PWS Aqueous Open 2020

Pittsburgh Watercolor Society is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with the PWS Aqueous Open 2020 International Juried Exhibit, held online via the PWS website from September 12 through October 31, 2020. The exhibit is open to all artists 18 or older working primarily with water-based media on paper surfaces (YUPO and Tyvek are permitted). Eligible mediums include watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, and egg tempera. Works on canvas or panels will not be accepted. No pastels, class work, digital images, prints, reproductions, alcohol inks, or works with more than 10% collage are permitted. Artists' original work only—no copies or likenesses of another artist's work. Works must have been created within the last two years and not previously shown in another PWS exhibit.

Artists may enter up to two pieces for consideration, though only one piece will be accepted. The entry deadline is August 11, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Entry fees are $40 for non-members and $30 for Pittsburgh Watercolor Society members. Digital file images must be professional quality, saved in high-quality jpg format with dimensions of 1920 or greater pixels on the long side, at least 72 dpi resolution, and 5 MB or less in file size. Acceptance notifications will be sent the first week of September.

The juror of selection is acclaimed artist John Salminen. Awards will be announced at the reception on October 31. The Best of Show award is $2,000, with more than $7,500 in total cash and prize awards. All accepted work must be for sale through the PWS website, with artists receiving 85% of sales and PWS retaining 15%. Artists are responsible for shipping to purchasers. Artists exhibiting in Aqueous Open two years out of five become eligible for PWS membership; members accepted three out of five years become Signature members. For questions, contact [email protected].