Illinois Watercolor Society 41st National Exhibition

The Illinois Watercolor Society invites artists to submit work for its 41st National Exhibition, held May 1-31, 2025 at The Next Picture Show, 113 W. First St., Dixon, Illinois. The exhibition is open to all artists 18 years or older. Entry deadline is March 10, 2025. Entry fees are $35 for non-members, $25 for IWS members, and $10 for signature members. Artists may submit 1-3 images of original watercolor, acrylic, or gouache paintings completed after January 1, 2022. Work must not have been previously displayed in an IWS exhibition or completed in a class or workshop. Collage, digital media, photography, prints, and reproductions are not permitted.

John Salminen, a signature member of AWS, NWS, and TWSA and President Emeritus of the International Masters of Watercolor Association, will serve as juror of selection and awards. The exhibition offers anticipated cash awards totaling at least $10,000, with First Place at $2,000, Second at $1,600, Third at $1,200, and additional awards including Award of Excellence categories, Creative Spirit Award, Directors Choice, Strissell Memorial, People's Choice, and six Honorable Mentions. Only one painting per artist will be selected for exhibition.

Accepted entries will be posted on March 24. Paintings are due April 22-29 (gallery closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays) and must be shipped or hand-delivered to the gallery. A free public reception will be held May 3 at 1pm, featuring a watercolor demonstration by John Salminen followed by an awards presentation. The Next Picture Show retains a 20% commission on sales. For questions, contact the National Show Chair at 847-714-9523 or [email protected].