American Women Artists is dedicated to the inspiration, celebration, and encouragement of women in the visual Fine Arts.

In 2017, AWA launched 25 in 25, a bold initiative to secure 25 museum exhibitions for our women artist members over 25 years, thereby increasing the visibility, recognition, and support of women artists.

When 25 in 25 began, an average of 4% of artworks in U.S. museum collections were created by women—a stark reminder of the long history of limited access to training, exhibition space, and institutional support for women in the arts. American Women Artists set out to change that. Today, thanks to the efforts of artists, advocates, and institutions like this one, that number has begun to rise. By 2025, 13% of works in U.S. art museums are by women, a sign of real progress—though much work remains.

With an AWA membership, artists have the opportunity to jury into museum exhibitions every year. Along with these exhibitions, we facilitate Purchase Awards for the museum’s permanent collection or for a corporate collection. AWA exhibitions are not only vital to the careers of our member artists—providing professional credentials, visibility, and financial support—they are also essential to enriching the cultural landscape of North America and beyond. For too long, women’s perspectives and creative voices have been overlooked in the arts. We hope you will join us in continuing to correct that imbalance.