Story of WIVLA
WIVLA began with a dialogue among three friends - a writer, an art consultant and an artist - who were all members of a professional businesswomen's group that provided professional stimulation and camaraderie, as well as a networking forum. Seeing the benefits that women working in the business world gained from this organization, these friends dreamed of a similar group for women working as artists and writers. Realizing that women writers and artists have not had the same opportunities for role models that men historically have had, WIVLA's founders decided that the time had come for such a professional group of creative women. In March 1994, they held the first general meeting at the Art League of Houston. The first exhibition opened May 5, 1995, with 3-4 works of art. When eleven writers read their work at the opening reception, a unique WIVLA tradition was born.
 Since then, WIVLA has sponsored exhibitions and readings at such venues as The Museum of Printing History, Archway Gallery, Chase Heritage Hall, the Omni Hotel, Williams Tower, Mind Puddles Gallery, Christ Church Cathedral, One Allen Center and Bank of America, providing more than 200 members regular opportunities to gain community recognition and market their work.
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What does WIVLA do?
• Brings together a unique association of women artists and writers
• Honors creativity and offers scholarships and workshop opportunities for members to hone their individual crafts
• Provides a dynamic environment where experienced and emerging artists and writers feel at home in an atmosphere of mutual respect
• Supports promising local student artists and writers with scholarships and honorary memberships
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