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IN PRAISE OF OUR HARD-WORKING VOLUNTEERS!

By All IWS Info, Membership

 

IN PRAISE OF OUR HARD-WORKING VOLUNTEERS!

 

Besides being home to some talented artists, the Idaho Watercolor Society is a great place to get honest feedback, learn new techniques and problem-solving skills, have an opportunity to interact with some amazing artists and truly fun people who are happy to share their love of painting with those around them.

We rely on our members to take up the slack and keep our organization running smoothly.  We could not survive as a state-wide organization without our wonderful volunteers.

Without them, we would struggle to maintain our membership levels and continue to grow and succeed.

That’s where you come into the picture!  We have a lot of members who are not only talented artists but also have begun retiring from long careers in careers like management, finance, fine arts, marketing and organizing shows throughout the state of Idaho.

We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to fill various vital roles within our organization. Positions such as board members, treasurer, fundraisers, speakers, newsletter articles, and educational workshop coordinators are crucial for our continued success.

Moreover, we need local regional representatives to ensure that the art continues to flourish in different areas throughout Idaho. Your contributions can make a significant difference in keeping the artistic spirit alive and thriving.

We have some exciting events coming up including the Idaho Watercolor Society turning 50 YEARS OLD! We already have a committee that is working on some special events to celebrate these last 50 years

We have an immediate need for the following positions:

  • Vice President – works closely with the President to move into that position
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Membership Director – (we may have a volunteer)
  • Social Media Coordinator – (we may have a volunteer)

If you have any ideas for workshops, art shows, or new initiatives to engage our membership, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. Together, we can take the Idaho Watercolor Society to new heights!

All descriptions for these vacant positions are listed on our website.  Please review these and let me know if you have any questions.

Lynn McConnell
Vice President
[email protected]

Hello IWS exhibitors for the 2025 Annual Juried Exhibition

By Annual Juried Exhibition, Annual Show Location

Hello IWS exhibitors for the 2025 Annual:

If you are planning on delivering your painting in person to the Riverside Hotel, 2900 Chinden Blvd, Garden City (Boise) 83714:

  • The delivery date is Tuesday, April 29.
  • Please arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
  • Please use the Sapphire Room entrance, it’s through those doors and a quick left down the hall.
  • If you have not sent in your insurance contract for the Water’s Edge Gallery, plan to fill one out at the hotel.

Thanks, see you Tuesday April 29!

Scott

Scott Muscolo, IWS Annual Juried Exhibition Chair

805-795-0252

Greetings IWS 2025 Annual Show Participants: Juried or Non-juried Paintings

By Annual Juried Exhibition, Annual Show Location

Greetings IWS 2025 Annual Show Participants:

This applies to all members who participated in this year’s annual show:

If you wish to exhibit your SUBMITTED PAINTING(S), whether you were accepted into the juried portion or not, please complete and return to Scott (either by mail or scanned and emailed) this No Charge insurance contract (available at the end of this message in a link) from the Riverside.

It simply insures your painting for the amount you indicate on the form.  Without this, if your painting walks out of the hotel or is damaged, you are not insured.  This costs you nothing.

As a reminder (and it’s on the prospectus) your painting must be received by April 29, either delivered in person or shipped.

If you are hand-delivering your painting, please bring it BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:00 AND 11:00 AM.  The time of delivery was not specified on the prospectus.

AGAIN, PLEASE HAND DELIVER YOUR PAINTING BETWEEN 9:00 AND 11:00 AM ON APRIL 29, TUESDAY.  (Unless you are shipping your painting, of course.)

Please download, complete, and return the form available by clicking here, as soon as possible.  I need them by early next week at the latest.

Thank you!

Scott Muscolo, IWS Annual Juried Exhibition Chair

805-795-0252

Water’s Edge Gallery Contract 2025

WFWS50 Award Winners

By WFWS

Please congratulate Gail Greco, who won the Sunshine Award ($1,000) sponsored by the Arizona Watercolor Association for her painting, “Winter Twilight”, Jessica Bryant, who won the Yellow Rose Award of Excellence ($900) for her painting, “Endurance”, and Shelly Johnson, who won the David Dean Memorial Award ($800) for her painting, “Happiness on a Tire Swing”, at the 50th Annual Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition in Lubbock, Texas. Jessica Bryant, Renee Galligher, Gail Greco, and Torgesen Murdock also received WFWS Signature status this year. All IWS members who entered WFWS50 should receive their catalog later this month.

It was an outstanding show and IWS was well represented in accepted work and in awards this year.

