Why belong to an Art Organization?

I am home from the Women Artists of the West ( WAOW) annual juried show in California and the thought crossed my mind: why do artists need to belong to an art organization? If you are a woman artist, should you belong to a womans' art group? There are many reasons to belong to such groups: credentials, show opportunities, scholarships, education, workshops, discounts on ads and supplies. Women artists do face challenges that many male artists do not experience. There is still a bias towards men artists. It is not about talent or skill. It is the perception that a woman artist is not a professional because of the belief that she isn't feeding a family, or she is a hobbyist. If a male artist is supported by his wife so that he can pursue an art career, that still doesn't label him as a hobbyist. If a woman artist is supported by her husband, then often she isn't perceived as being serious. Women artists juggle so much in addition to dealing with false perceptions. They often are still expected to take care of their children, clean, do laundry, and provide meals.

WAOW members had the opportunity to hear encouraging words from Peggi Kroll-Roberts,  a fellow woman artist who has been able to juggle life as well as achieve national recognition for her work. We also had many other opportunities to brain-storm as well as discuss art issues that are related to women artists. For all those reasons I am proud to be a member of an organization that celebrates professional women artists.

Left: Amy Evans and Dena Kirk, WAOW