Illinois Watercolor Society 42nd National Exhibition

The Illinois Watercolor Society invites artists to submit work for its 42nd National Exhibition, held May 1-30, 2026 at The Next Picture Show, 113 W. First St., Dixon, Illinois. The exhibition is open to all artists 18 years or older. Work must be original, painted after January 1, 2023, and cannot have been previously displayed in an IWS exhibition or completed in a class or workshop. All water soluble media including watercolor, acrylic, and gouache are permitted, as well as work on yupo or canvas. Collage, digital media, photography, prints, and reproductions are not permitted.

Entry deadline is March 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Entry fees are $35 for non-members, $25 for IWS members, and $10 for Signature members. Submissions are made online through CaFÉ at www.illinoiswatercolorsociety.org. Artists may submit 1-3 images. Only one painting per artist will be selected for exhibition. Accepted artwork must be shipped or hand-delivered by April 22-29, 2026 (gallery closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays).

The exhibition features 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 Awards of Excellence, Creative Spirit Award, Directors Choice, Strissell Memorial, People's Choice, and Honorable Mentions. Juror of Selection and Awards is Kris Parins. A public reception and awards presentation will be held May 2, 2026 at 1 p.m., featuring a watercolor demonstration by the juror. The Next Picture Show retains a 20% commission on sales. For questions, contact [email protected] or 847-714-9523.