Founded in 1982 by art historians Patricia Hills and Pat Johnston, the Boston Chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art has grown into one of the largest and most active of the over 35 chapters that comprise the National WCA. Now celebrating our 25th year, the Boston chapter membership is made up of over 150 women in the visual arts professions working in a broad range of media and subject matter. We are a volunteer run, non-profit organization governed by the consensus of a steering committee who ensures our members are given opportunities to provide input into the direction of the chapter.

The Boston Chapter WCA is dedicated to increasing opportunities, visibility, and recognition for women in the arts. We provide forums for meeting and networking with fellow artists and art professionals. We are also committed to reaching out to other arts and non-arts organizations in our community to collaborate on projects utilizing our artists’ expertise and activism. We set about our mission by organizing juried and non-juried exhibitions, programs with a variety of guest speakers, workshops, and a newsletter.

We are affiliated with Tufts University, through their Art History Department and Women's Studies Program.

Image detail — Anne Kirchheimer


LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Our programs feature contemporary and historical topics in aesthetics, scholarship, education, law, finance, and health hazards in the visual arts. Recent programs include a panel discussions between critics, gallery owners and artists; a presentation on copyright laws; and several nationally acclaimed women artists describing their own struggles and successes in making art. We provide a supportive environment for members to share their work and their experiences. Each year, we hold pot-luck dinners with a members’ slide share to encourage networking, and to give members an opportunity to present their work effectively.

Exhibitions vary to offer sufficient range in theme and media to appeal to our diverse membership. They include both juried and non-juried exhibitions, as well as shows for members only and those open to all local or regional artists. The chapter holds an average or three or four exhibitions each year in the greater Boston area.

Our newsletter features articles of current and local interest, book reviews, interviews, updates on exhibition information, artist retreats and member news.

In addition to the other benefits of membership, you are invited to be included in the chapter “Portfolio,” a series of books containing members’ slides, images and resumes for presentation to gallery owners and museum curators who may choose to exhibit our member artists.

Image — C.J. Lori


NATIONAL WOMEN'S CAUCUS FOR ART

Founded in 1972, WCA is a national organization unique in its multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural membership of artists, art historians, students and educators, gallery and museum professionals and others involved in the visual arts. We have focused attention on the enormous contributions of women and people of color throughout the history of art. Our emphasis is on women working in the visual arts professions today. We have established a national network through research, exhibitions, conferences and honor awards for achievement.