The National Museum is displaying the work of 15 female artists today, getting an early start on tomorrow's International Women's Day celebrations.

In conjunction with the National Institute for Women (INAMU), the Barrio Amón-based Gallería Amón has collected 30 works, including photographs, paintings and sculptures, which it will show at the National Museum for one day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“INAMU called on the gallery to do this event in commemoration of Women's Day,” according to the gallery's director Claudia Mandel.

Mandel, curator of the exhibit, said she wanted to use two works per artist “to give a more complete idea of the themes they explore.”

The works were not created expressly for the event, she said, and some of them have already showcased in Mandel's gallery. Adela Marín, Roxana Nagygeller, Rebeca Alpízar and Sussy Vargas are four photographers whose pictures formed an exhibition last year at Amón entitled Miradas Intimas (Intimate Looks), also sponsored by INAMU.

“These artists focus inward at the private world of women,” said Mandel.

The event opens with videos and talks organized by the women's institute. Later, starting at 2:30 p.m., artist Mariela Richmond will lead an outdoor painting class on the pedestrian-only street beside the museum, which is free and open to the public.

For the curator, there's certainly a need for such a celebration as Women's Day.

“Evidently, in Latin American countries it's very important to dedicate a bit of the calendar to reflect on women's issues,” said Mandel. “It's something we have to continue working on.”

The National Museum is located at Calle 17 between Avenida Central and Avenida Segunda. The exhibit closes at 3 p.m.