The school has also tried to encourage girls, another group underrepresented in chess.

Needed: teachers to encourage girls in math, science, and technology.

Surely we should aim to encourage boys and girls to take an interest in all toys.

They also encouraged girls to attend, although few parents were willing to send their daughters.

"And I do not encourage girls under 17 to pursue a professional career in modeling."

Officially, the display is meant "to encourage women and girls throughout the state to view themselves as potential creators of art."

"Society still doesn't encourage little girls to be what they want to be," she said.

A number of organizations have been set up to combat the stereotyping that may encourage girls away from careers in these areas.

Another goal is to encourage young girls to step beyond the familiar with confidence.

"These are two respected careers for women that we would like to encourage small girls to follow," he said.