The Saint Louis Watercolor Society was formed in 1996 by a small group of dedicated, visionary artists for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to artists interested in water media, and to exhibit water media artwork to the public. From the original charter group of seven members, the membership grew to 175 active members in less than two years. The membership is still going strong at over 200 members and ranges from full-time watercolorists, to hobbyists, educators, friends of artists, gallery owners, retailers, etc. If you want to know more about the Saint Louis Watercolor Society, you can send us an email at stlws@outlook.com.
Meetings
Regular monthly membership meetings are held on third Wednesdays at 7:00 PM at First Congregational Church in Webster Groves, Missouri. Meetings generally include an educational demonstration and or lecture by guest artists. Meetings are open to members, prospective members and guests. Meetings are held September through May, (except December). View the calendar
Membership Dues Dues are $35 per year from July 1 to June 30th. They are not prorated. They can be paid in the STLWS Shop or a check can be sent to STLWS, PO BOX 16893, Saint Louis, MO 63105-1493.
Workshops
Since 1996, we have organized and sponsored workshops with 40+ nationally and internationally known watercolor instructors. View this year’s workshops
Workshops are open to members and non-members. Members who pay their dues by July 31st are allowed to sign-up for workshops before registration is open to non-members. Workshops are usually three-days or five-days and held at the Hawken House, a beautiful facility run by the Webster Groves Historical Society.
Exhibitions
Our Annual Membership Awards Exhibition, Big Splash, is held in the Fall each year. There are usually about 100 paintings exhibited in this show – a wonderful diverse display of water media in all its thrilling personalities! The exhibit is judged for awards by a professional artist or local professor of art. Up to 20 prizes are donated for this show by generous Corporate Sponsors.
Our Winter exhibit is one for those who have obtained STLWS Signature Status. This status is granted to members who are accepted into two juried shows within 10 years while maintaining continuous membership. There are both framed and unframed works available for viewing and purchase at Norton’s Fine Art & Framing gallery.
Our springtime Annual Juried Exhibition is generally held at Norton’s Fine Art & Framing gallery. This exhibit is judged by our spring workshop artist and offers cash awards. Additional exhibits are held throughout the year and offer many opportunities for the experienced as well as the emerging artist.
Newsletter
A quarterly newsletter, chock full of important updates about STLWS activities and articles about our guest artists and workshop artists, is distributed to members as a benefit of membership and to the public via our website. If you are interested in submitting an article for the newsletter, email the newsletter editor at: vivdimagination-13slws@yahoo.com at least one month before the edition dates of February, May, August, November. There is no payment for articles. Articles may be edited to fit, and inclusion is up to the discretion of the editor. Advertising space is also available in the newsletter.
Committee and Board Membership
There are many opportunities to serve on the Board of STLWS or on a Committee. You can help with receiving or retrieval at exhibits, work with the judge or group that hangs the shows; you can help with refreshments; or with workshops. Board members are elected at the May meeting each year from the membership. The Board meets once a month throughout the year, on the second Tuesday of the month. Board terms are for two years. Some of the benefits of serving on the Board are:
- You help determine policy.
- You have a great time networking with other outstanding artists.
- You get a free listing and the image of your choice on this web site.
- You are the first to find out about upcoming workshops.
- You get to make suggestions about who you want to have for demos and workshops.
- You help give back to the community some of the blessings you have received by being an artist.
- You know you are needed!
For more information about serving on the Board or on committees, contact any Board Member.
Board Positions
View the Duties Performed by Board Members