About designing women in New England

designing women, a nonprofit volunteer corporation, has been bridging art and community since 1991, sponsors shows featuring female artisans from New England, and works directly with organizations who benefit women and girls in the community

Our mission is to showcase high quality arts and crafts by women artisans and benefit local, nonprofit services that support women and families. In past years we have worked with breast cancer support groups, transition to work programs, art/therapy retreats, shelters, and counseling programs.

Operating expenses for the shows come from the artisans. Proceeds from food sales and the $2.00 suggested door donations go directly to the participating nonprofit groups, giving them an opportunity to get the word out about their programs and to raise funds.

We strive to keep the shows fresh and to continue to give women artisans new opportunities to show their work.



designing women, a nonprofit volunteer corporation, has been bridging art and community since 1991, sponsors shows featuring female artisans from New England, and works directly with organizations who benefit women and girls in the community Our mission is to showcase high quality arts and crafts by women artisans and benefit local, nonprofit services that support women and families. In past years we have worked with breast cancer support groups, transition to work programs, art/therapy retreats, shelters, and counseling programs. Operating expenses for the shows come from the artisans. Proceeds from food sales and the $2.00 suggested door donations go directly to the participating nonprofit groups, giving them an opportunity to get the word out about their programs and to raise funds. We strive to keep the shows fresh and to continue to give women artisans new opportunities to show their work.

	To help spread the word about our mission, we've had our logo printed on a great tote bag. Find out more... click the bag!
Some of the organizations who we've helped to raise money ... Sagamore Village Tenants Council Caring Connections YWCA K-Clubs for Girls United Sisters Spruce Run YWCA Women's Shelter and Residence McAuley Residence Cumberland County Affordable Homes Building Materials Exchange Fair Harbor Programs (YWCA programs for homeless teenage girls) Greater Portland Rape Crisis Center Displaced Homemakers Family Crisis Center- Portland Day One
		A portion of the sale of each bag is donated to the non-profits we support for the year.