The Women’s Committee was founded in 1883 by Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin. Mrs. Gillespie was a notable Philadelphian in her own right who organized many philanthropic endeavors including the Women’s Pavilion at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. The present Women’s Committee continues that tradition of community service as an independently chartered volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Museum.
Today’s Women’s Committee has 45 active members who produce events such as the annual nationally acclaimed Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, as well as opening night galas for special exhibitions. New members are nominated based on available spots. Over the years the Committee has also managed projects such as the biennial Photography Competition (now on hold but photos are available for sale) Small Indulgences, ArtWorks, a cookbook, a greeting card competition, HolidayCard, and Form in Art. The Committee currently funds numerous projects and programs, including the Museum Guides program and Art Splash.
Craft Show

For more information, please contact Craft Show by phone at 215-684-7930 or by e-mail at .