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Women's Art Alliance :
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This exhibition has been generously supported by:
United Community Bank,
Richards and Stehman,
Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault,
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault,
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence,
Heartland Credit Union,
Jane Locascio Broker/Partner at The Real Estate Group,
Sarah Anderson, Irene Boyer, Polly Poskin, Ruthann Mazrim, Thomas and Susann Spada, Evelyn Thomas, and Bernie White-Hatcher
This support is being used to directly assist artists as needed.
United Community Bank,
Richards and Stehman,
Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault,
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault,
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence,
Heartland Credit Union,
Jane Locascio Broker/Partner at The Real Estate Group,
Sarah Anderson, Irene Boyer, Polly Poskin, Ruthann Mazrim, Thomas and Susann Spada, Evelyn Thomas, and Bernie White-Hatcher
This support is being used to directly assist artists as needed.
A Special Thank You to the yearlong efforts of the WAA Exhibition Committee
Ruthann Mazrim (Chair), Sarah Anderson, Irene Boyer, Betsy Dollar (SAA Executive Director), Aneita Atwood Gates, Katherine Pippin Pauley, Polly Poskin, Cornelia Powell, Tess Sakolsky, Sue Scaife, Julia Schad, Corrin McWhirter (SAA Collective Gallery Director), and Bernie White Hatcher
Ruthann Mazrim (Chair), Sarah Anderson, Irene Boyer, Betsy Dollar (SAA Executive Director), Aneita Atwood Gates, Katherine Pippin Pauley, Polly Poskin, Cornelia Powell, Tess Sakolsky, Sue Scaife, Julia Schad, Corrin McWhirter (SAA Collective Gallery Director), and Bernie White Hatcher
The Women of the WAA’s First 10 Years
The artwork location is noted to the right of the artist’s name
A = M.G. Nelson Family Gallery at SAA Campus
B = SAA Collective, H.D. Smith Gallery in the Hoogland
* Denotes Current Artist Member
The artwork location is noted to the right of the artist’s name
A = M.G. Nelson Family Gallery at SAA Campus
B = SAA Collective, H.D. Smith Gallery in the Hoogland
* Denotes Current Artist Member
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Karen (Gilg) Adrienne A
Wendy Allen A Sarah Anderson A Melanie Anderson Aneita Atwood Gates A Phyllis Barrows A Blanca Carrizales Bernasek A Gladys Blackwell A Laura Boye Irene Boyer A&B Marge Campane A Candy Cash Linda (Ryan) Krischke Cole A Phyllis Brooks Coutrakon (1998) A Ramona Crook (2008) A Janis Dappert B Lynda Dautenhahu A Ann Devaney A Michelle (Donelan) Hoedemann A Margy Emerson B Vivian Eveloff (2008) B Sandi Floyd (2014) Mauri Formigoni B Nancy Gillespie B Bernie White Hatcher* B Jan Hedberg B Vicki Hedrick A |
Susan Hemrick
Monica Hudson B Mary Johnston (2016) A Linda Jorgenson-Buhman B Gloria Josserand (2014) B Elaine Kadakia B Patrice Kennedy Jean Ketchum Diana Kleidon B Priscilla Kluge* A Ann Kozeliski Aspasia Sonia Lang B Janet Linney Krueger (2008) A Simone Little Betty Madden-Work (2008) A Mary Jane Masters (2002) B Ellen Matlins B Ruthann Mazrim* A Elaine McClure (2016) Mercedes McHugh (2005) A&B Rebecca Meyer Corteau Marsha Mundstock B Annabel Nickell (2018) Stacie Nicholes Kirsten Seidman Noll B Loraine Pilcher (2014) B Diana Pippy B |
Loraine Pilcher (2014) B
Diana Pippy B Cornelia J Powell* A Sally Quillman A Sheri Ramsey* A Nancy Ranyard A Janet B. Reed A Joan Rodrick Muncy B Margaret Rossiter B Emily Rothschild Bonnie Rubenstein A Julia Schad A Mary E Selinski* B Eda Mae Shafer (2012) A Linda Smogor B Lynn Bordignon Snyder-Hinds Melinda Stickney-Gibson A Susan Stockton (2016) Mary Ellen Strack* A Kathy (McMakin) Summer A Eleanor (Levinson) Swartz A Therese Talmant Jeanne Thomas A Olive Troemper (1999) B Marina Tunkin Glenda Warren (2019) A Carol Washburn A Arloa Wheeler Susan Wise |
Members Memorial and Exhibition
In conjunction with this exhibition the SAA Collective unveils a member memorial freeze to honor the artist members who have passed. A small exhibition of works by some of those artists, not part of the WAA’s first 10 years, are on display in the BACKdoor gallery in the Hoogland.
