In order to join and be a participating member, you must be a Florida resident (have a mortgage, lease or FL driver’s license). Click here and it will take you to an application form. You can join online using your credit card or down load the “New Membership” form and mail the completed form with your check to the designated address. There is also a nonresident Membership that entitles you to all Membership privileges, except voting and entering the annual exhibition. If you move out of state, you may retain your participating Membership with full privileges. (TOP)
What benefits will I receive if I join FWS?
As an Associate Member you will be eligible for entering our annual Exhibition. You will receive our newsletter that is published three times during the year and will be eligible to hold office ( however,you must be a Signature member to hold office as President). You will become part of the largest state watercolor organization in the country. And you will meet many artists who will become friends and mentors for life. (TOP)
What is a Signature Membership?
A member who has been juried into three (3) FWS annual Exhibitions receives Signature status. When first juried into a FWS annual Exhibition you become a “Participating Member (P-1) and upon second acceptance to the FWS annual Exhibition you become a Participating Member (P-2) Member. (TOP)
When is the FWS Convention and Exhibition and where is it held?
Our Convention and Exhibition is normally held in September. We vary the location in order to ensure we bring the event close to our member on an equitable basis. In 2007 it will be held in Daytona Beach. In 2008 it will be held in Delray Beach and in 2009 it will be in Punta Gorda. (TOP)
When do I make my reservations to attend?
In May of each year dues paid members are sent a Convention and Exhibition announcement. If you are not a member, you will find the reservations information on our web page. Just follow the instructions and send your check, payable to the FWS, for our Convention, Workshops, Banquet and Critiques. (TOP)
What do I have to do to enter the annual exhibition?
You must be a member in good standing and have paid your annual dues by April 30th of the current year. The Prospectus, which is the entry form with all the instructions, will be mailed to you in May. Accompanying the Prospectus will be the Convention Brochure containing all the information your will need to register for the Convention workshops, critiques and banquet. (TOP)
Can I register for Convention activities on the FWS website?
Yes, but this feature is “under construction” and will be available in time to register for Convention activities. (TOP)
How do I prepare the slides and submit the entry form?
The Prospectus contains all the information you'll need for your slide submission. It's most important that your return address is placed in the upper left corner of the standard #10 envelope which contains your slides, as this is the method used to file and maintain our records of your entry. We receive over 800 entries, therefore it's important that your paperwork be completely filled out and signed. (TOP)
Why does FWS have so many rules for the painting content and frame size and color?
We strive for a homogeneous watermedia exhibition that can be hung in the galleries or museums designed to illuminate the paintings. Most important is that we maintain our tradition of using watermedia and not other materials that distract from watermedia materials. We continually update our rules to ensure that we are inclusive of new materials. Therefore watercolor, acrylic in an aqueous manner, gouache, egg tempura and casein are permitted. Not acceptable are oils of any kind, impasto acrylics, pastels, computer generated art, laser prints, and giclee prints. (TOP)
Can collage be used within my submitted paintings?
Watermedia must be the dominant element. The only collage allowed is paper, hand painted by the artist and constituting a very minor part of the painting. Photographs or printed materials as collage are not allowed. (TOP)
Can glass be used to cover my framed painting?
No, only plexiglass may be used to cover paintings. (TOP)
What supports are permitted?
Paper, treated paper, synthetic paper, paper mounted on board, clay board, flat canvas board, all capable of being presented under plexiglass are all acceptable. FWS does not accept traditional watercolor canvas, only flat canvas boards. (TOP)
What does “original painting” mean?
The artist has to use his or her own design and composition. Copying a photo taken by another person, or copying another painting or magazine picture, or work done under an instructor’s supervision is not considered original work. (TOP)
Are there specific requirements for frames and mats?
Frames should be plain and simple, metal or wood, not ornate, carved, beaded or colored. (However, black or white frames are acceptable). Maximum frame width is three (3) inches and frame size is to be no larger than 60 inches in either direction. The frame must be wired for hanging in the orientation intended by the artist. All paintings must be under plexiglass only. Mats, if used, must be single or double, white only with no colored liners. (TOP)
How can my friend join Florida Watercolor Society?
Click here and it will take you to the FWS New Member form (see instructions) or it can be down loaded and mailed to our 1st Vice President who is the FWS Membership Chairperson. (TOP)
How can I participate in donating money for FWS Awards?
We give an annual Scholarship Award to a deserving art student enrolled in a Florida college or university, and a Congressional Award to a student in a participating Congressional district. Invitations are sent to members and merchants requesting they donate toward our awards winners. In the past we have collected over $14,000 annually for distribution to our award-winning artists. If you wish to participate in our Awards, please contact the FWS 2nd Vice President via mail or email, stating your wish to participate. Your grateful gift will be publicized at our Convention, Exhibition, newsletter and in our Official Exhibition Catalogue. (TOP)
How do I link my website on the FWS website?
If you are an up to date dues paying FWS member you are authorized to be linked on our website. Using the members area of our website, click on Update My Contact Information, then fill out the field titled URL and click update. This will automatically add you to the Artists Links page. Alternatively, You can contact Gary deBroekert, Director of Operations (click on “Board” button for email address/telephone number. (TOP)
I do not have a website, how do I participate in the FWS Member Gallery?
There is a charge of $125 to participate in the Member Gallery. Please collect similar information to the existing galleries and email it to webmaster@floridawatercolorsociety.orgThe charge is non-refundable. Pictures must be water-based media that fits the eligibility requirements for the FWS annual show. Only FWS members are eligible. (TOP)
