More on SWS

Granted a charter by the State of Texas in May of 1964, Southwestern Watercolor Society began as the North Texas Watercolor Society, founded by Reese Kennedy, its first president. As membership expanded rapidly, the organization's name was changed to encompass a wider spectrum of potential members. SWS has grown to be an international organization and is one of the largest watercolor societies in the nation. Many of its members have attained national signature status in other watercolor societies, such as American Watercolor Society (AWS) and National Watercolor Society (NWS). Many members have paintings accepted in open juried competitions throughout the United States each year. SWS is fortunate to have many nationally know artists and teachers as members.

SWS meetings are held each month in Dallas, Texas (except June, July, August and December.) Meetings are attended by 150 to 250 people and feature a lecture-demonstration. Three to four, three to five day workshops with the nationally recognized watercolor artists are held each year. At the monthly meetings, members are encouraged to enter a painting in the "Painting of the Month" competition, sponsored by Asel Art Supply. SWS activities include: Annual Membership Exhibition, Annual Western Federation Show, Weekend Paint-outs, Workshops, Special Signature Events, a holiday party in December and various other opportunities to exhibit work, network with other artists and serve the community.

SWS aids and encourages watercolor training in area schools and colleges. Student scholarships are offered for some workshop. SWS maintains a set of color slides of past shows and makes them available to area schools and watercolor teachers for use in their classroom instruction. Members are available for lecture-demonstrations. Membership in Southwestern Watercolor Society is open to anyone interested in promoting watercolor - artists and non-artists. Signature Membership is earned by having paintings accepted in five SWS sponsored juried competitions.

General Membership Meetings
All membership meetings are held at 7 PM, on the second Wednesday of each month, except June, July, August and December at Fretz Recreation Center, 6950 Beltline, east of Hillcrest, Dallas, Texas

Board Meetings
All meetings of the officers and committee chairs are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 PM at Artisan's Studio/Gallery 2825 Valley View Lane, Suite 301, Dallas, TX 75244, 972-488-8182, www.artisansstudio.com.

Information on SWS Membership:

There are six classes of membership.
Individual $35.00
Seniors (65 yrs. or older) $25.00
Family $52.50
Senior Family $37.50
Life No Charge
Honorary (Nonactive) No Charge

Dues Payment
The SWS Membership term is from June 1 to May 31 each year.
Payment is due May 1 and delinquent after June 30 each year.
Family Membership is defined as two Members living in the same household.

SWS Signature Members
Active Members whose work has been accepted in any five Open, Western Federation (entered through SWS) or membership Shows of the Society become SWS Signature Members and are entitled to display the SWS signature on their work. No other Members may display the SWS signature on their work.

Honorary and Life Membership
The Board of Directors may grant Honorary Membership to any person who has made a significant contribution to the Society or to the art of watercolor. These Members are not eligible to enter SWS sponsored juried exhibits.

The Board of Directors may grant Life Membership to any active member who has made a significant contribution to the Society and these Members are eligible to enter any SWS sponsored exhibit. These Members are considered Active Members with voting privileges.

More information on membership is contained in organization bylaws at the back of the annual membership directory booklet