but you have all left an impression on me in some way that that is something I will always treasure.'' Vincenza

Melanie Randisi

From the Series ''Women of New York''

After Opening Night Gratitude: ''Dear women of New York, Today, I woke up a little taller and my heart grew a couple inches, after such an amazing night. You were all incredibly elegant, beautiful, strong, powerful, creative, successful, electric (the list is endless), and I am so proud and honored to have been considered to walk alongside all of your beauty. There is not enough gratitude and pride in the world to thank the star of this moment, la belle Marlene, who gave us brilliant light through her compassion, talent, creativity and grace. So I thank her from the bottom of my heart and I thank all of you women for sharing your stories and for inspiring me to keep pushing forward. 

With love, Melanie''  

In loving memory of my mother

1924-2016

Today is the end of the ''Women of New York'' UN Exhibition.  It is worth remembering that eight years ago, I arrived in New York with my clothes and barely enough money to pay for rent.  I was leaving an abusive marriage to start a new life at 54 years old.  Eight years later, I celebrate this new life that I built with the same strength that my mother had raising a big family in a very difficult environment.  I also celebrate women empowerment for it is with the help of my women friends that I was able to start a new life.  Since then, I have met some exceptional women along the way, a network of friends that so enriched my life.  

http://www.lavocedinewyork.com/en/un/2017/03/08/women-of-new-york-women-of-the-world/

Yellow Orchid

International Women's Day: ''One is not born a woman, but becomes one.'' Simone de Beauvoir