** denotes members whose work is on display in the BACKdoor gallery
In conjunction with this exhibition the SAA Collective unveils a member memorial freeze to honor the artist members who have passed. A small exhibition of works by some of those artists, not part of the WAA’s first 10 years, are on display in the BACKdoor gallery in the Hoogland.
** denotes members whose work is on display in the BACKdoor gallery
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Brian Allen (2019) **
Pat Anderson (2009) ** Phyllis Brooks Coutrakon (1998) George Colin (2014) Ramona Crook (2008) Roger DeWitt (2018) Mike DiFuccia (2007) John Erickson (2004) ** Vivian Eveloff (2008) Sandi Floyd (2014) Donald Gottschalk (2012) JoAnn Gross (2015) ** Jan Hedberg (2010) Richard Hendee (2016) |
Rose Hutchcraft (2016) **
Mary Johnston (2016) Gloria Josserand (2014) Pat Kreppert (2017) ** Jed Leber (2018) Jane Linney Krueger (2008) Betty Madden Work (2008) Mary Jane Masters (2002) Daniel McCarthy (2015) Elaine McClure (2016) Mercedes McHugh (2005) Mary Miller (2012) ** Dennis Morris (2016) ** James Murray (2001) ** |
Annabel Nickell (2018)
Ken Norris (2007) Lorraine Pilcher (2014) Sally Quillman (2010) Barbara Rhoads (2014) Jan Roberts (1996) Eda Mae Shaffer (2012) Susan Stockton (2016) Helyne Stokes (2009) David Sumner (2013) ** Olive Troemper (1999) Glenda Warren (2019) Joni Wolfson (1996) Robert Work (1997) ** |
SAA Collective: Finding Our Roots at 40 Years
The urge to make art will find a way to express itself under the most discouraging conditions, but it needs more than that to thrive. In the 1960s, women artists found almost no encouragement for their efforts. In some cases, women assumed male names to display their artwork in public venues. It was not until the 1970s that women across America started to find their voices in the arts and stake a claim to their place in a rapidly changing world. The Women’s Art Alliance grew from the efforts of several artists and art enthusiasts who supported each other and found ways to exhibit and sell their work as recognized professionals.
The urge to make art will find a way to express itself under the most discouraging conditions, but it needs more than that to thrive. In the 1960s, women artists found almost no encouragement for their efforts. In some cases, women assumed male names to display their artwork in public venues. It was not until the 1970s that women across America started to find their voices in the arts and stake a claim to their place in a rapidly changing world. The Women’s Art Alliance grew from the efforts of several artists and art enthusiasts who supported each other and found ways to exhibit and sell their work as recognized professionals.
The Women’s Alliance
In 1979, Springfield’s Rape Information and Counseling Service and Sojourn House received a $20,000 grant from the United Presbyterian Church, USA, to create a space and opportunities for women’s expanding needs. Under the leadership of Polly Poskin, the Women’s Alliance House, located at 1011 North Sixth Street, became a center for a range of workshops and events focused on topics and occupations pertinent to the lives of community women. Rena Bailey, Peg Cochenour, Jacquetta Ellinger, and Karen Griffin advanced the mission of the Alliance as active board members.
In 1979, Springfield’s Rape Information and Counseling Service and Sojourn House received a $20,000 grant from the United Presbyterian Church, USA, to create a space and opportunities for women’s expanding needs. Under the leadership of Polly Poskin, the Women’s Alliance House, located at 1011 North Sixth Street, became a center for a range of workshops and events focused on topics and occupations pertinent to the lives of community women. Rena Bailey, Peg Cochenour, Jacquetta Ellinger, and Karen Griffin advanced the mission of the Alliance as active board members.
