In 1894, Hamilton was in the throes of expanding. A few women, fearful that cultural pursuits would be overlooked in the surging industrial growth, met at the home of Mrs. John Calder. From this, the Women's Art Association was formed. With Mrs. Calder [Pictured, a painting of Mrs. Sara Calder by J.W.L Forster] as first President, they met in private homes and in the stock room of central city merchants. [3]
In 1914, a temporary Art Gallery was set up in the old Public Health Building on Main West, and a room was given to the Association for their permanent use. This group of women constantly pressed for a new Art Gallery, raising the sum of $2,313.13 for a donation.
On April 19, 1946 this organization was incorporated. In 1953 Mrs. S.H. Alexander (President 1925-1928) turned the sod for a new gallery at Forsythe and Main Street West. In 1968 once again the Women's Art Association established a Special Project Fund and raised $12,608. from many and various events to be used as a donation for the present day Art Gallery at 123 King Street West.
The aims of the Women’s Art Association of Hamilton was to:
EXHIBITIONS:
The first exhibition was held in 1896 and every year since then, WAAH exhibits have been held in various galleries and locations with an annual juried show at the Art Gallery of Hamilton every year since 1947.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Established in 1946, scholarships and awards are given to students at the Ontario College of Art, McMaster University, the Dundas Valley School of Art, Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School and the Kiwanis Music Festival
ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON: 
The WAAH presented the following pieces to the Art Gallery of Hamilton's permanent collection: Gray Rocks by Arthur Lismer Composition: Red & Gold by Hortense Gordon Looking South on James Street by Juanita LeBarre Symington [pictured, Juanita LeBarre Symington in her studio] Sulphur Springs Road by Rowena Ballantyne Raspberries on Cabbage Leaf by J.R. Seavey Children in Landscape by Paul Peel (augmented by Wintario grant)
BOARD OF EDUCATION:
Between 1940 and 1947 the WAAH made donations of art books to secondary schools in Hamilton. Art competition prizes were also awarded to winning entrants. 1967 Centennial Project - travelling sculpture entitled "Man" by Rebecca Sisler presented to secondary schools