The Women's Committee

Women's Committee Members

In 1952-53, Mrs. John Rockwood founded the Women's Committee of the Corcoran Gallery of Art with the mandate of advancing the Gallery’s growth, and extending its usefulness as a cultural and educational institution. The Women's Committee has since grown from its original 21 members to 80 active members, plus nonresident active, diplomatic associate, and sustaining members. The organization meets monthly in the Corcoran’s historic Mantle Room to conduct its business, followed by programming which may include speakers from our outreach efforts; discussions with visiting artists; or behind-the-scenes tours led by Corcoran curators. The Women's Committee also hosts receptions in celebration of exhibition openings.

The Corcoran Ball is the major fundraising event of the Women's Committee. Held annually in April, the Ball has netted millions of dollars since its inaugural event in 1956. The several committees managing the event production are made up of members of the Women's Committee, the General Committee—comprised of 75 members of the community at large—and the Junior Committee.

Working alongside the Ball Decoration Committee are long-time Corcoran Ball supporters Eric Michael of Occasions Caterers, Jack Lucky of Jack H. Lucky Floral Designs, and Peter Grazzini of Perfect Settings. This talented group diligently creates the lavish yet cutting-edge design trends for this spectacular night. Ball attendees stroll through the spaces viewing not only the important works from the Corcoran’s collection, but also the dazzling décor developed exclusively for the event, each space exploring a different theme. The element of surprise surrounding the décor is a long-standing tradition, not to be shared with even the current Ball Committee members!