“I am honored to become a part of American Women Artists and to work with the many women who have dedicated their lives to the arts,” said Smoczynski who brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience to the job.  Smoczynski administered grant awards to artists and not for profit organizations as part of the New York State Council for the Arts Decentralization Program (NYSCA) As an Arts Administrator at the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC), her responsibilities included Grant Director, grant wriiting, membership oversight, web design, fundraising and marketing.

As Gallery Director for LARAC, Diane Swanson developed and directed all aspects of the yearly juried exhibition schedule, while overseeing marketing.  She also organized and directed art exhibits for other groups. “I’m eager to start working with our member artists to promote their art in the upcoming exhibit at R S Hanna Gallery,”said Swanson, adding, “the high caliber of work and tremendous talent of the artists represented in AWA’s membership are truly impressive and inspiring!”  

Fred Holman, President of the North Country Arts Council and owner of Chestertown Gallery, in Chestertown, New York offered high praise for the duo, noting “Both Anne and Diane have worked flawlessly as a team in the New York State arts community for years.”  Upon hearing that Swanson and Smoczynski would be bringing their many talents to American Women Artists,Holman summed up his reaction with one word:”Wow!”

Dear AWA Members,

Breaking news to announce: for the first time in our nearly 25-year history, we will be awarding medals to our Master and Signature members at our Fall show, hosted by R. S. Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.  Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals in painting and Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals in sculpture will be awarded to Master Signature and Signature members as well as Honorable Mentions in each category. 

Our Opening Reception on November 1 will be held in conjunction with theFredericksburg Art Walk, which will kick off our 16th Annual Juried Competition and Member Show with lively crowds and a festival atmosphere.   The show will hang until November 24th.   

You’ll want to attend our Master Class on Saturday, November 2.  We are thrilled to announce that Master Signature member Elizabeth Robbins will be leading an all-star line-up of demo artists.  The day-long event will be held at The Good Art School, nestled on 26 beautiful acres of Texas Hill Country.  Stayed tuned for more details as we finalize our slate of Masters, and look for up to the minute information on our Facebook page.      

“Home Grown” by Master Signature Member Elizabeth Robbins

Congratulations are in order for some of our members who have been recognized for their excellence in art.  Master Signature Member, Patricia Rohrbacher, OPA, won Still Life Honorable Mention at the Oil Painters of American 22nd National Juried Exhibition and AWA Founding Member Joan Potter, OPAM, won the Shirl Smithson’s Founder’s Award.   AWA Founding and Master Signature member Donna Howell-Sickles, will have a Retrospective at the Steamboat Art Museum, in Steamboat Springs, CO. June 7 through October 13.  Associate Member, and Merit Award winner from our recent Online Juried Show, Elizabeth Pollie‘s painting graces the May 2013 cover of Southwest Art Magazine. There is a terrific article about her inside, entitled “Heaven on Earth.”

Finally, a warm welcome to Diane Swanson and Anne Smoczynski.  We are excited to have you join us, and know that you’ll help us make our 16th Annual Juried Competition and Member Show the best ever!