Membership
New Members
The goals of the National Watercolor Society (NWS) are to encourage interest and excellence in watermedia paintings by providing quality exhibitions and to act as an educational channel to pertinent information, exhibition opportunities, and beneficial programs to artists and their public. In addition, NWS sponsors programs to encourage and assist education in the arts.
Those who join now are considered paid through December 31, 2024. Those who join on January 1st or later will receive the catalog for the Annual Exhibition of that year. The membership year runs from January 1 through December 31. NWS does not prorate the dues amount for mid-year membership.
The Society is a not-for-profit organization; therefore, dues are tax-deductible.
Renewing Members
Associate & Signature members should have received an email from our website regarding membership renewal. Please log in using your email account associated with NWS and password (if you have forgotten your password, click on "Forgot My Password" in the log in section and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your account).
Click on View Profile, then renew dues and you will then be taken to the renewal invoice page so that you may pay your dues online.
Returning Members, please sign in using your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, click on "Forgot My Password" in the log in section and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your account.
You will then be taken to your profile page where you can update your status.
Associate Membership
NWS has an active support group in its Associate members. You may join by paying yearly dues, which entitles you to the same privileges as Signature Members with the exception of using the NWS initials after your name, holding the Board position of President or Vice-Presidents, or voting at the annual business meeting.
Associate members are entitled to:
- Receive invitations to all NWS events, openings and functions.
- Submit artwork for the Annual Exhibition and Members Exhibition.
- Receive the online NWS Newsletter, published 3–4 times per year.
- Be listed in the catalog of the Annual Exhibition as an Associate member.
- Receive the Annual Exhibition catalog for free. International members will receive the catalog as a PDF.
Signature Membership
Artists desiring Signature membership in the NWS are selected from entries in the Annual International Open Exhibition held in the Fall of each year. The NWS Member Show does not qualify toward Signature.
A non-member or NWS Associate whose painting is accepted for the International Open Exhibition will be contacted by the Society President to apply for Signature membership by submitting three matted paintings (not including the exhibited work) that will be reviewed by the Jury of Selection. Artists whose work meet the qualifications of this Jury will be invited to become Signature Members of the Society.
In addition to Associate Member privileges, Signature Members are entitled to to:
- Use the NWS initials after their name.
- Attend Board Meetings and hold major office positions on the Board of Directors.
- Vote on issues relating to the Society.
New NWS Signature Levels
In appreciation for of excellence in watermedia, NWS added two (2) new signature levels, the NWS Gold Master (acceptance into 12 International Open Exhibitions) and NWS Master (acceptance into 6 International Open Exhibitions). Artist will need to complete this form to verify your qualification and submit by July 1st to be recognized at the Annual Awards Reception and in the NWS catalog.