Florida Chapter

History

The National Association of Women Artists was founded in 1889. It is the oldest professional women's fine arts organization in the United States. It is inclusive and serves professional women artists of all backgrounds and traditions. It is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. 

Early annual exhibitions included works by the notable artists, Rosa Bonheur, Mary Cassatt, and Susan Valadon. Later membership rosters included Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Anna Hyatt Huntington, Louise Nevelson, Alice Neel, Judy Chicago, Neil Blaine, Janet Fish, Miriam Shapiro, Marisol, Audry Flack, and Claire Romano. 

On January 6, 1995, the first and only chapter of this prestigious art association was founded in Florida by Liana Moonie, a past president of National along with Madeline Weiss, the first local president of the N.A.W.A. Florida Chapter. The Florida Chapter carries out the mission of the National Association of Women Artists, Inc. with regional exhibitions, seminars and other educational activities as well as sponsoring annual scholarships for talented high school art students toward the college of their choice. Our exhibition venues have included the Armory Art Center, Northwood University and Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach, Coral Springs Museum of Art, the Capital Building in Tallahassee, the Cornel Museum of Art and History, Delray Beach and various Northern Trust Banks throughout the state.

NAWA was founded in 1889. It is the oldest professional women's fine arts organization in the United States.

MISSION STATEMENT

"The purpose of the Association is to promote culture and education in the visual arts through exhibitions of its member's works, lectures, art demonstrations, scholarships, awards and other educational programs.

The Association shall foster public awareness of, and interest, in works of art with emphasis on fine art created by women.  It will encourage new emerging artists through all appropriate means".

Through its exhibitions, programs, events, education programs and archive N.A.W.A. fosters awareness of the monumental contribution of women to the history of American art.

The organization is inclusive and serves professional women artists of all backgrounds and traditions.  It is a 501©3 not-for profit, tax exempt organization.  Copies of the audited financial statements are available in the office upon request.