Then and Now

The Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, New Jersey is presenting the National Association of Women Artists in an exhibition focusing on the fundamental and significant aspects of the organization. NAWA has a unique and historical presence: established in 1889, it is the oldest continuing professional organization of practicing women artists in the United states.

This exhibition emphasizes NAWA’s chronological range through the selection of two groups of artworks; a historical section from the first two-thirds of the 20th century, and a section of recent works by current NAWA members.

The historical section is derived from the collection of art by NAWA members that was established at the Zimmerli Art Museum of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The fifteen historical works at NAWA include paintings, works on paper, and sculpture. Because NAWA was widely recognized in its earlier years for having many talented sculptors within its ranks, five sculptures are presented here.

The contemporary section was juried from a group of 261 submissions and comprises 48 artworks, ranging through a wide diversity of media including painting in oil, acrylic and watercolor, works on paper including graphite, collage, and printmaking, and three-dimensional and relief sculpture using diverse materials. In a way, these recent works offer a reflection of the Monmouth Museum’s commitment to contemporary art.

Overall, the NAWA exhibition at the Monmouth Museum indicates the diversity and talent of the current members of NAWA, while acknowledging and celebrating the venerable and groundbreaking historical contributions of the organization. It also underscores the vitality and determination of NAWA in moving forward with its important mission of opening new exhibition opportunities for its members.