Women in the Arts 

 Celebrating the Genius of Women              Orlando, Florida             A 501(c)3 non-profit organization 

"The business model behind Women in the Arts is ruled by simple classic charity principles. However, despite its unassuming appearance on paper, Women in the Arts has a radical, compelling mission to carry out,” says Maria Guerrero, the organization’s founder."


"Every dollar that Women in the Arts makes comes from someone who believes that the work Women in the Arts does is worth something, and every cent of this money is then turned around to purchase materials, pay teachers, and hire interns to create an even better experience. This is an organization that really stands by its mission of giving back to the community, and through the new classes of motivated students coming in every year and the continued support of the believers who grew through the program, anything is possible."


Mission

Women in the Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded to recognize the work of women artists and bring art education to the greater community. The organization's defining statements, "Art heals by giving voice to the soul," and "Celebrating the genius of women," underline its mission to advance art education for people of all ages, especially the youth, and raise public awareness of women's contributions to the arts.

Programs

Community School of the Arts (CSA)

"Art heals by giving voice to the soul" 


Art education for PK-12 grade

CSA offers an intensive education in the arts for students in Pre-K through 12 grade, hosted at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Orlando during selected dates in the year. Classes are free and all supplies are provided. Each session of the program concludes with a student art exhibition and awards ceremony.


Art education ages 18 and above

Fine arts workshops are offered in partnership with the Orange County Library System at the Southwest and South Creek library branch locations for adult students.


CSA on Tour

This program brings the work of students on a traveling exhibition at various library locations, businesses, and partner organizations.


CSA at the Museum

In partnership with the Mennello Museum of American Art, CSA offers a studio series for advanced students built around current exhibits in the museum.


Scholarships

Women in the Arts in partnership with fellow art organizations provides scholarships for deserving young students to advance and continue their visual and performing arts education. Students have attended summer art workshops at Crealde School of Art, Orlando Museum of Art, and dance summer intensive programs at Central Florida Ballet.


Additional scholarships have been awarded to students at Orlando Ballet School, and New Hope for Kids, Center for Grieving Children to support art therapy programs.


Women in the Arts competition, exhibition, and awards

“Celebrating the Genius of Women”


This juried annual competition, held in early spring, is organized in partnership with the Orlando Public Library, celebrating Women’s History Month  and exhibiting the work of the competition finalists at the library main branch. The Awards event recognizes and honors the finalists as well as non-local US and international artists.


"Therefore, the goal of the Women in the Arts competition is to recognize, reward, and promote women’s accomplishments and talent in the arts while also providing a venue for them to showcase their work and connect with other female artists."


Excerpt from "The Little Non profit that does" by Samira de Nijs