Join NWS

The goals of the National Watercolor Society 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.

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 one of the Vice-Presidents, or voting at the annual business meeting.

As an Associate member you are entitled to:

  • Receive invitations to all NWS events and openings;
  • Submit a slide for the Annual Exhibition at a lower fee than non-members;
  • Receive the NWS Newsletter, published 4–5 times per year;
  • Be listed in the catalog of the Annual Exhibition as an Associate member;
  • Receive the Annual Exhibition catalog for free.

Those who join after November 30th are considered paid through March 31st of the next year and receive the current Annual Exhibition catalog free. Those who join on January 1st or later will receive the catalog for the Annual Exhibition of that year. The membership year runs from March 31st to March 31st. NWS does not prorate the dues amount for mid-year membership.†

The Society is a not-for-profit organization; therefore, dues are tax-deductible. Questions about Associate membership may be sent to the Loa Sprung, Communications and Membership Director at the address below or email: loa13@cox.net

How To Join NWS as an Associate Member:

Download Membership Form (PDF) (optional).

Annual Associate dues are $40.00 (US$).

Checks, payable to NWS, may be sent to:

National Watercolor Society
Attn. Loa Sprung, Membership Director
915 S. Pacific Avenue,
San Pedro, California 90731

* Please do not send any mail that requires a signature.

Note: Because the annual show was held earlier in 2008 than normal, the dates for renewals have been changed for this year only. All dues paid after 10/1/2008 will be applied to “dues paid until 3/31/2010.” If you pay your dues after 10/1/2008 but would like a 2008 annual show catalog, please send your check for $20 to NWS at the above address; write “2008 annual show catalog” on your check.

Signature Membership

Artists desiring Signature membership in the National Watercolor Society are selected from entries in the Annual Exhibition held in the Fall of each year. (The All Member’s Show in the spring is not the Annual Exhibition.)

The prospectus for the Annual Exhibition is published and distributed in early Spring, and will be available for download from our Exhibits page (requests for a printed copy can also be sent to the Exhibition Director at the NWS headquarters at the address below). The deadline for images and entry is late Spring. The annual exhibition is juried and the awards are selected in the Summer. The show opens in the Fall and during the Awards Banquet “Signature Membership” and Awards are presented. An opening reception immediately follows the Awards Banquet.

A non-member or NWS Associate whose painting is accepted for annual exhibition will be contacted by the Society President and will be invited 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 meets the qualifications of this Jury will be invited to become Signature Members of the Society.

Signature Membership entitles the artist to:

  • use the NWS initials after his or her name;
  • attend Board Meetings and hold major office positions on the Board of Directors;
  • vote on issues relating to the Society;
  • receive invitations to all Society events, openings, and functions;
  • submit a slide for the annual exhibition for a lower fee than nonmembers;
  • receive the NWS Newsletter;
  • be listed in and receive a free copy of the Annual Exhibition catalog.

Signature renewals: The appropriate form will be mailed to you in February as a Dues Notice that tells you to renew your signature membership for the ensuing year to March 31 of the next year. The dues notice is always gray and asks if you have moved recently. If you need a replacement form, please send a request to Loa Sprung (see email to the left).