Thanks,
Shelly Johnson
IWS WFWS Delegate

Bridging the Past: An Idaho Art & Preservation Month Event

By All IWS Info

Hello Art Organizations!

You are cordially invited to an evening of art and preservation to celebrate Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month and the renovation of the historic U.S. Assay Office, a National Historic Landmark and home to the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). On May 1st from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, SHPO will welcome artists, preservation partners, and members of the public to the freshly renovated Assay Office, where will debut the winning design of the Rainbow Bridge poster contest. Attendees will receive a copy of the poster and food options will be available.

In February, the Idaho SHPO held an art contest for the design of the annual Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month poster. We had over 100 submissions from so many mediums—including linocuts, watercolors, mixed-media, photographs, and many more. The response to our contest reminded us how powerful art can be as a medium to celebrate historic places.

As part of our event, we invite you to set up a table on the Assay Office lawn to promote your organization. We do ask that you provide your own table, tent, chairs, etc. Please RSVP by April 21st if you would like to table at this link: Bridging the Past Organization Participation Form.

What: An evening of preservation and art to celebrate Idaho Archaeology & Preservation Month

When: May 1st, 4-7pm

Where: Assay Office, 210 W Main Street, Boise ID

We hope you will join us and spread the word about this special evening where preservation and the arts collide!

Click the link to RSVP

Or contact 208-488-4743 or email [email protected].

Kayla McElreath, M.H.P. (she/her)

Compliance Architectural Historian

Idaho State Historic Preservation Office

210 W Main St.

Boise, ID 83702

Office: 208.488.7473 

HISTORY.IDAHO.GOV

Preserving the past, enriching the future.

Explore a membership with the Historical Society!

SHPO Art Event

IWS 2025 Annual Juried Membership Exhibition

By Annual Juried Exhibition, Annual Show Location, ArtCall

Greetings IWS 2025 Annual Juried Membership Exhibition participants:

Wow, that’s a long greeting.

Since it’s nearly noon on April 1, I feel safe in saying that the ArtCall announcement process worked, and everyone has been notified of their status regarding the show.

For those of you who were accepted into the exhibit, congratulations!  I wish each of you the best in being selected for the awards and travel show.

In viewing the web gallery, this year has a spectacular offering of excellent work.

Remember that your painting does not have to be accepted into the exhibit to be put on display for potential sale at the Riverside Water’s Edge Gallery.

Consider framing your work and sending it for hanging!  One of our members did just that last year and sold two paintings for more than their posted prices, and they now hang in the gallery at Idaho Power.  So don’t lose faith!
Remember that all artwork must arrive by Tuesday, April 29 at:

  • The Riverside Hotel
  • 2900 Chinden Blvd.
  • Boise, ID   83714
  • Attn:  Sandra Davis (Albright)

A huge Thank You to the entire membership for such a terrific response to the exhibit!

Scott Muscolo, IWS Annual Juried Exhibition Chair
805-795-0252

ATTN: Mountain Plains Artists – NIC Fest Opportunity

By All IWS Info
To all Idaho Watercolor Society members:

The Nicolaysen Art Museum (The NIC) in Casper, Wyoming is reaching out to you in order to present your members with the opportunity to sell their gorgeous watercolor artwork at our city’s premier annual arts and culture festival: NIC Fest!

As members of the Mountain Plains Museum Association, we are contacting you to spread the word to your own local artists about this chance to showcase their artwork and sell to a new audience. You are also welcome to host a booth yourself to showcase your various local talents. (If your city has a festival, please feel free to reach out with the same!)

Booth spaces (10x10ft) are $300 for three days, June 6-8, 2025. I’ve attached printable paper applications and I am including a link to the online application form (https://forms.gle/hhvK54AG3W5Z6omPA), both of which have all the details. If you’d prefer to talk, please do not hesitate to call us at (307)235-5247 and ask for Cassie or Kelby, our event coordinators, or email them at [email protected] or [email protected]. Printed applications can be scanned and emailed to Cassie, as well. Our regular business hours are 10am-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Our exhibitions technician, Mark, may call to follow up and make sure this email went through to you alright.

Give your artists their time to shine in a new community! It’s a great networking opportunity, as well.

Thank you for your time, and we look forward to partnering with you and/or your artists for NIC Fest 2025!

Will Davis (he/him)
Collections & Registration
Nicolaysen Art Museum
400 E Collins Drive
Casper, WY 82601

Will Nelson Newsletter Article Correction

By Newsletter

Will Nelson Biography
1/8/25

By Nancy Inaba, IWS History Project and 50th Anniversary.

