Every so often a show comes along that makes you remember why art is such a vital part of the human experience. The big Judy Chicago retrospective at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington is such a show. If you see nothing else this season, don't miss this one.

Chicago almost single-handedly invented feminist art in the 1970s; before her, there were plenty of women artists, but they were stuck in the same situation as women pianists then, for whom the highest praise was the backhanded compliment, "She plays like a man."

In the late 1960s Chicago was producing brilliant minimalist paintings and sculpture in the style of her male counterparts. By 1972, however, she had begun a series of breakthrough works based on the imagery of a central core radiating energy and power.

Chicago's extended exploration of female imagery, and of women's history, art and crafts, culminated in The Dinner Party, a monumental 1979 installation honoring great women in history that has become part of the canon of American art. Later she produced two other powerful collaborative works, The Birthing Project (1980-1985) and The Holocaust Project (1985-1993).

The museum is located at 1250 New York Ave. N.W. in Washington. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 adults, $6 students and seniors. Call 202-783-5000, or visit the museum Web site at www.nmwa.org.