San Diego Watercolor Society’s Exhibition Offers Cash Awards of More Than $20K

Love watercolor paintings?

The San Diego Watercolor Society is opening its 44th Annual International Exhibition, its biggest show in October

The opening reception will be held on Oct. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. in SDWS’s Gallery, located in Liberty Station’s Arts and Culture District.  The show will feature carefully curated works in a variety of water-based media including watercolor, gauche, and acrylic from 101 internationally known and collected artists.    

 Established in 1965, the San Diego Watercolor Society has grown into one of the largest and most active in the United States with the International Exhibition serving as the annual highlight over four decades.

The celebrated Exhibition is globally recognized for the highest standard of excellence in water-based art. This year’s show is one of the most competitive in its storied history, with a record 829 entries from artists representing 29 countries and cash awards totaling more than $20,000.   

Artist Dean Mitchell was awarded $5,000 for his painting “Tampa Bay Draw Bridge,” which was chosen as “Best in Show.” Jean Pederson was awarded the Stan Siegel Second Place Award for her painting “The Space Between” and Robert Lee Mejer was awarded the “Dyer Family Third Place Creativity Award” for his painting “Take #19.” 

The show was juried by award-winning artist, Ratindra Das, a Dolphin Fellow and a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society. Das has been recognized as a Distinguished Master in the Transparent Watercolor Society of America.  He attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago and studied with many nationally known artists. 

“We are thrilled and honored to bring this show to California and share it with the San Diego Community.  The show features something for every type of art enthusiast to connect with.  There are world-renowned works by artists, Eudes Correia and Dean Mitchell as well as award-winning works by emerging talents for gems hunters,” said I-Show Committee President, Rob Morphin. 

Proceeds from the I-Show help fund the gallery and aid with SDWS’s Community Outreach Program. Last year, the program provided art supplies and instruction to over 560 artistically underserved elementary school students, senior center residents, and former foster youth in San Diego County. 

The Gallery show will be open daily from Sept. 29- Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an opening reception on Oct. 4, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The reception is open to the public.  Paintings will also be available for online viewing and purchase on Oct. 4 at www.sdws.org.