Welcome

The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati is the oldest existing women’s art club operating without interruption in the United States. Founded December 1, 1892 by nineteen women artists in response to the Cincinnati Art Club’s refusal to include women, the Woman’s Art Club continues its tradition of stimulating its members to greater effort in their work and increasing a general interest in art.

Founding club members were Christine Bredin, Jennie Brookbank, Louise Fisher, Pauline Frank, Laura Fry, Altha Haydock (Caldwell), Ida Holterhoff Holloway, Grace Kennett (Wheelwright), Caroline Lord, Kate Reno Miller, Clara Chipman Newton, Carlotta Agnes Raymond, Clemmie A. Roberts, Dixie Selden, Mary Spencer, Annie G. Sykes, Mary Trivett (Haight), Henrietta Wilson, Kate Wilson. The newly organized Club held its first exhibition in April 1892 at the Clossons Co. on Elm Street — that tradition, The Woman’s Art Club Annual Juried Art Exhibition, is in its 127th year.

In its 125+ years of operation the Club has had several homes — but never one that felt permanent until 2006 when the historic Resthaven Barn in Mariemont became available. The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation was formed to purchase the barn, oversee the transformation, and manage its operation and further development as the Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center.

The BARN is what most of us lovingly call The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center — the Woman’s Art Club does not own or run it  — the Club has meetings there, the Club rents office and exhibition space there. Many of our Club members teach classes or hold workshops at the Barn — these are contracted by them directly with the Barn. The Club is committed to supporting the well-being of the Barn and sets aside some portion of its budget for programs or improvements according to the Club’s ability within the scope of its mission as a donation to the Foundation. Club members support the Barn through donations of time and money to Foundation fund-raising events and campaigns.

Club financial operations depend upon dues payments, Annual Juried Exhibition entry fees, a 20% commission on art sold at that exhibition, profits from club-sponsored workshops, and donations. Membership dues are generally $60/year.

Meetings: Monthly on the second Saturday morning of the month from September through May, consisting of a light refreshments and time to socialize before a (usually) brief business meeting which is followed by an artist demonstration or educational program. Last year the club enjoyed presentations from Cynthia Sturdevant, (Cincinnati Weaver’s Guild), Lynann Doll (Master Framer, Frame Concepts), Bob Strohsahl, (Owner Great American Art Works, Pastels), and Suzanne Ley (Power Point of artist work & methods).

Exhibitions: The Club sponsors three exhibitions a year.

• The All-Member Exhibition — Associate, Signature, and Honorary Members.
• The Signature Member Exhibition — Signature & Honorary Members.
• The Woman’s Art Club Annual Juried Exhibition — female artists 18 years and older who live in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana. This year’s exhibition will be the Club’s 128th.

Workshops: The Club sponsors several workshops every year. Click Here to view current workshop offerings

Philanthropy: In keeping with our mission, the Woman’s Art Club sponsors a merit-based scholarship for a female artist pursuing art education. We also donate funds to Cincinnati’s Art Works Summer Apprentice Program.

Other Club Activities: These include a bi-monthly Book Club and Spontaneous Social Activities in addition to the organized ones.

Communications: Club members receive a monthly newsletter September through June as well as emails and reminders about Club events and Member exhibitions. Club members also have access to member-only resources on our website.

Applying for Membership

Membership is open to women 18 years and older. Unless living more than 50 miles from Cincinnati city limits applicants will be considered residents and pay $60/year for membership. Applicants living more than 50 miles from Cincinnati city limits may apply for non-resident membership.

Resident Membership Online Application

Non-Resident Membership Online Application

Questions about membership? Contact us HERE.