Purpose:
To promote water-based media on paper by sponsoring member shows, an International Exhibition, and holding workshops and painting demonstrations. To encourage students, viewers, and artists of all ages to become involved in watermedia on paper and the San Diego Watercolor Society.
San Diego Watercolor Society History
Formed in 1964 as an organization for watercolor artists, the San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) became a registered California nonprofit corporation 501 (c) (3) in 1978.
In the early days, the monthly membership meetings were held in various locations like the San Diego Historical Society and SDG&E in downtown San Diego. In 1993, to accommodate the growing membership, the monthly meetings were relocated to their present, larger location, the Scottish Rite Center, in Mission Valley.
From 1992 to 2006, SDWS successfully ran its own 4,000 square-foot gallery and workshop facility in the Little Italy section of San Diego. In January 2007, SDWS moved its organization to the arts and cultural section of the NTC Promenade in the Point Loma area of San Diego. The current location is part of the old naval training center which includes 28 park-like acres with beautifully renovated Spanish revival buildings. SDWS has over 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art gallery, education center, library and office.
Robert Burridge, internationally known contemporary painter enthused "I was honored to conduct the first workshop and to jury in their brand new SDWS location and gallery. What a wonderful and well-thought-out space. Every detail was covered - from proper lighting, workspace tables, kitchen and water supply - from a full library of books and DVDs to all the very personable and friendly teams of enthusiastic volunteers. All art societies should follow their lead. It is no wonder their membership is large and full of rising stars, as well as the best selling painters in the area.”
SDWS is an all-volunteer organization from its dedicated Board of Directors, to the countless volunteers that make the Society thrive. SDWS offers monthly membership art exhibits, an extensive art library, workshops and classes, and a major annual international exhibition at its location in the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station. In addition, there are monthly meetings with artist demonstrations open to members and nonmembers, artist-led plein air painting opportunities, and bus excursions to Southern California museums and galleries.
SDWS has nearly 800 members and is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the United States. Its membership includes professional and amateur artists as well as admirers of art from all over the world.
The International Exhibition
From its beginnings as a statewide exhibition in 1976 to a national one in 1980 to an international competition in 1981, the Annual International Exhibition has been one of the highlights of the year for SDWS. It attracts entries from hundreds of artists from all over the world and is seen by thousands in the SDWS gallery during the month of October. A gala awards reception is held at the gallery.
In his juror’s statement for the 22nd Annual International Exhibition, renowned painter Dean Mitchell wrote, “The San Diego Watercolor Society will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first national exhibition that awarded me a prize. I doubt I would have emerged as the artist I am today without exhibitions of this nature. Thank you, San Diego Watercolor Society, for your continued excellence in presenting one of the finest exhibitions in contemporary art.”
Exhibitions at the Gallery
The light-filled gallery displays original watermedia paintings by members in juried monthly shows and hosts a First Friday evening reception every month for members and the public.
Newsletter
The PRISM is published monthly online or mailed to members on request. It lists coming events, meetings, workshops and paint outs, news about members, and reports by elected officers. It also contains paid ads from art-related businesses, often featuring special discounts to members.
Workshops
Annually, SDWS offers more than a dozen workshops and class series by internationally known painting instructors. These feature the latest trends and classic techniques in watermedia. Members receive discounted rates.
Artist Demonstrations
Monthly meetings feature demonstrations by well-known artists and are held at the Scottish Rite Center in Mission Valley. More than 150 members and guests attend each month.
Paint Outs
SDWS members have more than 60 opportunities each year to enjoy the special pleasure of painting outdoors. There are twelve Saturday morning events with demonstrations and critiques, and less formal paint outs are held every Wednesday morning.
The Eunice Porte Library
Members and guests can browse, and members may borrow from an extensive collection of art books, videos, DVDs and slides housed at the NTC location.
The Western Federation Show
SDWS and 8 major watercolor organizations, located west of the Mississippi, make up the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies. Each year a different organization hosts the exhibition. Entry is open to members of the Federation Societies and is juried by a well known artist.
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San Diego Watercolor Society · ©Copyright 1998-2008
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