46th International Watermedia Exhibition

The 46th Annual International Watermedia Exhibition (IWE) is Houston's premier watermedia event, showcasing the excellence of artists from around the world in a gallery exhibit held in Houston's Museum District. Entries selected by juror and judge Brenda Swenson will receive exposure in a month-long gallery exhibit (March 7-30, 2023) as well as an online exhibit lasting through the end of the year. Participants have the opportunity to win awards totaling more than $10,000.

Artists must be 18 years or older and may submit up to three entries. Entry fees are $40 for one entry, $55 for two entries, and $70 for three entries. Only one entry per artist may be selected for the exhibition. Works must be original watermedia paintings (at least 80% water media including watercolor, acrylic, gouache, egg tempera, casein, or ink) created within 24 months of the entry deadline. Paintings must be on paper, Yupo, Claybord, Aquabord, Gessobord, or paper-based board, with unframed dimensions no smaller than 9.25 inches on any side and no larger than 48 inches in any direction when framed. All artwork must be matted and framed with white mats and simple frames in black, brown, white, gold, or silver tones, protected by Plexiglass.

Notifications of selection will be sent January 31, 2023. Invited artists must accept their invitation by February 10, 2023 and ship artwork between February 14-28, 2023. A gallery reception is scheduled for March 5, 2023 at 3:30 pm CST. Awards include 1st Place ($2,500), 2nd Place ($1,500), 3rd Place ($1,250), and multiple category awards. Selected artists may earn Signature or Elite Signature status designations. Contact: [email protected] or (713) 942-9966.