WASHINGTON—The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) welcomed 465 women artists on Wednesday, Oct. 25, for a historic group photo. The artists—from D.C., Maryland and Virginia—formed the largest gathering of women artists ever organized for a photo in the region. Following the photograph, there was an artist resource fair and reception where artists were able to network.

In partnership with Los Angeles-based artist Kim Schoenstadt, who conceived of the project, and D.C.-based artist Linn Meyers, the photograph, titled Now Be Here #4, DC/MD/VA, was taken by D.C. photographer Kim Johnson. The Now Be Here project website will list each artist in attendance.

Schoenstadt began the Now Be Here project in the summer of 2016 to connect with community and demonstrate gender inequity in the art world. Previous Now Be Here gatherings have taken place in Los Angeles, New York City and Miami where, collectively, more than 2,000 women artists have participated.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the world’s only major museum solely dedicated to celebrating the creative contributions of women. The museum champions women through the arts by collecting, exhibiting, researching and creating programs that advocate for equity and shine a light on excellence. NMWA highlights remarkable women artists of the past while also promoting the best women artists working today. The museum’s collection includes over 4,700 works by more than 1,000 women artists from the 16th century to the present, including Mary Cassatt, Frida Kahlo, Alma Thomas, Lee Krasner, Louise Bourgeois, Chakaia Booker and Nan Goldin.

NMWA is located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., in a landmark building near the White House. It is open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, noon–5 p.m. For information, call 202-783-5000 or visit nmwa.org. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for visitors 65 and over and students, and free for NMWA members and youths 18 and under. Free Community Days take place on the first Sunday of each month. For more information about NMWA, visit nmwa.org, Broad Strokes Blog, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.