Approximately 140 fine art sculptures and paintings of landscapes, urban life, figure, florals, still life and animal-themed work of varying mediums and styles will convene at the McBride Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. The national juried exhibition and sale, now in its 52nd year, is presented by Women Artists of the West, an organization with 300 members across the United States, Canada and Australia, devoted to uniting women artists, promoting the appreciation of art created by women, and assisting women on their journey to becoming a professional artist.Burneta Venosdel, Tallgrass Challenger,  bronze, 20 x 9 x13"

In a time of widespread polarization, this year’s event emphasizes this year’s theme of East Meets West—bringing artists from both coasts, everywhere in between and beyond to celebrate the vast cultural and geographic diversity of the United States and highlight the richness of the country’s common ground and heritage. 

“WAOW has a unique history,” says Cynthia McBride, whose gallery was invited to host the organization’s show in 2018. “It was founded by women who were not accepted, nor were their paintings accepted into the prestigious art organizations or shows of their day simply because they were female. They were not deterred. They founded an organization that many women are proud to support and one that benefits all women by its continuing existence.” 

McBride is also excited about the wide variety of mediums that will be on display—oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, graphite, bronze, scratchboard, colored pencil and pen and ink. Joey Frisillo, Family Trio, oil, 16 x 20"

“It is an honor to host this show,” says McBride. “I love helping artists sell their paintings and sculpture. Every sale is a ‘feel-good’ moment.”

WAOW Signature Member Deanne McKeown knows her sculptural show piece Neither Fish Nor Fowl is whimsical but the artist had something else in mind, too.
“I imagined it to embody a feeling that all, or at least many of us, have felt at one time or another, of not quite ‘fitting in’ as we search for our own unique place in the world,” she says. “I loved making this piece. It took on a life of its own as I worked through it, one element leading to another, until we arrived together at the end of our journey.”Deanne McKeown, Neither Fish nor Fowl, bronze, 16 x 15 x 10"

Joey Frisillo’s love of nature is the driving motive for her work. “This trio of Canadian geese was enjoying an evening swim while I was painting near their pond,” she says of his featured piece. “The landscape and the birds were bathed in a warm light that caught my attention. I wanted to convey their intimate connection as a family but also how the blue sky reflections in their wakes connected them to each other.”  

Women Artists of the West president, Burneta Venosdel, will present her sculpture Tallgrass Challenger in WAOW’s exhibition. “My desire to sculpt this bird, Tallgrass Challenger and another, Ruffled Feathers, and portray them and their struggles for survival, and the mating ritual vying for the ‘lek’ territory, is conveyed through my strong, dynamic detail-rich tabletop sculpture.” Venosdel is also proud to stand at the helm of an organization dedicated to bringing women artists together and fostering their success. “It is just amazing to me that 52 years ago, the idea of women artists banding together to exhibit in small rodeo arenas on the West Coast has blossomed into the group of fine and successful artists…We are so different yet our love of the arts is a common ground which brings us shoulder to shoulder in celebration.”Mary Ann Cherry, American Boy, oil, 30 x 30"

The enchanted landscape of Northern New Mexico is a panoramic blend of sun, sand and stone set against an endless western sky. Such is the inspiration for WAOW’s national ad director, Jan De Lipsey, and for her painting in the show. “The high desert is subtle and quiet. The light has a life of its own and a simple glance yields nothing of its genuine beauty,” she says. “It takes time and some effort to really see the warms and cools both in light and shadow tip-toeing through this rugged landscape. It is a shy land and only gives up her secrets to those who take the time to sit and see.”

Wanderlust runs deep, with travel almost a basic need for artist Jill Banks. human and artist. “These two sailboats are longing for their next adventure,” she says of Sail with Me. “It says I want to take that trip and have you there by my side…sharing the view. That’s a goal with all my work. To take us somewhere together. Painting on location makes every day a treasure unlike any other. After I had already been standing at my easel for hours, sailing school students rolled a parade of small craft out onto the water. It was magical. Multiple triangles sketched in behind the two main boats mark the sails of those travelers off on their day’s journey.” Jill Banks, Sail with Me, oil, 24 x 12"

“It was very satisfying to paint this dignified young man from the Fort Hall, Idaho, powwow,” says artist Mary Ann Cherry of her show piece. “There is a sense of confidence most of the small dancers display at the powwows, evident even in the smallest toddlers. This sweet boy was no exception. It seemed fitting to give the painting an American flag as a backdrop because I’ve always been impressed with the patriotism of the Native American tribes. They proudly present the flag along with the Native American staff at their events during the Grand Entry. They honor their veterans and show them the utmost respect. Thus the title American Boy seemed the only choice.”Jan DeLipsey, Sun, Sand and Stone, oil, 14 x 22"

Collectors can pre-purchase works at a sneak peek reception at 6:30 to 9 p.m. on November 4 or anytime prior to the show through direct contact with McBride Gallery. On Saturday morning, November 5, WAOW artists will be plein air painting in the City Dock area capturing the vibrancy of the town. A wet paint mini exhibit and sale will be held that afternoon, right outside the gallery. A show catalog will be available to browse or purchase on Women Artists of the West’s website (www.waow.org) as well as at the McBride Gallery (www.mcbridegallery.com). Each artwork in the show will be featured on its own catalog page and will include a personal note from each artist regarding her inspiration for the piece as well as a photo of the artist herself.”

For a detailed scheduled of events, activities and opportunities for collectors, visit www.waow.org. —

Women Artists of the West 52nd National juried Art Exhibition & Sale
When: November 6-January 7, 2023; opening reception and awards ceremony: November 6, 1-4 p.m.
Where: McBride Gallery, 215 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Information: (520) 579-5584, www.waow.org 

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