About

History
The Illinois Watercolor Society was established in 1981 with Chuck Strissel as its president. The first exhibition took place at the Redfield Estate at The Grove in Glenview, Illinois in 1982. Today with well over 180 members, the IWS sponsors two shows each year, a national show and a members’ invitational exhibit. Bi-monthly meetings feature demonstrations by artists with a national reputation.

Mission
The mission of the Illinois Watercolor Society is to advance the education and caliber of watercolor painting throughout Illinois.

This is accomplished by several means:

  1. Encouraging the practice and appreciation of water based media at all skill levels
  2. Publication of a newsletter
  3. Providing a general meeting for socializing, demos and lectures
  4. Providing a website for members to use as a learning and promotional resource
  5. Providing a national and a members’ exhibition

Artistic Education
The IWS will provide essential information regarding the further educational advancement of its members by means of this website and newsletter. Artists of all skill levels are encouraged to join IWS. Resources are equally available to all members.

Promotional Tool
The IWS seeks artistic development by sponsoring and promoting group painting sessions, exchanges of information between members, and other programs designed to expand members’ skills, creative expression and technique.

Annual National Juried Exhibition
This annual event is a juried show open to all watercolor artists living in the US. A Juror of Selection and Judge of Awards will be responsible for selecting the entries into the exhibit and for selecting finalists to be presented with awards. Award winners paintings will then be featured on the website and newsletter.

Annual Members’ Show Exhibition
This annual event is an invitational show for all IWS members that is judged for awards. Award winners paintings will then be featured on the website and newsletter.

Membership Dues Schedule
The IWS Membership term is from May 1 thru April 30 of the following year. Dues are payable from February thru April and will cover the following year. Membership deadline (the postmarking of letters) is April 30.