San Diego Watercolor Society

Formed in 1965, The San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) is a broad-based nonprofit art organization promoting the appreciation of and involvement in watermedia painting. With its dedicated all-volunteer staff, SDWS operates a major 4,000 sq. ft. gallery and education center located in the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station in the Point Loma area of San Diego. SDWS provides a wide array of services and activities that benefit the over 700 members and the public. Some of the Society’s offerings include a member-juried art exhibit each month, an extensive art library, and a full program of workshops and class instruction. Monthly meetings with demonstrations by nationally known artists are open to both members and nonmembers. Weekly informally led paintouts and monthly organized plein air painting sessions with a lead artist demonstrator provide other opportunities to participate in SDWS activities. We are also devoted to arts education for all ages. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, the SDWS Education Committee currently has four main programs: Community Outreach for Youth and Seniors, Liberty School, Military Family Arts Program, and Adult Beginner Watercolor Workshops. For over three decades, SDWS has been proud to host its yearly International Exhibition which attracts hundreds of entries from acclaimed artists worldwide. Well-known, award-winning artists are invited to jury the exhibit, and accepted artists are honored to participate. This significant exhibit is one of the highlights of the year for SDWS. A gala reception for members, artists, and the public is held at the SDWS gallery in October, and thousands of visitors view the exhibit during the month.