(3.20.25) This article about the esteemed artist, Will Nelson, is being re-sent to you with my apologies.  The article had so many formatting issues it was difficult to read, and the picture attached to the article was not the correct picture. 

Introduction:

IWS will be celebrating its 50th year anniversary in 2026.  This interview and biography are part of IWS’s history project to preserve our stories and photos of the last 50 years.

I have come to learn of Will’s many contributions and accomplishments, along with many artists who contributed to create the artistic landscape that is Idaho. I became interested in the history of IWS when Craig Collette of Roots Family History, offered an award for the Annual Show in honor of Will Nelson.

The article below is a biography of Will Nelson. He created a foundational artistic standard to the arts in Idaho.  He was a contributor, a mentor and an inspiration to the arts in Idaho and around the world. The information is based on contributions from multiple sources and an interview with Elaine Nelson, his gracious wife, along with Joyce Green, Pam Grant and me.

The interview (below in italics) is called Lessons in Still Life, written by Craig Collette and has direct quotes from Will.  Lessons in Still Life illustrate his artistic motivations, method and passion for painting.

Lessons in Still Life

Written by Craig Collete, from interview with Will Nelson

 

            “Still life requires research…Everything that fascinates me the most becomes the subject for my next painting…It’s an ongoing learning process, every subject that I see, I have to delve into and study.
            I’ll see an object that looks like something that should be painted. And I think, well, can I relate to it to make a composition.  Putting all those pieces together, I would hope that anybody looking at it might spark an interest in that period of time.”

            Craig observes a great deal of thought and intention has been the mastermind of these creations and I’m anxious to hear the thoughts of a man whose life story captured in decades of artwork.  Will explains to me that everything has a past and a future.  It has a story to tell. His shelves are full of books he calls “subjects. Everything that is, he learns is paintable, everything that is painted is first learned.” 

            A particular painting catches me eye.  It features a French helmet and other early 19th Century objects.  He teaches me, “You can compose a story, like this piece in the hall, when I went to the antique shop, when I found that helmet.  I remember I asked the lady, are there any other related pieces that go with this? I want to do something that relates to the time of that helmet. That became a Napoleonic story.  I’ve always tried to do that, tell a story with the objects…One piece supports another, and another.”

            Craig observes the story comes to life while my eyes move from the helmet to French War books, and a marble death mask sculpture of the Frenchman…Each object is of the greatest pictorial fidelity.

            “I paint one object at a time.  I got a lot of criticism from other artists for doing that. I’ve always felt a need to complete as good as I can, each section of a painting.”

            “It’s the initial drawing where I try to correlate it all.  Today I tell my students that drawing is critical.  Most of the trouble that you find as you’re painting is because you didn’t draw it properly.  To correct that in paint is really hard to do.  When you’re drawing something, and it’s a challenge to draw, and you bring that line along that’s nice and clean, and it’s exactly what you had in your head, that’s very satisfying.”

            Will’s first love in art is, Still Life.  The many thousands of paintings reflect thousands of hours of study from thousands of books. …If you have the opportunity to ask Will yourself which is the greatest masterpiece of them all, he’ll kindly let you know, “My next one.”

 
Biography of Will Nelson:

Will Nelson was born in 1932 in Twin Falls, Idaho.  “Will grew up on the Lazy J-L cattle ranch nestled in the quiet open country of Southern Idaho. The wildlife, terrain, and seasons of the high desert country provided an endless source of inspiration of his interest in art.”

Will was an early influence in the Idaho Art world, along with Gaye Hoopes, Dwight Williams, Dr. Stephen Beck and John Kilmaster. He taught watercolor painting at the Maple Grove Grange. Many IWS members took watercolor classes from him. He was a successful artist and lived by his motto, “Where there’s a Will, there’s a way.”

He graduated from the Art Center College in Los Angeles and joined the illustration staff at Stephens Biondi DeCicco Studio in L.A. When starting as a new grad, he was dubbed “The Wonder Kid.” His work took him far and wide.  Over the last 50 years his illustrations have appeared in national and international publications such as National Geographic Society, Smithsonian Institute, Time Life, McGraw Hill, Splash 12 the Best of Watercolor.   He was chosen for the Duck’s Unlimited Idaho, state print for 2004, and the Salmon and Steelhead Unlimited, state print in 2006.  Idaho Forest Products Commission chose him to illustrate a poster “Look to the Forest” to be used in all Idaho public school libraries.  He earned many other awards and exhibitions.

