Exhibition Detail
American Women Artists is pleased to announce its eleventh museum exhibition as part of the 25 in 25 campaign, an initiative to have 25 museum shows for its members over 25 years, thereby better recognizing the work of women artists and increasing the historically extremely low representation of women artists in museums and permanent collections.
The exhibition at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, TX, from January 16 to April 17, 2027, takes AWA back to its roots, celebrating the heritage of the American West. American Women Artists was founded in Tucson, AZ, by a group of women artists working in the Western genre. AWA has grown over the last thirty-four years to serve over 1000 artists annually in the U.S. and Canada, including exhibitions around the country, welcoming a wide range of artistic styles.
This exhibition is an invitational honoring AWA’s roots in the western art genre. Artists will be chosen by Heritage Circle Member and AWA Past President Kathrine Lemke Waste, Museum of Western Art Director Darrell Beauchamp, and AWA Director Andrea Bailey. Artists will be selected who best represent AWA for this particular exhibition’s theme and purpose. There is only room for a limited number of artists to participate. However, AWA hopes this exhibit will open the door to more invitationals in addition to its annual juried museum exhibition (the 2027 juried exhibit is at Brookgreen Gardens). This would allow AWA to explore other themes and genres, giving AWA’s many talented members a season to shine as part of this added program.
The exhibition at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, TX, from January 16 to April 17, 2027, takes AWA back to its roots, celebrating the heritage of the American West. American Women Artists was founded in Tucson, AZ, by a group of women artists working in the Western genre. AWA has grown over the last thirty-four years to serve over 1000 artists annually in the U.S. and Canada, including exhibitions around the country, welcoming a wide range of artistic styles.
This exhibition is an invitational honoring AWA’s roots in the western art genre. Artists will be chosen by Heritage Circle Member and AWA Past President Kathrine Lemke Waste, Museum of Western Art Director Darrell Beauchamp, and AWA Director Andrea Bailey. Artists will be selected who best represent AWA for this particular exhibition’s theme and purpose. There is only room for a limited number of artists to participate. However, AWA hopes this exhibit will open the door to more invitationals in addition to its annual juried museum exhibition (the 2027 juried exhibit is at Brookgreen Gardens). This would allow AWA to explore other themes and genres, giving AWA’s many talented members a season to shine as part of this added program.
The Museum
The Museum of Western Art is located in Kerrville, TX, only a short drive northwest from San Antonio, in the heart of the famed Texas Hill Country. The Museum is a work of art in its own right, with its unique architectural design by renowned Texas architect O’Neil Ford.
Featuring heavy timbers and rugged retaining walls of stacked limestone, the building’s exterior resembles a fortified hacienda. With the catastrophic flooding in the Kerr County area in 2025, this 2027 exhibition will give AWA members an opportunity to bring artwork and economic impact to this region. We are grateful to the Museum of Western Art for partnering with AWA on this uplifting exhibition. We look forward to presenting an inspiring exhibition in one of the most beautiful regions in the U.S.
American Women Artists and the Museum of Western Art will host an opening reception and ribbon ceremony on January 15, 2027. The following day, artists will be invited to a VIP brunch. Works in the exhibition will also be featured on AWA’s website, monthly magazine, AWA’s print advertising, and social media channels. A catalogue will be designed with limited quantities available upon request.
American Women Artists and the Museum of Western Art will host an opening reception and ribbon ceremony on January 15, 2027. The following day, artists will be invited to a VIP brunch. Works in the exhibition will also be featured on AWA’s website, monthly magazine, AWA’s print advertising, and social media channels. A catalogue will be designed with limited quantities available upon request.
A Note on the Theme
Please see below for further information on this exhibition’s western art theme. If you are unsure if your submission fits the theme, please reach out to
[email protected].
Western art explores the cultures, histories, and natural world of the American West. This expansive and varied region—stretching from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean— encompasses the Great Plains, the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest. Its diverse landscapes, peoples, and wildlife have long provided profound and enduring inspiration for artists.
