Show Preview | Women Artists of the West

San Diego, CA
Women’s Museum of California, May 2-31

Patricia Ford, Piedra Lumbre Morning, pastel, 11 x 14.

This story was featured in the May 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

For the 44th straight year, the Women Artists of the West show celebrates the wide variety of art created by women. The WAOW organization was built by women for women with the goals of uniting, promoting, and encouraging women artists. Initially created in 1971 by a group of 35 women artists as a place to showcase their western art in a male-dominated field, it quickly grew and now has over 250 members from across the country and includes all mediums and genres.

This year’s show is held at the Women’s Museum of California in San Diego from May 2 to May 31 and includes 214 works in various media—including 17 sculptures—by 93 artists. The show’s opening reception is on May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. “It’s the first time the show is being held in this museum, and it’s probably going to be one of the  largest shows we’ve had because it’s a lovely, large venue,” says Women Art- ists of the West president Christine Drewyer. “We’re planning to have great attendance this year, and it’s at the Women’s Museum, which we’re pretty excited about.”

The organization prides itself on creating a community that not only supports but also educates women on various aspects of the art business as well as providing forums where new and master members  can interact. “We have opportunities for our members to do workshops, which encourages teaching elements. It’s really a source of collaboration within the group,” Drewyer explains.

The artists in this year’s show, as in all years past, have to be juried twice over—once to join the group initially and again to be included in the show. This produces healthy competition among members and ensures the works presented are of top quality. Among the participants are Sally Fuess, Susan Smolensky, Nancy Doyle, Doris Madison, and Patricia Ford. Says Drewyer, “I feel this year’s group is extremely well rounded. There’s wildlife, scratchboard, purely western, and amazing sculpture. There’s pastel and oils. It’s really just a tremendous variety and a very good cross-section of who we are today.” —Joe Kovack

contact information
www.waow.org

Featured in the May 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art May 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!