The Idaho Watercolor Society is more than just an organization. It is a group of people who share friendship, encourage personal growth, give support to one another, and organize awesome events. Anyone can join; you do not have to be an artist. The Society sponsors a range of activities statewide: exhibitions, workshops, paint-togethers, social get-togethers, holiday parties, and educational programs where beginning artists can learn and grow.

History

IWS was founded as a non-profit in 1979 to support and promote water media and to educate the public as to its significance. From a charter membership of less than 20 members, we have grown to over 250 members statewide.

Regional centers are located in Boise, Moscow, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls.

Shows & Exhibitions

IWS provides a variety of venues and exhibitions throughout the year:

  • Rotunda State Capital Show
  • Annual Membership Exhibition
  • Annual Juried Membership Exhibition
  • Annual Exhibition Traveling Show
  • Annual WFWS Show
  • Regional Art Shows

Visit the Show/Exhibition page or News/Update page for more information.

Activities

The Society sponsors a range of activities statewide, including:

  • Annual and regional Workshops
  • Paint-outs
  • Social get-togethers
  • Educational programs
  • Annual meetings
  • Quarterly Newsletters – Waterworks

Visit the Calendar, News/Updates, or Workshops for more information.

News

Visit the News page for current information on state and regional IWS news, activities, the Waterworks newsletters, as well as events of interest to watercolorists in Idaho.

Associations

IWS is one of eleven regional society members of the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies. WFWS sponsors an annual juried exhibition hosted each year by a different member. Membership in WFWS is automatic for Active and Associate Members.  Go to http://www.wfws.org for more information.

Scholarships

To support beginning watercolorists, IWS annually provides cash scholarships and one-year paid memberships to three outstanding college or university students. Funding is from donations and the Ruth Clark Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the IWS founding mother. Contact iwsidaho@gmail.com for an application.