Polly Poskin in front of the Women's Alliance House, 1979
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Women working at the Alliance House, c. 1979
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The Women’s Art Alliance
Promoting women artists and their artwork became a premier project of the Women’s Alliance. Women artists had monthly exhibits at the Alliance House and joined together to initiate a Holiday Show and Sale in December 1980. Sixteen artists reportedly took part and are recognized as the founding members of the Women’s Art Alliance (WAA): Irene Boyer, Ramona Crook, Phyllis Courtakon, Lynda Dautenhahn, Susan Hemrick, Mary Johnston, Linda Jorgenson, Diana Kleidon, Ellen Matlins, Diana Pippy, Cornelia Powell, Janet Reed, Nancy Ranyard, Emily Rothchild, Linda Smogor, and Jeanne Thomas. These art shows and sales continued for several years under the auspices of the Women’s Alliance. In 1983 and 1984, Mary and Richard Johnston hosted the Holiday Show and Sale at their home in Washington Park. For many of the artists, a WAA show and sale provided the first opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. The artists agreed to devote 20% of the proceeds from the art sales back to the Women’s Alliance. As they continued to create art to show and sell, the women artists built a community where they could meet, learn from each other, and grow as artists. |
Mary Johnston, Jane Linney, Aneita Atwood-Gates, Diana Pippy, Susan Hemrick - Photo by Linda Smoger
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WAA on the Move
In 1985, the Women’s Art Alliance incorporated as its own not-for-profit organization. A newly formed board of directors made up of Aneita Atwood Gates, Phyllis Barrow, Blanca Bernasek, Gladys Blackwell, Ellen B Matlins, Julia Schad, and Bernie White Hatcher wrote by-laws and brainstormed strategic goals. They scheduled regular meetings and sought new members who were admitted by jurying their work.
As the group grew larger, the artists found locations for more shows, using open spaces in government and commercial buildings or empty storefronts in downtown Springfield, including annual studio tours and exhibitions at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Lincoln Library, and many other locations. The biggest event remained the Holiday Show and Sale each December, bringing in 200-300 attendees. Many artists worked together to send out invitations, put up posters, prepare the space, and hang the show. Artists volunteered their time to staff the show, greet the public, and make sales.
By 1990, the Women’s Art Alliance included nearly 50 members who felt a new confidence in themselves as artists in their community. Many had friends among the male artists in Springfield and central Illinois who faced some of the same problems the women--a lack of opportunities to sell their work. The WAA decided to open their membership to men. They invited three male artists they knew to be supportive of their mission: Jim Allen, Tom Bean, and Bill Collins. All three accepted with pleasure (although one jokingly asked if he would be required to shave his legs). Over time, more women and men were juried into membership.
In 1985, the Women’s Art Alliance incorporated as its own not-for-profit organization. A newly formed board of directors made up of Aneita Atwood Gates, Phyllis Barrow, Blanca Bernasek, Gladys Blackwell, Ellen B Matlins, Julia Schad, and Bernie White Hatcher wrote by-laws and brainstormed strategic goals. They scheduled regular meetings and sought new members who were admitted by jurying their work.
As the group grew larger, the artists found locations for more shows, using open spaces in government and commercial buildings or empty storefronts in downtown Springfield, including annual studio tours and exhibitions at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Lincoln Library, and many other locations. The biggest event remained the Holiday Show and Sale each December, bringing in 200-300 attendees. Many artists worked together to send out invitations, put up posters, prepare the space, and hang the show. Artists volunteered their time to staff the show, greet the public, and make sales.
By 1990, the Women’s Art Alliance included nearly 50 members who felt a new confidence in themselves as artists in their community. Many had friends among the male artists in Springfield and central Illinois who faced some of the same problems the women--a lack of opportunities to sell their work. The WAA decided to open their membership to men. They invited three male artists they knew to be supportive of their mission: Jim Allen, Tom Bean, and Bill Collins. All three accepted with pleasure (although one jokingly asked if he would be required to shave his legs). Over time, more women and men were juried into membership.
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Prairie Art Alliance
In 1993, several artists believed that the WAA needed a new name to better reflect its changing membership. Not all agreed. Some of the longtime members felt the name was an important part of the history and original purpose of the group. But by 1995, a majority voted to change the name to the Prairie Art Alliance (PAA). Pat Anderson, artist and board president, is known throughout the organization for her efforts in bringing about the future vision of the PAA. In 1996, to find a more stable location for exhibitions, PAA rented the Fleischli house on the grounds of the Springfield Art Association. With over 2000 volunteer labor hours the house was converted into a gallery and classroom. The addition of education and community outreach programs allowed the organization to receive 501(c)(3) status in 1997 and hired some paid part-time staff to assume some of the burden from volunteers. |
Grand Opening at the Fleishli House, 1996
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H.D. Smith Gallery in the Hoogland
In 2001, plans began for a downtown Arts Center located in the old 1909 Masonic Temple. The building would boast 4 performance spaces as well as the large visual arts gallery that would be occupied by the Prairie Art Alliance. The PAA areas within the Center would also include a large classroom, office suite, and space for a resident artist. PAA’s president, Bobbie Pierro, was elected chair of the newly formed resident building board, made up of one representative of each of the resident groups. In 2004, for the grand opening, PAA moved into the now named Hoogland Center for the Arts, renting the newly renovated H.D. Smith Gallery. In 2019 the Hoogland Center for the Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary.
