About Women Painters West
Women Painters West (WPW) is a community of women artists dedicated to elevating creative standards, expanding professional opportunities and providing meaningful ways to connect through art. We are committed to the practice of painting and to supporting women through exhibitions, fellowship, education and philanthropy.
Our history
Founded in 1921 in Laguna Beach, WPW began as The Woman’s Art Club of Southern California and evolved through name changes before becoming Women Painters West in 1983.
WPW’s legacy includes artists who helped shape early California art history, including members such as Mabel Alvarez, Kathryn Leighton, Elsie Palmer Payne, and Donna Norine Schuster.
Today WPW continues as a multi-generational community of artists.
What we do
Women Painters West provides women artists with fellowship in an artistic community, maintains high creative standards, and offers exhibition venues for a diverse group of dedicated painters. WPW also supports the development of emerging artists through financial assistance and community-focused programs. We hold monthly meetings, either online demonstrations or in-person social meetings, art share meetings, paint-outs and other special events.
Exhibitions
WPW is dedicated to presenting the finest work by our members through unexhibitions held several times each year in museums, community and college galleries, and private galleries. Independent jurors - often artists, curators, critics, and gallery directors—help maintain the quality and diversity WPW is known for.
Meetings, programs, and community
WPW offers opportunities to learn, connect, and stay inspired through programs such as:
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Monthly member meetings (typically held September through June, with Zoom meetings and occasional in-person gatherings)
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Guest speakers and presentations, with time for Q&A
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Field trips, paint-outs, studio visits, and Art Shares where members gather in small groups to share work and feedback
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An Art Book Club (typically meeting monthly)
Many presentations are recorded and shared through WPW’s YouTube channel so members can revisit talks and trainings.
Membership
Women Painters West is a juried organization. Membership is granted through an application process with a review of original artwork examples and consideration of resume.
If you’re interested in joining:
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Applications are accepted February through April each year.
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Prospective members are encouraged to attend at least one meeting to become familiar with WPW and its community.
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If you complete an application outside of the February-April Application Period, your application will be saved until the next Application Period, the following April.