Women to Watch 2027: A Book Arts Revolution

Women to Watch 2027: A Book Arts Revolution is an exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts that explores the expansive possibilities of artists’ books—works of art created in book form, often using unconventional materials and techniques. The show challenges traditional notions of book arts by presenting pieces that merge print, sculptural elements, paper engineering, and mixed media. This edition marks the latest installment of NMWA’s hallmark series, which highlights women and nonbinary artists from around the world who are underrepresented in mainstream art scenes. Developed in collaboration with the museum’s outreach committees, the exhibition was curated from a shortlist of 62 nominated artists, with sixteen finalists selected by guest curator Tia Blassingame and liaison curator Elizabeth Ajunwa. The exhibition coincides with NMWA’s 40th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Women to Watch series, and a dedicated slate of programming accompanies the run.

When: April 9, 2027–August 15, 2027

Venue: National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: Price not available; check the museum’s website for admission details.

Lineup: The exhibition features works by sixteen artists, each associated with a specific region and paired with a consulting curator: Golnar Adili (New York; consulting curator Jennifer Farrell), Indu Antony (South Asia; consulting curator Vidya Shivadas), Karen Beckwith (Ohio; consulting curator Sienna Brown), Eliza Bentz (Georgia; consulting curator Cynthia Nourse Thompson), Letizia “Letia” Cariello (Italy; consulting curator Iolanda Ratti), Kayla Clark (Wyoming; consulting curator Beth Venn), Candace Hicks (Texas; consulting curator Hannah Klemm), Sarah Hulsey (Massachusetts; consulting curator John Buchtel), Saya Irie (Japan; consulting curator Yukie Kamiya), Acadia Kandora (Arkansas; consulting curator Catherine Walworth), Yoonmi Nam (Greater Kansas City Area; consulting curator Leesa Fanning), Larissa Nowicki (United Kingdom; consulting curator Welmoet Wartena), Elizabeth Pineda (Arizona; consulting curator Heather Sealy Lineberry), Vivian Sming (San Francisco/Northern California; consulting curator Anthea Black), Janelle Washington (Mid-Atlantic Region; consulting curator Elizabeth Ajunwa), and Suze Woolf (Washington; consulting curator Catherine Alice Michaelis).

Guest Curator: Tia Blassingame, proprietor of Primrose Press, is a book artist, printmaker, and scholar. She serves as associate professor of art at Scripps College, where she teaches letterpress printing and book arts and directs Scripps College Press. Blassingame is also founder of the Book/Print Artist/Scholar of Color Collective.

Liaison Curator: Elizabeth Ajunwa, director of NMWA’s Library and Research Center, has curated the museum’s book arts acquisitions since joining the institution in 2022.

Exhibition Events: A related program, “Live! At the Library: Mid-Atlantic Book Artists,” is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm ET. This in-person event is part of the museum’s community programs and talks and tours series.

Related Media: A press release for the exhibition is available from the museum.

Note: The exhibition is the sixth edition of the Women to Watch series, which supports the careers of women and nonbinary artists and is presented every two to three years. The 16 represented regions include 12 U.S. states and areas plus Italy, Japan, South Asia, and the United Kingdom.