Hey Laaadies! How does one celebrate Women’s History Month? 3rd Ward, Humble Arts Foundation and Ladies Lotto have got the right idea, kicking it off yesterday night with the opening of “31 Under 31: Young Women in Art Photography” an exhibit that celebrates 31 innovative young women in emerging art photography under the age of 31 selected from open submissions.

Lumi Tan, Director of Zach Feuer Gallery in NYC, and Jon Feinstein, Curatorial Director of Humble Arts Foundation co-curated the exhibition. “While it is impossible to capture the full breadth of international talent by female photographers in one exhibition,” say Tan and Feinstein, “we feel that the diversity of subjects and intent are a clear representation of the wide range of skill and creativity that is flourishing today. By allowing the works to be culled from an open call, we hope to give exposure to unknown photographers while simultaneously showcasing more familiar names in contemporary photography.”

“31 Under 31,” states Natalie Blacker, founder of Ladies Lotto, “was curated to showcase a new generation of women art photographers, which epitomizes the basic premise of Ladies Lotto, supporting women’s individual efforts in collaborative form.”

So what exactly is Ladies Lotto?

It’s an international community of bright and determined women. Formed as a means for building an international women’s network of support and resource-sharing, Ladies Lotto focuses on creating large-scale optimistic impact, benefiting local communities, and enriching its members’ personal and professional lives. Membership consists of over 600 sophisticated global influencers in various creative industries.

Sound good? Check out the org and stop by one of their events for some help and support on being the next lady exhibited (or just get a manicure with some of the brightest and most ambitious out there).

“31 Under 31″ opened to a packed house at 3rd Ward, but the exhibit will remain up until March 28th and will include panel discussions with the artists. So check it out. It’s a great day to be a lady.

3rd Ward
On view: Saturday, March 1 – Friday, March 28, 2008
Panel Discussion: Saturday, March 22, 2008

The exhibition includes photographs by Amy Elkins, Ashley Lefrak, Dru Donovan, Elaine Stocki, Helen Maurene Cooper, Ka-Man Tse, Mary Mattingly, Ahndraya Parlato, Alejandra Laviada, Alana Celli, Alex Van Clief, Allison Grant, Catherine Maloney, Dina Kantor, Hannah Whittaker, Jessica Bruah, Jessica Roberts, Jaimie Warren, Kate and Camilla, Kelly Kleinschrodt, Marta Labad, Manya Fox, Molly Landreth, Nadine Rovner, Rachael Dunville, Reka Reisinger, Sara Padgett, Sarah Small, Sarah Sudhoff, Talia Chetrit and Tealia Ellis Ritter