Cyber maid

by SIOBHAN O'CONNOR

 What began as an alternative to the education system--a way for all women, not just academics, to learn about the nebulous and ever-growing world of the Web--has changed considerably in the last few years for the sprightly chicks at Studio XX, an Internet and new-technology resource centre for women. "It has become a balancing act between our community-based mandate of providing low-cost workshops and our higher-end arts mandate," says Patricia Kearnz, co-head of the studio.

 And it seems the juggling has paid off: kicking off Tueday, Feb. 1, Studio XX will be holding its annual Maid in Cyberspace festival of Web-based art. Held at the Cinematheque quebecoise, the public is invited, free of charge, to step inside and warm their toes by the heated and haughty work of an international slew of talented artists. Also, daily conferences are being held at the Cinematheque at 7:30 p.m. on various Web-related topics at $4 a pop. See the exhibit online (www.studioxx.org) or in person (335 de Maisonneuve E.), 'til Feb. 7. :

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