About WPW

History

Founded in 1921 in Laguna Beach, Women Painters West is a non-profit membership corporation with educational, benevolent, fraternal and charitable objectives. Originally created under the name of The Woman’s Art Club of Southern California, the organization saw two name changes before officially becoming Women Painters West in 1983.

Many of Women Painters West’s early members were among the great early California women artists including notables Mabel Alvarez, Kathryn Leighton, Elsie Palmer Payne and Donna Norine Schuster, whose works were featured in the Autry Museum of Western Heritage special exhibition Independent Spirits — Women Painters of the American West, 1890-1945.

In recent years, Women Painters West has been composed of some 200 dedicated women artists working in all mediums, committed to the practice of art. Women Painters West includes among its members art instructors in all levels of art education. Many members exhibit individually in galleries, museums, and universities and have been recognized and honored nationally and internationally. Membership is by application and juried selection.

Philanthropies

As an educational and philanthropic association, Women Painters West has created a scholarship fund to award outstanding art students in the Southern California area to realize their academic and career potentials. In addition, our programs include philanthropic assistance to community art programs as well as enriching and enhancing members’ professional opportunities. These programs build on Women Painters West’s goal of assisting in the development of emerging artists throughout the community.

Our Mission

Women Painters West (WPW) provides women painters with fellowship in an artistic community with an emphasis on elevating creative standards and providing exhibition venues for its diverse group of dedicated artists. Additionally, WPW offers financial ·assistance to encourage the development of emerging artists for the betterment of the individual and culture of the general community.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

WPW · supports the artistic growth of a diverse membership through:

  • Promoting the spirit of fellowship among members through programs of shared interest, networking and events
  • Recognizing and elevating standards of creative work. Membership is based on juried selection and continued exhibition participation
  • Enriching and enhancing members through exhibition venues and educational opportunities
  • Providing financial assistance for the development of emerging artists through annual scholarships
  • Offering philanthropic aid to the arts community

 

 

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