A vigorous women's club movement began to sweep the nation in the mid-nineteenth century, enjoying a heyday from the 1890s through the 1920s, born from women's desire to participate in civic activities despite being denied voting rights. Washington state women were no exception to the wide enthusiasm for informal volunteer societies dedicated to charitable efforts, self-improvement, and social reform. Seattle's oldest musical organization, the Ladies Musical Club, was founded in March 1891 by 22 women who were classically trained musicians. At the time, women were largely not able to pursue careers as professional musicians, so the LMC provided a creative outlet for female musicians. Today, the LMC has grown into a nonprofit organization with a mission to "foster classical music in the community through education, performance and award."

This poster advertises the programs scheduled for the LMC's centennial season. The four musicians scheduled to perform have each signed the poster: Marilyn Horne, Mezzo Soprano; Cecile Licad, Pianist; Ilana Vered, Pianist; and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Violinist. The poster features an image of a watercolor painting by Jacqueline Hansen "Jackie" Brooks (1935-2008), a well-known local artist and violinist.

Printed on poster: Watercolor painting: Jackie Brooks; Design: Kitty Lindstrom; Copywriting: Julie Wisch; Printing: Andover; Photo of painting: Richard Nicol.

Caption information source: "Women's Club Movement in Washington," by Karen J. Blair, Ph.D., HistoryLink.org Essay 9170.
Caption information source: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/classical-music/ladies-musical-club-of-seattle-celebrates-its-125th-birthday