Artful Women

Artful Women celebrates 40 years of providing a platform for talented women artists to showcase their work. From paintings and beadwork to photography, sculpture, and mixed media, artists from across the state come together to create a diverse, month-long exhibition Artful Women celebrates the creativity of Wisconsin artists, with a portion of artwork sales supporting the Wisconsin Women’s Network’s mission and programs.

In honor of this milestone anniversary, we're hoping to feature 40 artists in the 2026 exhibition!

Interested in participating as an artist? We’d love to see your work as part of this special anniversary exhibition. Find details below on how to apply!

Artful Women 2026

Call for Artists: Artful women celebrates 40 years!

Applications for Artful Women 2026 are now open for new and continuing artists. The show is juried, and artists working in a variety of mediums are encouraged to apply. In honor of Artful Women’s 40th anniversary, our goal is to feature 40 artists in this year’s exhibition.

Applications are open to cisgender and transgender women, non-binary, and genderqueer people. Learn more about the application process here!

Application Deadlines:

• New artists: Apply by October 9, 2026

• Continuing artists: Apply by October 12, 2026

Choose from two application options:

• Fillable Microsoft Word document: This version allows you to type directly into the form and can be downloaded here.

• Printable form: This version is designed for you to print and fill out by hand. You can download it here.

Only one form is required. Completed applications, along with a high-quality image of your work, should be emailed to Kathryn Lederhause at artkhlwwn@gmail.com.

2026 Show Details & Location

November 8 – December 4, 2026 Surgical Waiting Area, University Hospital
600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI

Visit the Show

• In person: Beginning on November 8, view the exhibition and purchase artwork during the hospital’s open hours.

• Online: A virtual gallery slideshow will be posted on our website and shared on social media after opening day.

• Reception: Stay tuned for details about an in-person reception in Madison in November to celebrate the artists!

THANKS & CONTACT 

Special thanks to longtime WWN supporter Kathryn Lederhause for her leadership of this important program that uplifts and celebrates local artists, and to the entire team of incredible volunteers for making Artful Women possible!

We are also grateful to the UW Health Art Program for its longstanding partnership and for providing a space at University Hospital to showcase Artful Women annually since 2002. Their continued support has helped connect Wisconsin artists and their work with patients, visitors, staff, and community members for more than two decades.

For more information about how to get involved with Artful Women, please contact Kathryn at artkhlwwn@gmail.com.