Rather than being defined by a particular style, Western art is shaped by subject matter and narrative. It spans a wide range of artistic approaches and media, unified by a focus on themes rooted in the American West. Common subjects include cowboys, Indigenous peoples, wildlife, and sweeping landscapes. Artists often depict scenes of daily life, moments from the complex history of westward expansion, celebrations of the region’s natural resources, and reflections on the threats those resources face.
At its heart, Western art frequently grapples with what is often called the “spirit of the American West”—a powerful and sometimes contested idea associated with freedom, independence, resilience, and the unknown. For some, the defining qualities of the West lie in its vast skies and luminous light; for others, it is the ruggedness of life and a close, interdependent relationship with the land.
These varied and sometimes competing perspectives deepen our understanding of the region and enrich the artistic dialogue surrounding it. Historically, Western art was largely shaped and defined by settlers’ viewpoints. Today, however, a more inclusive
Western art explores the cultures, histories, and natural world of the American West. This expansive and varied region—stretching from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean— encompasses the Great Plains, the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest. Its diverse landscapes, peoples, and wildlife have long provided profound and enduring inspiration for artists.
Rather than being defined by a particular style, Western art is shaped by subject matter and narrative. It spans a wide range of artistic approaches and media, unified by a focus on themes rooted in the American West. Common subjects include cowboys, Indigenous peoples, wildlife, and sweeping landscapes. Artists often depict scenes of daily life, moments from the complex history of westward expansion, celebrations of the region’s natural resources, and reflections on the threats those resources face.
At its heart, Western art frequently grapples with what is often called the “spirit of the American West”—a powerful and sometimes contested idea associated with freedom, independence, resilience, and the unknown. For some, the defining qualities of the West lie in its vast skies and luminous light; for others, it is the ruggedness of life and a close, interdependent relationship with the land.
These varied and sometimes competing perspectives deepen our understanding of the region and enrich the artistic dialogue surrounding it. Historically, Western art was largely shaped and defined by settlers’ viewpoints. Today, however, a more inclusive
understanding recognizes and centers the voices, experiences, and artistic traditions of Indigenous peoples alongside other diverse communities who call the West home.
In a contemporary, pluralistic society—one that both celebrates and critically examines its past—Western art continues to evolve. It asks not only what the American West was, but what it is now, and what it might become.
In a contemporary, pluralistic society—one that both celebrates and critically examines its past—Western art continues to evolve. It asks not only what the American West was, but what it is now, and what it might become.
About AWA's 25 in 25 Initiative
In 2017, AWA launched 25 in 25, a bold initiative to secure 25 museum exhibitions for our women artist members over the next 25 years. We did this because work by women artists made up only 3 – 5% of the permanent holdings of art museums in America in 2017, and has only risen to 13% eight years later. We are determined to roll up our sleeves and take action on this! Please join us in our mission to celebrate, unite, and promote women in the visual fine arts.
Eligibility
The invitational exhibition will include AWA members at least 18 years of age, who are working in the fine arts and residents of either the United States or Canada. To show works, applicants and finalists must be a current member of American Women Artists.
To check the status of your membership, please login to your portal or email [email protected]. Your membership must be valid throughout the exhibition period.
To check the status of your membership, please login to your portal or email [email protected]. Your membership must be valid throughout the exhibition period.
American Women Artists seeks to present an exhibition of fine art demonstrating excellence in terms of composition, technique, mastery of medium and quality of design. The final selection will be an exemplary showcase of a diverse group of representational and abstract artworks by artists who draw, paint, and sculpt.
AWA will use ShowSubmit for all final submissions. If you would like to share pieces that you are working on or have questions about what might be best to submit, please email [email protected] before submitting your work via ShowSubmit. All ShowSubmit entries are final, and details cannot be later changed.
Rules
- All information and photos must be submitted to ShowSubmit by Thursday, October 1, 2026.
- Entries may be representational or abstract work(s): drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, and sculpture in alignment with the theme of the exhibition. If you are unsure if your submission fits the theme, please reach out to [email protected].
