Welcome to the Glasgow Society of Women Artists

The Glasgow Society of Women Artists (GSWA) is an artist led society dedicated to celebrating and encouraging women artists by promoting art created by women. Originally established in 1882, we showcase the wide range of art practice, skills and excellence through exhibitions and educational events.

The society has encouraged both lay membership (people interested in visual arts) and artist membership (practising artists) throughout its history. It continues today to meet regularly, hosting lunchtime lectures and demonstrations and is always looking to broaden the scope of art and culture through networking and educational activities.

Prestigious annual exhibitions are held with the support of the publicly owned exhibition spaces at the Lillie Gallery in Milngavie and Maclaurin Gallery in Ayr on alternate years, enabling the work of our artists to reach a wide audience. These exhibitions of outstanding work include paintings, sculpture ceramics, textiles, jewellery and fine art photography.

An annual dinner is a much-anticipated event for members to get to know one another in a relaxed informal atmosphere and our plein-air group operates spontaneously via WhatsApp and is a member-led, hugely enjoyable sketching opportunity open to all members.

Our society of women artists continues the proud heritage of creative working women not only in the city of Glasgow but throughout Scotland, and has members all over the country.

Find out how to join us on by visiting our membership page.