The Society's Founder - Gladys Maccabe
The Ulster Society of Women Artist’s ( U.S.W.A.) was founded by Gladys Maccabe MBE MA (hons) ROI RUA FRSA in 1957. At that time, there was no art society in Northern Ireland that would accept women as members.
Gladys decided to change the situation!
From the original ten founding members, membership today is one hundred and seven women from all fields of the visual arts. The society holds various exhibitions throughout the year and invites new members annually. Members are elected to the society on the basis of their skills as an artist, through a vigorous selection process which therefore maintains the excellent standard of work within the society.
Gladys decided to change the situation!
From the original ten founding members, membership today is one hundred and seven women from all fields of the visual arts. The society holds various exhibitions throughout the year and invites new members annually. Members are elected to the society on the basis of their skills as an artist, through a vigorous selection process which therefore maintains the excellent standard of work within the society.
Objectives of the society :
- To promote and encourage a high standard of art in Ulster.
- To maintain such a standard in exhibitions, that membership would be seen as a mark of distinction.
- To seek out and encourage talent.
President - Catherine McKeever
"I have enjoyed being a member of USWA since 2017, exhibiting regularly and getting to know other members. I am also a Past President of the Pastel Society of Ireland, so have had much experience with my involvement with an art society.
I am truly honoured to have been elected to this position in March 2022, and delighted to have been entrusted with the society's direction for the next two years.
Increasing the profile of women artists is a priority for USWA.
We put on two exhibitions per year (which are also online) and I am aided, most ably by the USWA Council with their hard work and fun. We are continuing to encourage new talent to join us, creating a multi-generational umbrella of support and camaraderie for Ulster women artists."