Dear Prospective Members,

Thank you for your interest in joining the New York Society of Women Artists. Our committee is looking forward to viewing your work. Our jurying of both 2D (paintings/printmaking) and 3D (sculptures) artworks is scheduled annually. Two-D and three-D applications should be submitted independently from each other if you would like to apply for both categories.

Members must live or work within 100 miles of New York City. 

NYSWA is a historical organization, which was created in 1925 to promote Avant Garde women artists. The organization included notable founding members such as the late Theresa Bernstein, Anne Goldthwaite, and other acclaimed artists including Marguerite Zorach, NYSWA’s first president. In more recent times, the Organization’s steadfast commitment to New York arts and culture earned a personal address from former Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, lauding NYSWA’s efforts in the community, nurturing individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Subsequently, NYSWA was awarded a proclamation from Governor Kathy Hochul for the organization’s contribution to women in the arts and to the citizens of New York State. By fostering a collaborative spirit among its members, the organization aims to amplify the impact of its creative output, gain parity in the art market, push boundaries, and redefine the role of women in the arts.

NYSWA IS LIMITED BY CONSTITUTION TO 60 ACTIVE MEMBERS

2025 APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025
Seeking 4 new members in the 2-D category & 4 new members working in 3-D.

The following items should be sent via email to 1925nyswa@gmail.com (Applicant Submission 2D or 3D should be written in email subject line)

·  An introductory cover letter (500 words or less) as to why you would like to join the organization and what you wish to offer the organization in terms of time, skills, enthusiasm, etc.

·  Contact information: email, phone number and studio address 

·  Artist statement, biography and CV

·  Website and social media links

·  10 images of work completed within the last three years labeled with your name, title, year of completion, dimensions, & medium.

First round of jurying will be conducted online by a panel of 5 NYSWA painters for the 2D category and the same number of sculpture panel members for the 3D category on a date (TBD) between November 15th- December 15, 2025. 

Finalists will be notified by Saturday, December 20th - This year we have four spots available in the 2-D category and another four spots available in the 3-D category.

The second round of jurying will be conducted in person in early January, 2026 (Exact date and time TBD, we will announce a central location with easy access.)

Artists will be asked to drop off 3 current works completed within the last 3 years, then return after the jurying, (usually an hour to an hour and a half later). The items reviewed by the judges will be the actual physical artworks, these may be in addition to the 10 artworks you submitted online, or three of the works which were submitted as part of your first round of the application emailed to NYSWA on November 10th, 2025. 

In addition, please bring a folder containing hardcopies of the items which were submitted as part of your online application, including color copies of the images submitted. Selected members will be notified that day - no later than 24 hrs.

 A DETAILED LETTER WITH EXACT DATES, TIMES & INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

Info about NYSWA Membership:

Mission: The purpose of the organization is to promote the art careers of its women artist members, primarily by organizing exhibitions, supplying publicity, encouraging networking and camaraderie among members, and providing relevant cultural and art world information. By fostering a collaborative spirit among its members, the organization aims to amplify the impact of its creative output, gain parity in the art market, push boundaries, and redefine the role of women in the arts.

Exhibitions: We hold at least one annual open exhibition and often schedule several (3-4) exhibitions at various well-known venues within a given year.

Dues/fees: A one-time initiation fee of $65, which covers web services for an online profile on NYSWA’s website, and annual dues, which are currently $130, are payable upon acceptance.

Meetings, Volunteering, Exhibitions: Members are expected to attend general meetings -usually four per year, (One each quarter) and are required to volunteer time and energy for one or more of our various committees, activities, and exhibitions (an average of 4 hours per month of involvement). NYSWA does not own a gallery space, therefore we rent some of the spaces we exhibit in. Exhibition fees which are shared among the participating artists are based on the cost of rental plus marketing and reception costs ($45-$85 dollars depending on the venue).

Rules of Membership: The membership, present and future, shall comprise of only active and professional artists who volunteer independently or within a NYSWA committee an average of an hour a week. Any member who has neither exhibited at least once within two years, nor attended at least one meeting during a calendar years’ time, shall receive notice that their membership may be revoked or switched to non-exhibiting status.

Number of Members: The membership shall consist of no more than sixty.