The Petticoat Painters is the oldest, continuously exhibiting women's art group in the United States. The group was formed in 1953 to showcase the talents of female artists at a time when women had difficulty getting their work exhibited.

The group is limited to 20 Sarasota artists and prospective members have to be nominated by a member. They are carefully considered after screening for artistic integrity and exhibition experience to see if they will be invited into the group.

Seven women artists participated in that first show held at the gallery of Martha and William Hartman. Those original members selected the name "Petticoat Painters," thinking it would be a one-time show of their work. The Petticoat Painters celebrated their 50th anniversary 2003 with a show at Ringling's Selby Gallery in Sarasota. They will celebrate their 56th anniversary at the same gallery in 2009.

A group of Petticoat Painters at the Celery Barn Gallery  Show in May 2004: from left first row,: Judy Axe, Martha Hartman, Alice DeCaprio, Virginia Salerni, Trudy Whitney. Second row: Julee Docking, Susan Kline, Julie Trigg, Diane Schmidt, Jamie Friedlie and Susan Morris McGee.