by Jackie Lorieo, NAWA President
Every artist has a story – your personal history – your personal press release – your extensive elevator speech. The Who, What, Where, When, How and Why. Every organization has a story – its’ own elevator speech. The National Association of Women Artists’ story starts in 1889 with five women in New York City: Anita C. Ashley, Adele Frances Bedell, Elizabeth S. Cheever, Grace Fitz-Randolph, and Edith Mitchill Prellwitz. Can you imagine having your name highlighted for 137 years? The ladies were frustrated in being blocked from art salons, exhibitions, and galleries and decided to do something about it. They created an organization called the Women’s Art Club. They proceeded to organize exhibitions in galleries in New York City and give women artists support to grow their professional development. This continues to this day.
In April 2026, NAWA will open an exhibition called She the People to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
I have been meaning to write my story and have put it off. The title of this short essay has sparked my motivation. I did start and got as far as my Irish grandmother and her five sisters and one brother, and how they all got degrees and had careers – unusual for the turn of the 19th century. That is where my influences begin. Good luck with your story. Enjoy the reminiscing, my sisters.