He returned to Idaho in 1963, He began teaching watercolor painting in the 80’s in addition to his art practice. His intention for teaching was to “Create a love of Art.”  He and his wife Elaine raised three daughters and enjoy 9 grandchildren. His house is filled with books, resources, scientific studies and interests ranging far and wide.  He knew his subjects deeply and in great detail. For example, he grew a large garden to accurately include the plants included in his art work.

China opened its borders in 1987 to the west, for a scientific expedition to the Wolong Panda Preserve in Northern China.  Will was chosen as the artist for this elite expedition.   He painted the Giant Panda and cub, which led to environmental paintings for Chevron Corporation and the Bradford Exchange.  He went on to paint over 20 endangered animals. His prints were sold worldwide as a limited edition.

Will’s last inspiration:

Will Nelson passed away in 2014 surrounded by loved ones.  Elaine, his wife allowed one of his young students to visit him at his bedside.  The student mourned that she would never be able to paint again without him. In response, he advised her to “Paint from your heart.” Will left the world a more beautiful place.

ArtCall Announcement for the IWS 2025 Annual Juried Membership Exhibition

By Annual Juried Exhibition, ArtCall

Greetings IWS Members!

Registration on ArtCall for the IWS 2025 Annual Juried Membership Exhibition closed last night at 9:00 PM.

This year we had 159 submissions from 95 entrants!  That is an incredible and deeply satisfying response to our call for artists.

There are fewer problems each year as we become more accustomed to the site, and this year was the best yet.  We satisfactorily resolved each of the six or so small matters that required special attention.

We also opened up the requirements for substrate and that may have had an impact.  We will see how it goes and consider its success for planning next year’s prospectus.

We will be notified of the juror’s decisions regarding the exhibit by April 1.  This will give nearly 4 weeks to have your accepted entry matted, framed, and delivered to The Riverside Hotel by the deadline of April 29.  Easy peasy.

(I’ll make a special announcement at the end of the first jurying process with hotel address etc. so you don’t have to save this message for a month.)

Again this year we will be allowing non-accepted artists to send in their SUBMITTED painting(s) for exhibition in a separate but very visible area.  You may sell your painting even if it is not a “winner”!  We had several artists benefit from this opportunity last year and we are happy to make it possible for you again this year.  Please remember only one submission per artist can be accepted into the exhibit proper.

We will again allow the jurist to select 65 paintings (for the exhibit proper) from which to choose the final 20 for the travel show.

Since we couldn’t know in advance how many entrants we would have, we have not determined how many submissions in total we can exhibit, so hang tight for that information.  We may be able to show only one per entrant, accepted or not.  I’ll let everyone know as soon as I know.

As soon as the judging for the exhibit is completed, I’ll send everyone a link to the web page of all entries.  The body of works submitted this year is spectacular, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Good luck to all of you and I hope to see in you the Treasure Valley in June for the awards presentations.

Thank you!

Scott

Scott Muscolo, IWS Annual Juried Exhibition Chair

805-795-0252

2025 Annual Rotunda Visitor’s Choice Awards

By Rotunda Show

Dear IWS Members,

We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Visitor’s Choice Awards! With over 1,100 votes cast—the highest participation since the award began in 2022—it’s clear that the public was deeply engaged with our exhibition. The enthusiasm and excitement from visitors were truly inspiring, and the results reflect the incredible talent on display.

Congratulations to our 2025 Visitor’s Choice Award winners!

1st Place – Drenda Duff – On a Memory ($200 Cash Prize)

2nd Place – Sharon Herther – Corner of Rainbow and Kokanee ($100 Cash Prize)

3rd Place – Carol Browning – Watching and Waiting ($100 Blick Art Materials Gift Certificate)

4th Place – Don Belts – Our Comfortably Rough Home Nestled in the Palouse – Fond Memories ($50 Merri Artist Gift Certificate)

A huge congratulations to these artists for capturing the admiration of so many visitors! Your work resonated deeply with the public, and this recognition is well deserved.

This award would not be possible without the dedication of Bonnie Liles, who came to the Capitol daily to collect votes and took on the daunting task of counting them all—ensuring that every visitor’s voice was heard. Thank you, Bonnie, for your hard work and dedication!

And finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s show—whether as an artist, volunteer, or enthusiastic supporter. The Visitor’s Choice Award is a celebration of the connection between artists and the public, and this year’s overwhelming response proves just how meaningful that connection can be.

Cheers,
Beth Trott
IWS Capitol Rotunda Art Show Coordinator