- Artists are encouraged to submit between 2 – 5 works to ensure inclusion in the exhibition. The exhibition curators will choose works to create an exhibition of the highest quality with works complementing one another in the galleries. One or more works may be selected.
- Works do not have to be for sale. Sold works may be submitted. Enter NFS in the entry form. Please note any prices listed cannot be changed after entry, and shipping fees are the responsibility of the artist. Artists will receive 55% of the sales price for 2D works and 60% for 3D works. The museum will receive 35% to support its mission. AWA will receive 10% for 2D and 5% for 3D to support its mission.
- Maximum size for 2D works: Up to 60” on the longest side unframed.
Maximum size for sculpture: Height 8 ft including base or pedestal. Weight 250 lbs. - All work(s) entered must not have been accepted for a previous AWA national juried museum competition or online juried show in the past 4 years.
- Acceptable mediums for sculpture include cast metal, fabricated metal, stone, glass, wood, and any fired permanent medium such as terra cotta, stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware.
- Acceptable mediums for painting include oil, acrylic, water media, pastel, egg tempera, encaustic, mixed media, and batik.
- Acceptable mediums for drawing include conte crayon, colored pencil, graphite, pen & ink, scratchboard, charcoal, and original hand-pulled prints.
- Mixed Media is acceptable only if created using acceptable mediums as listed above. Mixed Media cannot include any mediums deemed not acceptable, as listed below.
- Nonacceptable mediums include craft, jewelry, fiber, fabric, photography, video, digital prints including giclee, or any work containing computer-generated elements.
- Work(s) must have been created by the artist without supervision or as part of a class or workshop.
- Work(s) must be original. Work(s) may not be a copy or imitation of another work. Any reference provided by an instructor is not eligible, including an instructor provided photo, still-life setup, or model setup. Work(s) must be original and from your own reference, not copied from other artists or published materials. All artwork must be originally drawn and not created on top of any photographic image.
- By submitting images to this opportunity, you understand and agree that accepted images will be displayed on the AWA website, Facebook or Instagram page, and other social and/or print media.
- By entering this exhibition, artists acknowledge they own full copyright to the submitted work. If you are unsure about copyright and copyright infringement, learn more at Copyright.gov - What Visual and Graphic Artists Should Know about Copyright | U.S. Copyright Office. AWA is not liable for any copyright claim made against an entered work. Artists retain copyright to their image(s).
- By entering this exhibition, you agree that you have read and will abide by all rules outlined in this prospectus. AWA and the Museum reserve the right to reject any work it deems to not comply with these rules, is damaged, or any work that AWA deems offensive including accepted pieces upon inspection at the Museum.
- Failure to meet any eligibility requirements will result in the submitted artwork being disqualified. It may result in the artist's disqualification from participation in AWA's next exhibition at AWA's sole discretion.
- Artwork must be exhibited for the duration of the exhibition.
Submission
The entry form must be filled out in its entirety. List sizes up to the nearest inch. Submitted images must not include matting or frame. Crop the photos to include only the artwork. Be sure your images are right-side-up. Artists may submit multiple images of 3-D work(s) to show different views of artwork.
Before uploading your images, make sure they are 1920 pixels or larger on the longest side. Images should be in JPEG format, with RGB color space. ShowSubmit will handle renaming and resizing the images for you.
Help in photographing your work and properly sizing your images can be found at showsubmit.com/photoprep. Please do not wait until the last day to ask for help!
Before uploading your images, make sure they are 1920 pixels or larger on the longest side. Images should be in JPEG format, with RGB color space. ShowSubmit will handle renaming and resizing the images for you.
Help in photographing your work and properly sizing your images can be found at showsubmit.com/photoprep. Please do not wait until the last day to ask for help!
Entry Fees
Entry fees are being paid by AWA for this exhibition. You must be a current member of AWA to submit.
Existing or overdue members can check status or renew by logging into your member portal.
