Frequently Asked Questions

What is the procedure for entering the monthly Member Shows?

Bring your paintings to the SDWS Gallery on entry day.  The dates for submission are listed on the Upcoming Shows page and on the calendar.  There are two options for entry: 1) $20 entry fee (for up to 4 paintings) due for each Member Show, or 2) a one-time annual $120 fee for all eleven Member Shows (November through September shows). During October, the Gallery is reserved for our International Exhibition, which has its own entry fee and requirements.

What can I enter?

You may enter two regular size paintings and two miniatures. (See Exhibition Requirements.)

Does entering guarantee that my work will be shown?

We always have more art entered than there is room to show, so each month a juror selects the paintings to be shown that month.  In addition, the juror selects the paintings to be honored with certificates, or monetary awards, as in the case of the several cash award shows held each year.  Notice of Acceptance will be posted on www.sdws.org on the member’s home page as soon as possible after jurying is completed. Each show is unique in terms of the Juror and the art submitted for consideration. Art not being accepted is a function of selection and the juror's taste; artists are encouraged to resubmit their paintings at the next entry day. Juror's comments are posted on the website at the following link. If an entry is not accepted, you are expected to retrieve it from the Gallery as soon as possible.  Artists juried into member shows are strongly encouraged to volunteer service or staff the gallery (4) times per year.

What are the “First Friday” receptions?

These are the official Member Show receptions held at the Gallery on the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Members are encouraged to attend, regardless of whether they have art juried into the show. This is an opportunity to meet other artists and those who appreciate art socially and to view the new show. The event is open to the general public in order to gain exposure for our Gallery, so bring your friends, colleagues, or anyone interested in viewing and collecting art!  Accepted artists are asked to bring an hors d’oeuvre to share.

Are there other ways to have my art available for sale at the Gallery?

Member Artists may display and sell greeting cards they have designed and produced. The SDWS greeting card policy may be found on our Forms & Documents page. Also, Member Artists may include their own websites on our home page where visitors can go to inquire about obtaining the artist's paintings.

How do I check out books and videos from the library?

Take the book or video to the front desk and have it signed out by the Gallery staffer.  You may check out as many as four books at one time for a three-week period, with no charge.  Two videos may be checked out for three weeks. SDWS's Library has an extensive library of over 1500 print and video format items available for check out. See if the book you have been looking for is available for check out by clicking here

How do I sign up for workshop?

The best way to sign up for a workshop is via this website. Please go to Workshops to review the workshop schedule, instructor information and dates. Many of the more popular workshops sell out, so make your reservations quickly. The cost of workshops varies, depending on the instructor and length of workshop. You can conveniently sign up for workshops on line or by email to the workshop registrar at workshopregister@sdws.org .

Are there painting groups I can join?

The SDWS has a Paintout every Wednesday morning. The group visits different locations and always paints outdoors together.  A typical paintout would be between 2-2.5 hours long with a half hour group critique at the end. As a member, you are always welcome to join a paintout, whatever your experience level.  The sessions begin around 9:30 a.m. with an informal critique at 12:30 p.m.  The dates and locations of upcoming Paintouts can be found on the Paintout page or our Calendar.

SDWS also offers a more formal Paintout opportunity on the second Saturday of each month.  The locations for Paintouts are provided in the calendar entries for those events.  These begin at 9:00 a.m. with a demonstration by a well-known watermedia artist.  This is followed by free time for painting and a critique by the demonstrator at 12:30 p.m.

Various members have formed informal critque groups as well.

Where and when are the monthly General Meetings held?

The General Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the SDWS Gallery.  A social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7:00 p.m. by a short business meeting and a demonstration by the month’s featured artist.  Click here for the schedule of Monthly Meeting demonstrators.

When does the Board meet and can anyone attend?

The Board meets on the last Wednesday of the month at the Gallery from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  All members are welcome to attend.  If you want to address the Board, please send a request to the SDWS President at least one week prior to the meeting.