celebrating stories that make us human

worthy woman

photography exhibit 

MARCH 9, 2024 @ 6pm - VENUE 308, CALGARY

An immersive experience where

art, community impact & authentic connection intersect.

March 9th @ 6pm at Venue 308, (308 11 Ave SE #110, Calgary, AB)

You are invited to an inspiring and intimate evening for the YYC Worthy Woman Photography Exhibit. This event is presented by Cedna Portrait Stories - a Calgary based internationally accredited and award winning portrait photographer Cedna Todorovic. Her work is dedicated to elevating and uniting women through the art of portraiture and conversation as she strives to inspire them to embrace their story and advocate for their own dreams, passions, needs, growth and joy. The exhibit brings this mission to life - a culmination of a year long project that merges art, meaningful connection and community impact.

March 8 is International Women’s day and we wanted to bring this 1st annual exhibit in celebration of 35 local women over the age of 40 and stories that make us human. This dynamic exhibit features captivating portraits and emotionally engaging stories of resilience, courage and grit. Moving in its vulnerability, you are bound to be inspired to reflect on your own journey. Guests will not only enjoy an evening of art, music, food and connection but with an extra dose of heart will also have an opportunity to support a worthy cause through a Silent Auction in support of Women on Wings Society.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Worthy Woman Portrait Series is a photography exhibit presented by Cedna Portrait Stories - an internationally award winning & accredited photographer. The evening is dedicated to fostering compassion, inclusivity, authentic connection and supporting a worthy cause (Women on Wings Society). Prepare to be captivated by a collection of moving portraits that showcase the power of individuality, resilience, character, authenticity and perseverance. 

Raw and gritty in its nature, the exhibit is bound to inspire you to reflect on the relationship you have with yourself, your personal story, how far you have come and what you still aspire to achieve in life. Expand your context and witness the transformational power & beauty of portrait photography & the impact of seeing oneself with compassion and acceptance. This event is a celebration of strength and resilience that lies within each and every one of us. Come with a curious spirit, a present mindset and desire to meet and connect with other individuals. This event promises to leave you inspired, entertained and empowered.

YOUR KINDNESS IN ACTION

WOMEN on WINGS Society is a non-for profit, volunteer-based charity that has been assisting women since 2009. Their mission is to empower women and provide them with the resources and healing to help them gain confidence and break the generational traumas and cycles of abuse. 

Funds raised will empower this charitable organization in its mission to fund various initiatives which tangibly improve quality of life and conditions of women facing and fleeing domestic abuse. 

This is done in the form of:

- Support and resources to connect women with appropriate government agencies, channels and organizations to get the help they need

- Daily necessities such as, groceries, bus passes, clothing, food hampers, Christmas Drive etc.

- Trauma release therapy in collaboration with Leah Tabitha.

- Support through divorce coaching in collaboration with Dawn Shandley of New Life Divorce Coaching


We hope that you would like to be a part of the event this year and we kindly ask that you consider donating to the SILENT AUCTION.

EMPOWERING SOCIAL EVENT

We wanted to create a platform for women to authentically connect, explore, evolve, share and learn together

  • Connect with like-minded individuals who believe in the power of self-compassion and self-evolution.

  • Form meaningful connections & challenge our collective narrative of worthiness, beauty, purpose, identity, aging and inspiring self-acceptance.

  • Be inspired to look within, reflect and realign with who you are & who you aspire to be

Includes:

  • Food, snacks and delectable treats

  • Silent Auction (in support of Women on Wings Society)

  • Write a letter to your future self - self-guided activity with letters being mailed to you on your specified date

  • Two custom portrait session giveaways valued at $2600 each

  • Music – a great date night!

  • Cash Bar

LEss small talk. Less online scroll. more creation. more meaningful connection. more joy. more impact

THIS IS FOR YOU IF

  • you are an individual dedicated to personal growth, evolution, self-development and lifting other women up

  • you are looking for a platform where women can authentically connect, explore, share and learn together

  • you enjoy engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas and connecting with others passionate about impact, creativity, purpose and meaningful contribution.

  • are navigating a challenging season in life, have emerged from one and are in a transition, exploring what’s next

  • appreciate and value art, creative expression, self-exploration

  • value and seek out new experiences

  • are a local business that supports women

The relationship we hold with ourself is the foundation of EVERYTHING in life

ABOUT CEDNA(Ched-na) PORTRAIT STORIES

I have struggled my entire life to truly see myself, love myself and feel valued and worthy. I grew up surrounded by exceptional women within my family and beyond, however they also never saw their own worth and potential and a result they endured decades of various types of abuse and never lived or embraced their full potential.

I have come to learn that self-love is an art form, much like photography, paining, dance or poetry, it is always evolving and requires valuable inputs in order to yield joy and fulfilment. It requires good habits, self-care but most importantly curation of one’s thoughts. I believe that women are powerful, multi-dimensional and relevant regardless of their age or condition and that we should be celebrated for more than our appearance. I believe that we often don’t see ourselves the way that others perceive us and that it’s important to be aware of our own biases.

I love photographing women because their courage, strength and resilience is ever inspiring to me. Whether you feel invisible, fully empowered or somewhere in between, I invite you to join me in this exciting exploration of what it means to be a woman in this day and age. When we share our struggles and learnings openly and honestly we gain and inspire clarity, a shift in perspective, wisdom and courage.

Ever since I was a child I have been a strong believer in the beauty of authentic human character and the power of individuality. I wanted to revive the lost art of portraiture and bring back the beautiful legacy of timeless portraits but add depth and meaning to them by combining the often untold personal stories of the people I photograph. Combining my art with community contribution and impact was also of great importance and for this first annual exhibit I have chosen Women on Wings Society as the charitable organization I wanted to support because I believe in their mission and contribution.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Photographs and video footage will be taken throughout the event. Cedna Portrait Stories, the organizer may post select imagery and video clips on social media platforms, their photography website and through other communications. By attending you agree to be part of any photo and video footage which may be shared online.

SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS IN SUPPORT OF WOMEN ON WINGS SOCIETY

Please Complete this Form if you would like to donate to the Silent Auction