How to Enter SDWS Member Shows

Members of the San Diego Watercolor Society are entitled to enter up to two regular size and two mini-size paintings in each of our monthly juried Membership Shows. Mini paintings are defined as measuring no more than 25" total when the frame height and width are totaled. The measurements are taken along the outside edges of the frame. For example, a painting with a frame measuring 12"x12" would be a mini, one with a frame 12"x14" would be a regular. For more information, please refer to our Show/Exhibition Requirements.

The fee for entering is $20 per show (fee for entering 1 to 4 paintings), or $120 per year (November through September). A 20% commission to SDWS will be taken on any painting sold. There is no Membership Show in October.

Enter Online

Save time and help our volunteers by entering online prior to bringing your painting(s) in to the SDWS Gallery on Member Show Entry Day. SDWS Member Shows will open for online entry two weeks before entry day.

  1. Login at sdws.org
  2. The Member Home page will open or can be found at Membership > Member Home
  3. In the lower right side of the screen, you will see shows available for entry
  4. Please use the "Please click here to enter" link.
  5. An entry page will open which will request the following information:
    • Painting Title
    • Upload Image of your Artwork* (Not required for entry)
    • Artwork Size
    • Framed Size 
    • Medium
    • Price
  6. Enter artwork information and click "Enter" for each piece you wish to enter.
  7. When you have completed your online entry, print the forms and bring them with your painting(s) to the SDWS Gallery on the Member Show Entry Day.

Remember, you must bring your painting(s) to the gallery on Member Show Entry Day to complete the entry process whether you entered online or not!

* Please note: If you upload artwork image(s) with your online entry and your painting is accepted into the show, the image you uploaded will be used as part of the slideshow on the SDWS home page during the show and will be available in that show's online gallery during and after the show. If your painting is accepted and you did not upload an image during the entry process, your painting will only be on display at the SDWS Gallery and will NOT be included on the SDWS slideshow or online gallery for that show. 

Enter in Person

Follow the below steps to enter a SDWS Member Show in Person:

  1. Go to the SDWS Gallery on Member Show Entry Day.
  2. Bring in your painting(s) and fill out entry forms at the SDWS Gallery. (Printable Entry Form) 

SDWS Member Show Entry Day

Entry days are usually the last Saturday before the next First Friday Reception. See calendar or member show schedule for details. 

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.

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. 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.