What is TAWA?
The Trenton Artists' Workshop Association Inc., is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 by Latta Patterson and Dr. Mary Tatum Howard (and friends) to promote the arts in the greater Trenton Area. Since its inception, membership in this arts collective has grown to over 350 professional artists, art educators, art students, and patrons of the arts. TAWA served as a catalyst for several city festivals -- which brought together regional musicians, writers and theater artists -- and assisted in the creation of the city's first professional theater.

Geographics: Although there are TAWA representatives living in locations throughout the USA, including Minnesota, California, and Connecticut, most members are located in the tri-state region of central NJ, eastern PA, and NYC.

Opportunities: One key to TAWA's longevity is found in its strong, professional membership network. On both the local and regional levels, cooperation among TAWA members has provided opportunities for workshops, lectures, scholarships, exhibitions, and greater community services, increasing the professional recognition and sales of members' works. Arts Exchanges: Over the years, TAWA has sponsored arts exchanges with arts organizations -- both locally and internationally. The 1991 TAWA Soviet Exchange was a two-year program that involved an international exchange art as well as of TAWA members and artists from the Union of Soviet Artists. TAWA has also exchanged exhibits with other artist groups including members of Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art in Newark, NJ, and the First Street, Blue Mountain and Prince Street galleries in New York City.

Student Scholarships: Offering art education opportunities to the greater community is another commitment of TAWA. One important component of that outreach is our scholarship program. In 1981, TAWA created the $750 Stockton Memorial Scholarship in memory of the late Emma Jane Stockton of Trenton. This is awarded to a graduating high school senior for the continued study of art in college. TAWA's $750 Holman Photography Award, instituted on 1990, is given to an outstanding college photography student. Co-sponsored by Mrs. Jean Holman, this award is given in memory of her late son, Ed, a TAWA member and photographer.

These Days: Development of an on-line website/"art gallery" and an online forum for TAWA members is in progress. Recent TAWA projects include the completion of the TAWA@25 full color catalog of our 25th Anniversary exhibition of TAWA members at the Trenton City Museum at the Ellarslie Mansion. Copies of the catalog are for sale. Also we have our two annual juried TAWA Invitationals shows allowing members to have one artist per room as a solo show which include lectures, and demonstrations by the artists open to the public. Other exhibitions are held at Mercer County Community College Gallery in West Windsor and at MCCC at ARTWORKS gallery. Exhibitions venues and activities are in development for the coming year. Other activities include our monthly membership meetings where we periodically have guest lecturers, discussion among TAWA members.

The Future: That's up to your creative participation.
TAWA is supported in part by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, through funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Art/New Jersey Department of State, a Partner Agency on the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders