Why Wendy?
The Vision
Imagine departing the ferry in Vallejo and seeing a woman welder looking back at you—representing thousands of women who stepped forward during World War II to build the ships that carried our nation through the war.
What Others Are Saying
Wendy The Welder is an important reminder of the often forgotten women who stepped in when needed to support our country during WWII. JeanCherie’s lifelong commitment to combining community and art makes her the right artist for this extraordinary job.
-Susan Noll
Testimonial here
-Name
Testimonial here
Name
Women of Mare Island
During World War II, thousands of women went to work at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California, taking on jobs that had previously been largely performed by men.
At its wartime peak, Mare Island employed thousands of women, including women working in production trades such as welding. A 1945 U.S. Naval Institute account records the rapid growth of women working at Mare Island—from 540 in June 1942 to 3,070 by December of that year.
