Connecticut Women Artists Presents 2026 National Open Juried Exhibition at ECSU

National exhibition brings together exceptional work by women artists from across the United States; juried by University of Connecticut artist and curator Jeanne Ciravolo

WILLIMANTIC, CT: Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. (CWA) will present its 2026 National Open Juried Exhibition from Wednesday, August 26 through Friday, October 16, 2026, at Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic.

One of the country's oldest women's art organizations, CWA has presented its National Open Juried Exhibition annually as an opportunity to showcase outstanding contemporary work by women artists from throughout the United States. The exhibition brings together selected works representing a broad range of artistic styles, media, techniques, and perspectives.

This year's exhibition was juried by Jeanne Ciravolo, Assistant Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut and Director of the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery in Groton. Her work has been exhibited nationally at galleries and museums including The Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio, the Yellowstone Art Museum in Montana, the Coral Springs Museum in Florida, and AREA Code Art Fair in Boston. She has also been awarded residencies at the Hambidge Center, Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, and Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. In 2020, she received the Walter Feldman Fellowship, and her commissioned portraits are held in the collections of the State of Connecticut Appellate and Superior Courts.

“This exhibition reflects not only the exceptional talent of artists from across the region, but also CWA’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and creating meaningful opportunities for artists to share their work with the public,” said Sarah Grote, President of Connecticut Women Artists. “The selected works represent an outstanding range of artistic voices, techniques, and perspectives, resulting in a show that is both inspiring and engaging.”

Grote added, “As President, one of my goals has been to build on CWA’s strong foundation while expanding opportunities, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening our presence within the broader arts community. This exhibition is a wonderful example of that vision in action.”

The exhibition will be hosted by Eastern Connecticut State University that presents contemporary art exhibitions featuring local and national artists. The gallery provides an engaging setting for visitors to experience the diverse perspectives represented in this year's national exhibition.

The public is invited to celebrate the exhibition at two special events at Eastern Connecticut State University:

Opening Reception

Friday, September 11, 2026 | 4–9 p.m.

Awards Reception & Ceremony

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 1–3 p.m.

The exhibition will remain on view through October 16, 2026.

Exhibition Hours:

Monday, Wednesday,Friday, & Saturday: noon to 4 pm

Tuesday & Thursday: Noon to 7 pm

Sunday: Closed

“Thank you to every artist who submitted work and entrusted us with your art,” Grote said. “Whether selected or not, your participation strengthens both this exhibition and our organization. I also extend my sincere appreciation to our co-chairs, Nancy Whitcher and Marny Lawton, our volunteers, and to Eastern Connecticut State University for hosting this exhibition.”

Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. was founded in Connecticut in 1929 and is one of the country's oldest women's art organizations. CWA provides a forum for women's contemporary art and promotes artistic excellence through exhibitions, education, networking, and opportunities for artists to share their work with the public.

For more information about the exhibition and Connecticut Women Artists, visit the CWA website at https://www.ctwomenartists.org/