HERSTORY

The Kingston Women Artists  was formed in the spring of 1989 by two Kingston artists, Alana Kapell and Jocelyn Purdie. Both of these women had previously been active in organizing various Kingston community arts events. It was their commitment to community involvement that gave them the impetus to initiate the formation of a non-profit group specifically for women artists.

The initial focus of the group was the printing of a datebook with reproductions of original works by twelve artists. The first printing of the datebook coincided with a group exhibition of the artists at the Brock Street Gallery in August 1989.

"Through the datebook we, as a group plan to continue supporting and encouraging women in their artwork through various means, including:

1. local and traveling exhibitions

2. colour reproductions of artwork.

3. assistance grants for artists

4. exhibition fees for artists

5. funding art workshops for the community

6. media exposure

7. resource and discussion arena for artists." 1989

All profits from the sale of the datebooks were used to cover printing and administrative costs required for the production of the next year's datebook. Any profits above production costs were used for other arts related activities, re: art workshops and visiting artist talks.

In 1993 The Kingston Women Artists incorporated as a non-profit organization under the title of The Organization of Kingston Women Artists. With the assistance of the Canada Council Explorations Program and the Ontario Arts Council, OKWA was able to proceed with the development of an office/resource centre and expand their programming activities.

OKWA's objectives evolved into:

-providing a forum for mutual support and exchange of information and ideas among professional women artists.

-increasing awareness and appreciation of women's art through dissemination and publication of information on works by local women artists.

-generating an interested and informed public with respect to women's art through art educational services, lectures, exhibitions and any other activities relevant to the goals of the organization.

-cooperating with other organizations with similar goals and encouraging communication with the broader Kingston arts community.

In 1993 some of the activities already established and those under development (*) included:

1. a series of discussions (artalks) on the art practice of selected members.

2. a resource file containing slides, curriculum vitae and artistic statements of members *

3. group exhibitions.

4. publication of The Kingston Women Artists Datebook.

5. production and distribution of a bi-monthly newsletter informing members of up-coming events, networking of art information such as calls for entry, members exhibitions, openings or thematic exhibition proposals. It will also serve as a vehicle for writing on women's art and women's perspective on issues in the field.

6. resource centre with publications including journals, magazines and practical information for women artists. *

7. a series of artist visits titled "Femart", to provide access to a national arts community which will enhance the artistic practice of both members and the greater arts community in Kingston.

In 1993 OKWA's long term goals were stated as: 

1. The establishment of a cooperative studio space for women artists.

2. The establishment of a gallery dedicated to the exhibition of art by women.

3. The development of a mentoring program in which established women artists nurture and encourage emerging women artists.