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THURSDAY

St. Louis psychotherapist Helen Kornblum began collecting pieces by women photographers just over 20 years ago. In the intervening years, she’s amassed a range of work—from Dorothea Lange’s Depression-era documents to Tina Modotti’s surrealist tableaux—reflecting women’s experiences and perspectives. Among them, Ruth Orkin’s 1951 American Girl in Italy is the definitive ode to the lascivious male gaze: A pretty young thing unhappily navigates a swarm of men watching her stroll down the sidewalk. Kornblum takes particular pride in this image, which, she says, “hands down, is the one photo that resonates with women of all ages.” Amen, sister. Kornblum, whose collection will be on view at the museum today to Jan. 9, 2000, gives a gallery talk at noon at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. Free. (202) 783-7370. (Jessica Dawson)