No changes
Please note that no changes can be made to your entry after submission. Please double check your price, title, image, etc. because these details will be used in the exhibition catalogue if the piece is selected for the exhibition.
Awards
There will be ribbons to honor distinction among the works selected.
Accepted Works
- Once accepted, works may be pre-sold but must be exhibited for the duration of show and proceeds must be shared with the museum and AWA, under Commission terms outlined below.
- All accepted paintings and drawings must be framed and wired for hanging. Accepted sculpture must be ready to place with any stands and title plates securely fastened. Stone sculpture may be shipped without a base attached only if clear, simple, well-labeled assembly instructions are included and any required installation materials are included with the sculpture.
- Accepted works cannot be in an online exhibition concurrently with this exhibition.
- Accepted artists will be offered advertising opportunities at AWA negotiated rates in two to three different national publications.
- Accepted works must be exhibited throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Sales Commission
The Museum will process sales. If a sale occurs, the artist will receive 55% of the price for 2D works and 60% for 3D. The Museum will receive 35% to support its mission. AWA will receive 10% for 2D and 5% for 3D to support its mission. Artwork must be priced in accordance with the artist’s current pricing structure and must account for shipping to and from the venue. Buyers will not be billed for shipping. Pricing will be available in the exhibition and will appear on the AWA website. Prices cannot be changed after entry. The Museum agrees to pay the artists by the 10th of the month following the sale.
Shipping
Each accepted Artist is responsible for the delivery of their shipped work for arrival between January 4 - 8, 2027. AWA recommends artwork be shipped in airfloat / “strong” boxes or in wooden crates. Hand-delivered works must be delivered between January 4 - 8, 2027. Each container should have an image of the work on the outside of the box or on the inside lid. Artwork will be shipped back to artists or buyers between April 19 – 23, 2027. Artwork picked up in person must be picked up between April 19 – 23, 2027. Pick-ups and deliveries must be coordinated in advance with the Museum. Shipping expenses are the responsibility of AWA members. Each artist will provide a return pre-paid Fed Ex or UPS label for shipped artwork. The exhibit pieces will be condition reported and installed by Museum personnel. It will be the responsibility of the artist to supply the Museum with an updated shipping label, if the work has sold and needs to be shipped to the buyer.
Liabilities, Responsibilities, Sales
By entering this exhibition, the artist agrees that they have read and will abide by all rules outlined in this prospectus. All membership fees are non-refundable. Submission of work for this exhibit will be construed as acceptance of all conditions set forth in prospectus. AWA and the Museum reserve the right to return work that does not meet exhibition standards at the artist’s expense. Every reasonable care will be taken with original artwork. The Museum will be responsible for insurance of artwork while on exhibit for the amount specified on Record of Consignment. The Artist is responsible for insurance of artwork to cover the full value of the artwork while in transit. AWA members have free membership with ShipandInsure.com for reduced shipping and additional insurance. Artists are encouraged to use this benefit.
Submission Policies
Original Work Requirements
Work(s) must be original. Work(s) may not be a copy or imitation of another work. Any reference provided by an instructor is not eligible, including an instructor provided photo, still-life setup, or model setup. Work(s) must be original and from your own reference, not copied from other artists or published materials. All artwork must be originally drawn and not created on top of any photographic image.
No Past Accepted Work
All work(s) entered must not have been accepted for a previous AWA national juried museum competition or online juried show in the past 4 years.
Image and Filename Specifications
- File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
- Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
- Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
- Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
- File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
- File Size: There is a 30MB maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.
Additional Entry Information
- After your entry is submitted, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (October 1, 2026.)
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Notifications Are Posted in Your Account
Results will be posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on October 16, 2026. You will also receive an email.
Log in and check your account. We are unable to answer individual inquiries about results.
Support
Questions about this exhibition?
Contact AWA ([email protected]) for questions about the prospectus, AWA, eligibility, artwork requirements, drop-off, pick-up, sales, etc.
Need help with ShowSubmit?
Visit our Help Center or Entry Guide for guidance on image uploads, payments, and managing your entry. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We respond Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Eastern.