In 2001, plans began for a downtown Arts Center located in the old 1909 Masonic Temple. The building would boast 4 performance spaces as well as the large visual arts gallery that would be occupied by the Prairie Art Alliance. The PAA areas within the Center would also include a large classroom, office suite, and space for a resident artist. PAA’s president, Bobbie Pierro, was elected chair of the newly formed resident building board, made up of one representative of each of the resident groups. In 2004, for the grand opening, PAA moved into the now named Hoogland Center for the Arts, renting the newly renovated H.D. Smith Gallery. In 2019 the Hoogland Center for the Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary.
Gallery II
After years of expansion the group decided to open a second gallery location with a sales focus closer to the heart of downtown Springfield. Gallery II operated on 223 S 6th Street from 2010 – 2011 then moved to 2 South Old State Capitol Plaza where it remained until 2013. Gallery II also served to provide an alternative venue for interdisciplinary events like “Poets, Painters, and Performers” and the award-winning “Installation Wars”. The decision was made to close Gallery II in December of 2013 in an effort to consolidate and recentralize efforts in the H.D Smith Gallery.
After years of expansion the group decided to open a second gallery location with a sales focus closer to the heart of downtown Springfield. Gallery II operated on 223 S 6th Street from 2010 – 2011 then moved to 2 South Old State Capitol Plaza where it remained until 2013. Gallery II also served to provide an alternative venue for interdisciplinary events like “Poets, Painters, and Performers” and the award-winning “Installation Wars”. The decision was made to close Gallery II in December of 2013 in an effort to consolidate and recentralize efforts in the H.D Smith Gallery.
The SAA Collective
In 2016, PAA merged with the Springfield Art Association, remaining in the H.D. Smith Gallery but changing its name to SAA Collective. The merger allowed the gallery to refocus its efforts on exhibitions and artist support. The education department was absorbed into the SAA School of Art operations, where several of the SAA Collective artist remain on faculty.
While the organization has grown and evolved, the core principles of the Women’s Art Alliance remain embedded in its foundation. Today the SAA Collective is home to over 80 of the top artists in Central Illinois, representing all media. Their work is sold to clients across North America. The success of the organization must be attributed to the well over 500 individuals, artists, art supporters, board members, and staff, who helped it continue its mission for over 40 years. We thank everyone who supports the visual arts and look forward to the next 40 years.
In 2016, PAA merged with the Springfield Art Association, remaining in the H.D. Smith Gallery but changing its name to SAA Collective. The merger allowed the gallery to refocus its efforts on exhibitions and artist support. The education department was absorbed into the SAA School of Art operations, where several of the SAA Collective artist remain on faculty.
While the organization has grown and evolved, the core principles of the Women’s Art Alliance remain embedded in its foundation. Today the SAA Collective is home to over 80 of the top artists in Central Illinois, representing all media. Their work is sold to clients across North America. The success of the organization must be attributed to the well over 500 individuals, artists, art supporters, board members, and staff, who helped it continue its mission for over 40 years. We thank everyone who supports the visual arts and look forward to the next 40 years.
Women’s Art Alliance: The First 10 Years Exhibition at the SAA Collective
All efforts have been made to provide complete and accurate information in preparation for this history and exhibition. Over 1 year was spent researching and reaching out to artists, their families, and collectors in preparation. However, records are scattered and some information missing. The WAA Exhibition Committee apologizes for any omission or error that may have been made.
All images within this program have been printed with the permission of the owner or are the property of the Springfield Art Association. All rights reserved. No part of this program may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Springfield Art Association.
Exhibition Locations:
M.G. Nelson Family Gallery
Located inside Springfield Art Association
700 North Fourth Street, Springfield, IL 62702
Exhibition held in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery
SAA Collective
Located in the Hoogland Center for the Arts
420 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62701
First Floor, H.D. Smith Gallery
BACKdoor Gallery
Displaying the Member Memorial Exhibition
Located in the Hoogland Center for the Arts
First Floor, Outside the H.D. Smith Back Doors
All images within this program have been printed with the permission of the owner or are the property of the Springfield Art Association. All rights reserved. No part of this program may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Springfield Art Association.
Exhibition Locations:
M.G. Nelson Family Gallery
Located inside Springfield Art Association
700 North Fourth Street, Springfield, IL 62702
Exhibition held in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery
SAA Collective
Located in the Hoogland Center for the Arts
420 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62701
First Floor, H.D. Smith Gallery
BACKdoor Gallery
Displaying the Member Memorial Exhibition
Located in the Hoogland Center for the Arts
First Floor, Outside the H.D. Smith Back Doors
