History

In her inaugural address 15 years ago, Hoffberger noted, “It’s our hope that you, too, will be inspired to become more open, more sure-footed in your own efforts to explore and discover your own life's unique possibilities, while being ever more sensitized to the bounty and lessons afforded by nature to help us on our way. We anxiously await the inspired new harvest and the excitement of taking these very first steps of our dance together with you and all who enter our doors!”

This vision has never wavered.

Today, Hoffberger continues helping the best self-taught artists exhibit their important works and ensuring that these works are seen.

“To know Rebecca is to see art in motion,” says Marlene Young of Great Southern Enterprises. “Her colorful spirit and dynamic drive led her to take her vision, passion, and unparalleled creativity to open the AVAM. This nationally acclaimed gem is a reflection of the brightest and best in diverse creativity and artistic expression of our great state.”

Awed by the panel’s inclusion of her on the list, Hoffberger notes, "Maryland has long been known as ‘America in miniature.’ It’s a rare delight to be included among this list of women, whose actions and imaginations have ennobled life in such significant ways that the consequences speak to all of America of what can and should be."

Claire McCardell

Frederick-born Claire McCardell took women out of girdles. The renowned fashion designer and mother of American sportswear “claimed men’s fabrics and made us comfortable with better designs,” says Maryland Women's History Project coordinator Linda Shevitz.

Indeed, McCardell herself once quipped, “Clothes ought to be useful and comfortable. Why [do] women's clothes have to be delicate [rather than] practical and sturdy as well as feminine?"

No slave to sequins, she designed casual clothing that was simple, didn’t have to be ironed, and enabled her to pursue her favorite sports.

When she was 16, McCardell entered Hood College in Frederick because her parents thought she was too young to study in New York City, explains Dr. Carolyn Stegman, who included McCardell in her book Women of Achievement in Maryland History. Later, McCardell transferred to New York’s Parsons School of Design.

Although McCardell started her career painting rosebuds on window shades, says Stegman, she became the first designer to use zippers and to popularize leotards and strapless swimwear. She was also among the first to label her clothing. And since she despised high heels, she made wearing ballet slippers “all the rage” during the 1940s and 50s.

Determined to use inexpensive fabric to turn out a smart dress any woman could wear, McCardell designed the "Monastic," her signature creation, in 1938. With large patch pockets, loose sleeves, and a loose-fitting cut that was gathered at the waist with a belt or sash, the $29.95 garment became an instant hit, selling out within 24 hours, writes Stegman.

In 1942, McCardell introduced the $6 denim wraparound "Popover,” which could be used as a dressing gown, a swimsuit cover-up, a housedress, or a party dress.

In 1957, at the height of her career, McCardell was diagnosed with colon cancer. Working from her hospital bed, she completed her final designs. She checked out of the hospital to introduce the collection at what she knew would be her final show.

McCardell was really cheated, laments Stegman, dying when she was just 52.

Pauli Murray

Reverend Doctor Pauli Murray never met a challenge she couldn’t—or wouldn’t—overcome.

Born in Baltimore in 1910, Murray was the granddaughter of a slave and great-granddaughter of a slave owner. Orphaned at a young age, she was forced to move with relatives to North Carolina.