Once known as the Detroit Society of Women Painters, the group is said to be one of the oldest self-sustaining women’s art groups in the country, founded in 1903.  Its founding members included Lettie Carpo, Lillian Meeser and Pewabic Pottery founder Mary Chase Stratton.

The initial group of 15 women met for monthly critiques.

“They wanted to help each other,” explained DSWPS Second Vice President Jackie Rybinski, of Grosse Pointe Farms.

That’s still the case, as members — now about 170 — have regular meetings and conduct juried shows that are displayed in various venues. They also award annual scholarships to female art students.

“Our connection with education is very important,” Rybinski said.

DSWPS contributed to the general art world, as well. Rybinski said the society donated funds to the Detroit Institute of Arts and was instrumental in the founding of the Society of Arts and Crafts — which would later become the College for Creative Studies — and the Detroit School of Design, which was once an automotive design school.

“They touched so many things in Detroit,” Rybinski said. “They helped get things started.”