About CWA, Mission Statement, and Leadership
One of the Oldest Art Organizations in the Country
CWA is one of the country's oldest women's art organizations, founded in 1929. The organization is a not-for-profit corporation that provides a forum for women's art and emphasizes art's importance in today's society. CWA is a statewide group of vibrant, highly accomplished professional artists working in various media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, assemblage, photography, clay, metal, fiber, and textiles. CWA provides many opportunities for contemporary female artists through its programs, including exhibitions, online exhibitions, networking, promotion, and education. CWA presents annual art exhibitions in Connecticut, including the National Open Juried Exhibition, the Members' Juried Show, and the Council Members' Show at well-known and respected galleries and museums throughout the state. The CWA Council chooses jurors from among the most influential women in the visual arts in Connecticut. The artists, educators, and curators who have worked with us are all outstanding women in their expertise and have made significant contributions to the art world.
A Timeless Mission Statement
The goal of Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. is to foster and promote interest in the visual arts by Connecticut women, to maintain the highest possible standards of achievement among them, to provide exhibitions, and to encourage any other activities beneficial to artistic endeavors.
Strong Council Leadership
Officers
Co-Presidents
Sarah Grote
Nancy Whitcher
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Vice President
Jennifer Muller
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Treasurer
Lakshmi S. Nair
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Secretary
Margaret Wilson
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Membership Chair
Kelly Taylor
Council Members (Governing Board)
Cynthia Cooper
Communications
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Ellen Gordon
Social Media
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Janet Leombruni
President Emerita 2023-2025
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Mallorie Ostrowitz
Location Scout
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Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti
Reception Chair
Amy Conover
Kathleen Curran Smits
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Nancy Whitcher
​Historian; Newsletter Editor
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Gretchen Wohlgemuth
Graphic Designer
About Our Council Officers
President - Sarah Grote
Sarah Grote received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is an award-winning photographer and painter whose work has been accepted into galleries, juried exhibitions, and museums across Connecticut and beyond. She serves as Gallery Director at the Essex Art Association, where she manages exhibitions, artist relations, and public engagement. In addition to her work in the arts, Sarah is Vice President of Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, leading fundraising initiatives, public relations efforts, and capital campaigns. She also serves as Administrator of the Essex Board of Trade (EssexCT.com), supporting local businesses and promoting community events. As President of CWA, Sarah is dedicated to fostering opportunities for women artists, strengthening statewide arts partnerships, and supporting CWA’s mission to celebrate and advance women’s contributions to the visual arts.
Vice President - Jennifer Muller
​Jennifer Muller was educated and enlightened by a vibrant community of talented artists and mentors. Through them, she learned the foundational principles and techniques and developed priceless skills utilizing her unique gifts and artistic voice. She holds juried membership in Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. (CWA) and the Canton Artists Guild, and she is a member of the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, the West Hartford Art League, and the Greenwich Art Society. Her work has been exhibited at galleries throughout the Northeast, and is in private collections in New England, New York, North Carolina, and the Southwest. She currently has gallery representation in New Mexico, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
Secretary - Margaret Wilson received her Master's degree in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute and her Bachelor's degree in Studio Art from Skidmore College. She also did postgraduate study at the Institute for Expressive Analysis in NYC. Her professional career trajectory moved from direct service as an art therapist into mental health administration, including Director of Operations for a hospital mental health and addictions service. Upon retirement, she devoted herself to full-time painting and has exhibited widely in Connecticut over the past 25 years in solo and group exhibitions. She has remained rooted in the healing power of art, and her work focuses on revealing the obscured, with content ranging from plein air painting to portraiture. Margaret joined the CWA's governing board as Secretary in June 2023.
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Membership Chair - Kelly Taylor is an award-winning artist working in mixed media. Private instruction with artist teachers over the years, and group workshops on methods and techniques in mixed media has helped to develop Kelly’s approach to creating art. She has also attended the Residency Workshop program at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art for the last five years. In addition to CWA, she is a member of the New Haven Paint and Clay Club and a Signature Member of Arts Center East, Vernon, Connecticut. Her work resides in private collections throughout the United States, as well as in public spaces including Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut and the Copper Beech Institute, West Hartford, Connecticut. Kelly has served as Membership Chair since 2022.
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Treasurer - Lakshmi Nair is a contemporary artist born in India and resides in Connecticut, USA. Her educational background is in bioengineering, and she works as a Professor of Bioengineering and Orthopaedic surgery at the University of Connecticut. While pursuing her career path in scientific research and education, she continues to pursue her passion for painting. She is deeply drawn to the mythology, iconography, and symbolism of Indian and East Asian art during the classical and medieval periods. Over the years, Lakshmi studied with various masters, including Mr. Krishnan Nair, Ms. Claire Fish, Ms. Zoey Frank, Mr.Yong Chen, Mr. Prince, and Mr. Kevin McPherson.
Acknowledgment of the Most Recent Officers and Council Members
The CWA Council wishes to extend their gratitude to the following recent, former Council members for their dedication and years of service: Patricia Carrigan, Pauletta De Lucia, Patricia L. Corbett, Jackie Stella, Barbara Rositto, Kristen Walsh, Linda Boisvert DeStefanis, Marcy Labella, Diane Cadrain, and Carol Vinick. The Council also wishes to thank all of the former Officers and Council members for helping to further the mission of Connecticut Women Artists.