Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of membership in the San Diego Watercolor Society?

The San Diego Watercolor Society is a non-profit organization run by volunteers, and its Gallery at Liberty Station offers free admission throughout the year. Learn More

As a member, you are invited to participate in a variety of activities, including: 

• Entering art in monthly juried member shows and the annual Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition
• Seeing free demonstrations by well-known artists
• Attending regularly scheduled paintouts and paint-ins
• Borrowing resources from the extensive library
• Enjoying merchant discounts with local art supply vendors

What is the cost of Membership?

Individual Membership: (age 26 or above) $95 annually

Associate Membership (Non-Voting Member): (age 16-25) $40 annually

The SDWS membership year runs from October 1st through September 30th. For new members joining after April 1st, a reduced $60 fee is available.

How do I join or renew?

Current SDWS members, please LOGIN and use the form on the Member Home Page to renew your membership. New members, please join online or download and print our membership form.

How can I get involved with SDWS?

Please visit our website to find the various ways that members can volunteer at SDWS.

How can I stay up to date on SDWS activities and events?

Stay up to date by visiting the website and reading the monthly newsletter (emailed). Also be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events.

What happens at the monthly meetings?

The meetings are on typically on the second Sunday of each month at the SDWS Gallery. Please see the calendar as dates are subject to change. There is social time beginning at 1:00 p.m. followed by a short business meeting at 1:30 p.m. and a demonstration by the month’s featured artist. Members and guests are welcome.

How can I support San Diego Watercolor Society?

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we rely on support from grants, endowments, private donations, and members to help sustain and expand our mission. Members who support SDWS financially receive additional benefits and levels of recognition based on their contributions. Learn More

How can I enter Member Shows?

Most monthly exhibitions at SDWS are restricted to members of the Society and all paintings must be offered for sale. 

• Members may enter two regular size paintings and two miniatures each show. 
• Please see Show/Exhibition Requirements for the specific information regarding eligibility, framing, accepted media, requirement of originality, and sizes. 
• The fee for entering is $20 per show, or $120 per year. 
• A 20% commission to SDWS will be reserved from any painting sold at Members Shows.
• Member Shows

What other opportunities for public display are offered to SDWS members?

There are a variety of other Special Shows and art exhibitions listed on the SDWS.org website.

How many paintings are accepted each month and how many of those does the SDWS Gallery sell?

• Each month the juror selects approximately 95 paintings and 10 alternates.
• All accepted paintings and alternate paintings are available for sale online via the SDWS website for the duration of the show.
• With more and more visitors to the Gallery (25,000 in 2017), our artists have great exposure to prospective purchasers.

What if I want to buy a painting from the Gallery?

• You can buy artwork online using PayPal with a credit card. SDWS will ship it to you (buyer pays shipping costs) and there is a 10 day return policy. Terms & Conditions
• For purchases at our Gallery during Member Shows, you can take the painting home immediately or, if preferred, leave it until the end of the monthly show.  
• For the International Exhibition the painting must remain on display until the end of the show.

International Show

During October, the Gallery is reserved for our International Exhibition, which has its own entry fee and requirements.

Member Show Receptions

Member Show receptions are held at the Gallery on the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., marking the official opening of each show. Members are encouraged to attend, regardless of whether they have art juried into the show. The event is open to the general public, so bring your friends, family, and anyone interested in viewing and collecting art! Accepted artists are asked to bring an hors d’oeuvre to share. The Arts District of Liberty Station also hosts many activities on the First Friday of each month with their Friday Night Liberty art walk.

Educational Opportunities

SDWS hosts a fantastic variety of workshops for all levels of learners, with a discount offered to SDWS members. Please see our workshops schedule for upcoming opportunities. Additionally, SDWS volunteers bring hands-on art learning experiences to hundreds of local students. Workshops and Beginner Classes

Are there other ways to have my art available for sale at the Gallery?

Members may display and sell greeting cards they have designed and produced. The SDWS greeting card policy may be found on our Forms page. Members may also include links to their own websites through the SDWS.org website.

How can I paint with other SDWS members?

The SDWS has a paintout every Wednesday morning and a more formal paintout opportunity on the second Saturday of each month, featuring a demonstration by a notable water media artist. As a member, you are always welcome to join a paintout, no matter your experience level. The dates and locations of upcoming paintouts can be found on the Calendar section of our website. 

When does the Board meet and can anyone attend?

The Board meets on the last Tuesday of the month at the Gallery from 10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time.  All members are welcome to attend.  If you would like to address the Board, please send a request to the SDWS President at least one week prior to the meeting.