Did you know that downtown Fredericksburg is home to more than 70 women-owned businesses across retail, hospitality, personal services and professional sectors?
In honor of Women’s History Month, Fredericksburg Main Street is unveiling a photography exhibit celebrating women business owners within the Main Street District, the historic commercial corridor supported by the nonprofit. The opening reception is Friday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Visitor Center Exhibit Room.
IF YOU GO
Women of Main Street Opening Reception: Friday, March 6, 5:30 p.m., Visitor Center Exhibit Room, 601 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg
“The Women of Main Street gallery honors the courage, persistence, and quiet strength that build communities. The City of Fredericksburg is stronger because these women chose to lead, shaping our city and making history along the way.” said Mayor Kerry Devine.
The exhibit features black-and-white portraits of women entrepreneurs photographed inside their own businesses by local photographer Maggie Wilder of Aunt Maggs Photography. The collection highlights the leadership, creativity, and resilience of women whose businesses help define the downtown experience.
Trista Chapman, owner of Sophia Street Studios. (Photo by Maggie Wilder)
“Main Street is about people,” said Chris Allen, executive director of Fredericksburg Main Street. “When we realized how many women are leading businesses within our district, we knew we wanted to create something that made their contributions visible and celebrated their impact on Downtown.”
Visitors to the opening reception can view the full exhibit and meet some of the participating women.
“The women of downtown Fredericksburg are operating at the highest level. Creative. Strategic. Relentless in their work ethic and unwavering in their support of one another,” said April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitter. “I’m proud to stand beside them as a business owner on Main Street. This gallery isn’t just an exhibit, it’s a testament to the leadership driving our local economy forward.”
The exhibit will remain on display throughout the month of March and is free and open to the public.
