Ellen Hart is to be presented with the Jeanine C. Rae Award for the Advancement of Women’s Culture at the 2013 National Women’s Music Festival, taking place July 4 thru 7.
Linda Wilson, President of the Board of Directors of Women In The Arts and the Production Manager for the festival, wrote to Ellen explaining the decision:
We wish to acknowledge that you have made many contributions to Women’s Culture. You are the author of two series of crime novels in which you present your female characters as strong, imaginative and honorable women. Your Jane Lawless series presents lesbians in a positive and natural light. You also give back to the community through your classes and lectures. For these reasons we wish to award you the The Jeanine C. Rae Award for the Advancement of Women’s Culture.
Jeanine C. Rae was a guiding light to many women’s journeys during the women’s movement in the 1970s and early ’80s. An ordained minister, psychotherapist, political activist, and the mother of three children, Jeanine touched the lives of innumerable women throughout her short lifetime. She was a co-founder and co-owner of The Women’s Touch, Indianapolis’ first women’s bookstore and counseling center, in 1976. She was one of the midwives to the rebirth of NWMF during its move from Champaign, Illinois, to Bloomington. Her spirit continues to nurture the soul of this festival.
