Women's Caucus for Art. Houston Chapter.

The surge of woman-centered activity that came in the wake of the 1977 National Women's Conference inspired women in Houston's artistic community to bind together and form their own chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art. Papers for the National Women's Conference are held by the Women's Archive and Research Center, Special Collections, M.D. Anderson Library, University of Houston, Houston, Texas. The National Women's Caucus for Art had grown out of a discussion on gender at an art conference in San Francisco, California in 1972. The national organization's stated purpose was “to win parity in the valuation of works by women; to create new opportunities for women to document, produce and exhibit works, and to assemble for the exchange of ideas, experience and constructive criticism.” “Background of the Women's Caucus for Art,” Houston Women's Caucus for Art Collection, Women's Archive and Research Center, Special Collections, M.D. Anderson Library, University of Houston. On January 10, 1978, the Houston Women's Caucus for Art expanded that mission to Houston and held its first organizational meeting. In 1980, the state of Texas recognized the group as a non-profit organization.

Meetings were held monthly, and membership quickly expanded. Members elected a board of directors, or executive board. The positions in this board have varied over the years, but consisted of a president, program coordinator, secretary, treasurer, exhibition coordinator, publicity coordinator, membership coordinator, newsletter editor, and special events coordinator in 1997. The board makes all of the major decisions for the organization; however, officers welcome input from a community advisory board and all members.

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