Birmingham 

Society of 

Women Painters

The Birmingham Society of Women Painters (BSWP) was founded in 1944 to provide formal instruction and workspace for women painters. The BSWP today is a dynamic organization of more than than 50 artists working in diverse mediums. A commitment to creative expression, exhibition opportunities and continued art education links the generations of BSWP members.

As an organization respected for its members quality artwork, the BSWP is proud of their history of promoting arts awareness in the community. In 1957 the organization won support from business and community leaders to fount the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association (BBAA).  Three years later the coalition developed and implemented an innovative proposal to transform an obsolete Birmingham public works facility into a vibrant community center for visual arts, which continues to thrive today as the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC).  Through the years BSWP members have served on the BBAC board, as faculty members and provided financial support for this essential community art center.

The BWWP includes professional artist as well as those for whom art is a high priority avocation.  Members also exhibit their work individually both nationally and internationally.  Membership is limited, with new members chosen through a selective process nomination and portfolio reviews.  Monthly meetings, show receptions, workshops and field trips are among the social benefits of membership, as well as the opportunity for critique and sharing creative inspiration.  Members have the opportunity to exhibit their art several times throughout the year in BSWP shows at galleries and public spaces. It is always the artist’s decision whether their pieces are for sale and the BSWP does not take any percentage of the sale. In addition to our informative monthly meetings there are also opportunities for unique field trips, a book club and style specific critique groups.