National Watercolor Society 2026 Member Exhibition: $10,000 in CASH Awards

The National Watercolor Society 2026 Member Exhibition is open to all Active NWS Members. This is an online virtual exhibition running May 1-June 30, 2026, with $10,000 in cash awards to honor NWS Past Presidents: Two $2,000 awards, Two $1,000 awards, Four $500 awards, Four $300 awards, Four $200 awards, and one ScholArtship Award. The juror of selection and awards is Kathleen Giles, NWS-M, AWS, TWSA, WIW, PWS, NFWS, WHS.

Artists may enter two paintings; only one painting per artist is eligible for acceptance. Entry fee is $45 for one image or $55 for two images (non-refundable). Paintings must be watermedia on natural or synthetic paper (Yupo, Aquabord, Claybord). Collage elements may be incorporated but must not exceed 20% of the composition, with at least 80% painted with aqueous mediums. Digital media, photography, prints, and reproductions are not permitted. Paintings must be original work not previously awarded in national or international exhibitions or accepted in any NWS exhibition. Photo reference material must have been taken by the artist; vintage photos are not permitted.

Eligibility: Must be an active member of the National Watercolor Society with 2026 membership dues paid prior to entry. Artists must be 18 years or older. Accepted paintings marked for sale may not be offered for sale in any other exhibition during May 1-June 30, 2026. NWS retains a 30% commission on exhibition sales and presold paintings. Monetary awards unclaimed by December 1, 2026 will be forfeited. Entry deadline is February 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Accepted artists will be posted to the NWS website on March 20, 2026. For questions, contact [email protected].