Women to Watch 2027: How the National Museum of Women in the Arts is Redefining Book Culture

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK” discover how 62 global trailblazers are redefining the boundaries of paper, print, and sculpture in the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ upcoming exhibition, Women to Watch 2027: A Book Arts Revolution!

The concept of what constitutes a book is undergoing a profound transformation. The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) has announced the 62 nominated creators for the eighth iteration of its hallmark series, Women to Watch 2027: A Book Arts Revolution!

This global initiative spotlights the innovative world of contemporary artists’ books, showcasing how underrepresented women and nonbinary creators are pushing the boundaries of paper, print, and sculpture. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this exhibition series challenges audiences to rethink structural narratives and view books as standalone, dynamic pieces of fine art.

Shaking Up the Global Art Stage

The Women to Watch series is a recurring event that relies on a network of outreach committees spanning the globe. These volunteer groups advocate for creative professionals outside the standard museum infrastructure. By partnering with regional consulting curators, each committee established a shortlist of exceptional talent, hosting local discussions and preview exhibitions.

From these regional shortlists, guest curator Tia Blassingame will select the final artists to be showcased at the flagship museum in Washington, D.C. The final list of exhibiting artists will be made public in June 2026, leading up to the main exhibition running from April to August 2027.

A Truly Global Movement: The 16 Regions

The 2027 initiative spans 12 states across the United States and four international regions, capturing a snapshot of global ingenuity.

Arizona: Consulting Curator Heather Sealy Lineberry

• Heather Green
• Daniella Napolitano
• Elizabeth Pineda
• Laura Russell

Arkansas: Consulting Curator Catherine Walworth

• Katie Harper
• Acadia Kandora
• Rebecca Resinski

Georgia: Consulting Curator Cynthia Nourse Thompson

• Eliza Bentz
• Hannah Israel
• Cynthia Lollis
• Serena Perrone

Greater Kansas City Area: Consulting Curator Leesa Fanning

• Laura Berman
• Yoonmi Nam
• Laura Nugent

Massachusetts: Consulting Curator John Buchtel

• Amy Borezo
• Sarah Hulsey
• Abigail Rorer
• Anneli Skaar

Mid-Atlantic Region: Consulting Curator Elizabeth Ajunwa

• Irene Chan
• Lyall Harris
• Sarah Matthews
• Adriana Monsalve
• Janelle Washington

New York: Consulting Curator Jennifer Farrell

• Golnar Adili
• Suzanne McClelland
• Tammy Nyugen

Ohio: Consulting Curator Sienna Brown

• Karen Beckwith
• Gwendolyn Garth
• Emma Kindall
• Gloria Ann Shows
• Julia Warner

San Francisco/Northern California: Consulting Curator Anthea Black

• Macy Chadwick
• Kate Laster
• Vivian Sming

Texas: Consulting Curator Hannah Klemm

• Celia Álavarez Muñoz
• Keliy Anderson-Staley
• Susan kae Grant
• Candace Hicks

Washington: Consulting Curator Catherine Alice Michaelis

• Mare Blocker
• Carletta Carrington
• Suze Woolf

Wyoming: Consulting Curator Beth Venn

• Jodie Atherton
• Oakley Boycott
• Katie Christensen
• Kayla Clark

Italy: Consulting Curator Iolanda Ratti

• Letizia “Letia” Cariello
• Marta Dell’Angelo
• Sabrina Mezzaqui

Japan: Consulting Curator Yukie Kamiya

• Sachiko Kazama
• Saya Irie
• Aiko Miyanaga
• Hanako Murakami
• Tomoko Yoneda

South Asia: Consulting Curator Vidya Shivadas

• Arshi Irshad Ahmadzai
• Indu Antony
• Savia Mahajan
• Tharmalingam Vinoja

United Kingdom: Consulting Curator Welmoet Wartena

• Tamsin Green
• Larissa Nowicki
• Francisca Prieto
• Batool Showghi
• Rachel Smith

Visionary Curatorial Leadership

The creative vision for this iteration relies on two key figures:

• Tia Blassingame (Guest Curator): An associate professor of Art at Scripps College and owner of Primrose Press, Blassingame explores the intersection of race, cultural history, and print media. She is also the founder of the Book/Print Artist/Scholar of Color Collective, which champions BIPOC voices in book printing history.
• Elizabeth Ajunwa (Liaison Curator): The director of NMWA’s Library and Research Center, Ajunwa has overseen the institution’s book arts acquisitions since 2022, ensuring a deep connection between the permanent collection and new talent.

More Than an Exhibition: A Milestone Celebration

The 2027 showcase coincides with a double milestone: the 40th anniversary of the museum itself and the 20th anniversary of the Women to Watch program. To celebrate, the NMWA will utilize its newly opened Gloria and Dan Logan Learning Commons alongside the MaryRoss Taylor Galleries.

Visitors can expect hands-on workshops in the Susan Swartz Studio, artist demonstrations, and talks. Simultaneously, the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center will display historic and rare artists’ books from the museum’s permanent archives to provide deeper historical context.

Visiting the National Museum of Women in the Arts

As the premier global institution dedicated entirely to championing female and nonbinary perspectives in visual culture, NMWA addresses systemic gender imbalances in the art market. Its permanent collection boasts masterpieces from foundational and contemporary icons alike, including Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois, Faith Ringgold, and Amy Sherald.

Located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., the museum welcomes guests Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $16, with $13 discounts available for local D.C. residents, seniors, students, educators, and military personnel. Entry is free for youth aged 21 and under, visitors with disabilities, and on select community days each month.

Find more now:

nmwa.org

BroadStrokes blog

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