Connecticut Women Artists, Inc.

History of CWA

For 75 years, Connecticut Women Artists, Inc.  has provided a forum for women's artwork and continues to emphasize the value of art for our society today.  Each CWA member possesses a wealth of invaluable knowledge and ability which makes this a great organization.

Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. was founded in 1929 when thirteen women artists exhibited at the Wadsworth Athaneum in Hartford.  Since exhibition opportunities for women were rare at this time these women started a society of female artists with the encouragement of Mr. A. Everett Austin, Jr. director of the Museum at the time.  The group officially incorporated in 1953.  It was known as the Connecticut Society of Women Painters, Inc. in 1968.   The name changed in 1973 to what it is today - Connecticut Women Artists.

This organization presently has over 200 active members.  While things have improved since 1929, there is still a need for our existence and much for us to do for today's women artists.  We present one open juried show and one members juried show each year at varying gallery locations throughout the state.

We attempt  to have well known artists or curators as jurors to add excitement to these shows and have succeeded in the past few years in having artists Miriam Shapiro, Lila Katzen, Clare Romano, Judy Pfaff, Sondra Freckelton, Nell Blaine and  Judy Chicago.

Women artists are eligible to become members after being accepted to two open juried exhibitions and also by separate slide review.  One person shows are also awarded as prizes to members to further the visibility of women artists and their work.