Unseen Heroes: How JeanCherie’s Art Resurrects the Forgotten Women of Mare Island
There’s something profoundly moving about art that dares to rewrite history—not by altering facts, but by illuminating the stories we’ve collectively ignored. Vallejo artist JeanCherie’s latest exhibit at Mare Island Art Studios does exactly that. While Mare Island is celebrated as the nation’s first naval station on the West Coast, the thousands of women who toiled in its shipyards during World War II have largely been relegated to footnotes. JeanCherie’s work, particularly her centerpiece sculpture Wendy the Welder, is a bold attempt to correct this oversight. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how she uses art not just as a tribute, but as a catalyst for broader cultural reckoning.
The Power of a Single Image
Wendy the Welder isn’t just a sculpture; it’s a manifesto in bronze (or, for now, clay). Inspired by a photograph of women working on the submarine tender Nereus, the piece captures a moment of defiance and resilience. Personally, I think what’s most striking is the symbolism here. While men traditionally christened ships, the Nereus—built largely by women—was christened by women. This small act of rebellion speaks volumes about the era’s gender dynamics. JeanCherie’s decision to enlarge Wendy into a 10-foot-tall bronze monument feels like a deliberate challenge to the male-dominated narratives of wartime history. It’s not just about honoring these women; it’s about demanding their place in the spotlight.
Art as a Time Machine
JeanCherie’s background in sculpting for movies and large-scale installations gives her a unique edge. Her ability to enlarge and duplicate fine art sculpture isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a storytelling tool. Take her 6-foot-tall cement sculpture Mother and Child at the ferry terminal. It’s a piece that feels both timeless and deeply personal, much like Wendy the Welder. What many people don’t realize is that art like this serves as a bridge between generations. JeanCherie’s exhibit isn’t just about the past; it’s about connecting her mother’s generation to ours. In a world obsessed with progress, her work reminds us that progress often starts with recognition.
The Community’s Role in Rewriting History
One thing that immediately stands out is the exhibit’s interactive element. Visitors are invited to write their family’s connection to Mare Island on index cards. This isn’t just a clever engagement tactic—it’s a statement. By involving the community, JeanCherie transforms the exhibit into a living archive. Testimonials from figures like Brendan Riley, a former ferryboat deckhand, and Sharon McGriff Payne, whose mother was a forklift driver, add layers of authenticity. What this really suggests is that history isn’t just something we read about; it’s something we participate in.
The Broader Implications
If you take a step back and think about it, JeanCherie’s work raises a deeper question: Why do we still need art to remind us of women’s contributions? In my opinion, it’s because our collective memory is selective. We celebrate the Rosie the Riveters of the world, but how many of us know the stories of the 11,000 women who built ships on Mare Island? This exhibit isn’t just about Mare Island; it’s about every woman whose labor has been erased or minimized. From my perspective, JeanCherie’s art is a call to action—a reminder that history is still being written, and we have a say in how it’s told.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Wendy the Welder?
The fact that Wendy the Welder is currently a small clay maquette adds an intriguing layer of anticipation. JeanCherie’s vision of a 10-foot-tall bronze sculpture feels almost mythical, like a modern-day monument to unsung heroes. But here’s the thing: she’s not just dreaming—she’s crowdsourcing. The exhibit is designed to rally community support, turning Wendy into a collective endeavor. This raises a deeper question: Can art truly drive social change? Personally, I think it can—especially when it’s as ambitious and thought-provoking as this.
Final Thoughts
JeanCherie’s exhibit is more than a collection of sculptures and testimonials; it’s a conversation starter. It forces us to confront the gaps in our historical narratives and ask why certain stories have been left out. What makes this particularly fascinating is how she blends personal tribute with broader cultural critique. As someone who’s spent decades sculpting for various mediums, she understands the power of art to shape perceptions. Her work at Mare Island Art Studios isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about redefining it.
So, if you find yourself near Mare Island this June, do yourself a favor: visit the exhibit. Sit down, write your family’s story on an index card, and take a moment to reflect. Because, as JeanCherie puts it, ‘There’s a need to know the history that people are really living.’ And in that history, the women of Mare Island deserve more than a footnote—they deserve a monument.
