About Us

Mission
The purpose of the Cecilia Beaux Forum is to strengthen the role of women artists by providing programs and resources to enhance the quality, as well as, the public's knowledge and appreciation of their work.
 
Overview
The Cecilia Beaux Forum will be an active committee within the structure of the Portrait Society of America, a 501(c)3 organization formed with the purpose of educating the public about the practice, techniques and applications of traditional fine art portraiture and figurative works. The Chair of the Forum will serve on the executive board of the Portrait Society of America. Judith B. Carducci has been appointed the first Chair of the Forum. 

Implementation
Our programs will increase public awareness of women artists in fine art portraiture and figurative works, including women artists in history and contemporary artists of our time. In addition, the program will provide mentoring for emerging artists, as well as exhibitions, publicity and networking. The forum will accomplish its mission through the following programs.

Collect, Write & Publish Articles on Women Artists
Through the efforts of Forum members publishing articles on women in history and the best women artists of our time will teach the public about the wide variety of contributions by women in the arts.

Annual Meeting
Organize and hold a yearly meeting to gather directives from the members in order to build a forum that fulfills its members' visions.

Mentoring
Provide a structured program to direct and nurture artistic growth focused on the individual's goals through the shared guidance and insights of other artists and professionals in the arts arena.

Exhibitions & Professional Exposure
Provide women artists with the tools to gain exposure and prestige through competition and exhibition of works. Organize an exhibit that will feature women artists and exemplify different facets of fine art portraiture and figurative works. The forum will work closely with prominent institutions for exhibition venues.


Committee Leadership
The Forum is structured around three volunteer committees that serve as creative leadership, authors and project consultants. Meet your Forum Leaders.

Judith Carducci, Cecilia Beaux Forum Chair 
          Judith began formal art study at age five under Blanche Whiting , receiving a classic art education in the tradition of European realism. Judith studied sculpture with Bashka Paeff, watercolor with Melvin Chevers, landscape and abstract composition with C.A. Brodeur, and pastel with Albert Handell, Charles Basham and Daniel Greene, N.A. Among her awards are Best of Show, Portrait Society of America; Award of Excellence, Degas Pastel Society; Finalist, Washington Society of Portrait Artists; and First Prize, LaFond National Competition.

Exhibitions
Lisa Gleim, Exhibitions Committee Head 

Exhibition Committee Members: Alia El-Bermani


Literature
Chris Saper, Literature Committee Head


Literature Committee:


Mentoring
Alexandra Tyng, Mentoring Committee Head

          Alexandra Tyng is known for her figurative paintings, portraits, and landscapes. In 2010, her portrait of architect Louis I. Kahn was accepted into the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. , and her paintings were included in two major group exhibitions, Inspiring Figures at the Butler Institute of American Art, and Women Painting Women
           Alex’s paintings have been featured in periodicals including Poets and Artists, The Artist’s Magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur, American Artist, International Artist, and Maine Home + Design; and one book, The Art of Monhegan. She has received awards from the Portrait Society of America, the Allied Artists of America, the Woodmere Art Museum, and the Art Renewal Center. 
           Alex is the founder of “Portraits For the Arts,” an ongoing philanthropic project that uses the power of portraiture to raise money for the arts in the Philadelphia area. She teaches portraiture and landscape classes and workshops, and has been active in the Cecilia Beaux Forum since its inception.

Mentoring Committee:

Emeritus Committee Heads
Teresa Spinner, Exhibitions 
Luana Luconi Winner, Literature 
Kay Polk, Mentoring