idwcsociety

Throughout its over 45-year history, the Idaho Watercolor Society has supported and promoted water media art in Idaho. Education in water media art has been a core service provided by the organization, mainly through workshops, classes, critiques, and scholarships. In 2026, IWS expanded its educational outreach by partnering with the Patriot Art Foundation (PAF). The PAF is a not-for-profit, nation-wide organization that works with Veteran Administration hospitals around the country, providing art supplies and teaching online art classes to military veterans. It has been clinically proven that creating art can be therapeutic in the lives of men and women who have or are experiencing challenges in life including emotional trauma. Teaching these classes is a unique way for IWS to continue its legacy of educating members of our communities in the water media arts as well as providing a useful service to our country’s veterans.

Working directly with the Boise Veterans Administration Hospital, IWS members Lynn McConnell, Gail Greco, and Larry Boyd organized a curriculum and delivered a series of online watercolor classes over a six-week period earlier this year. We covered the color wheel, properties of watercolor paint, application techniques, value and composition. Eight veterans participated in the classes and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We are currently preparing to deliver a second series of classes beginning in October. Many of the veterans in our first series have indicated that they would like to take the class again.

Lynn, Gail and Larry all agree that delivering the training and meeting and interacting with the veterans was rewarding and enjoyable. As with any new experience, there were things to learn, and the online teaching was an especially interesting challenge. The IWS team is looking forward to delivering the next series of classes. There seems to be a strong interest from the Patriot Art Foundation and the Idaho Veterans Administration for IWS to offer more of this training in the future. We are hopeful that other IWS members will become interested in joining our team. Also, if you have any unused water media supplies, especially quality watercolor paper, that you would be willing to donate, that would be helpful. While the PAF provides basic materials to the veterans for the classes, the veterans would benefit from a broader selection of materials and supplies. If you are interested in helping with delivering the classes, donating materials, or just want more information, contact Lynn McConnell at mcconnell1106@gmail.com.

A very special Celebration of Life recognition for both Betty Benson and her husband Jim will be held in Moscow on September 19, Saturday at the 1912 Building in Moscow from 1:30 to 4:30.  Although Betty passed in 2020, many people knew Betty and her great work with IWS and as a state legislator.

Go to shortsfuneralchapel.com for information and to register. Also, streaming is possible, and the address for streaming access is on the shortsfuneralchapel.com website. 

This year we are reducing our meeting days to two days out of consideration for lodging fees and keeping your weekend at least partly open for your personal enjoyment!  Open the Hotel List for some lodging options

FRIDAY, Sept. 18

9:30 – 12:00 PM. PAPI Workshop for those who want to attend.

Location: College of Southern Idaho-CSI Herrett Center, 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301

Learn the essentials of plein air painting with members of our PAPI Associates. Linda Weidenfeld, Twila Kadel, Benay Sotelo, and Hugh and Sandra Larkin will instruct you on materials, techniques, helpful equipment, and give advice on embarking on your plein air journeys. Many artists feel that participating in plein air painting enhances your abilities to work quickly, identify key elements in your rendering, and making decisions on focal points and balance. The workshop lasts until 12:00 noon, and then lunch on your own, joining the PAPI group to paint for the remainder of the day. This workshop will continue through the afternoon outside at the Herrett Center, and if you wish on through Saturday September 19. If you are not interested in the dinner and are only coming for the PAPI workshop, you are free to return home after the workshop! Although the workshop is free of charge, we ask that you register for the workshop, so we know how many persons to anticipate. Attached to this email announcement is a suggested materials list for the workshop. This list has been previously sent out and attached again separately for your convenience. Please register by contacting Scott Muscolo via email or text. Open this link for more information: PAPI Information

5:00 – 6:00 PM No-Host bar and gathering at Canyon Crest Event Center 330 Canyon Crest Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

6:00 – 7:15 PM Dinner – Backyard Barbeque Buffet (Menu: Beef chili with grated cheese, green onions, and sour cream; mixed greens with tomato, cucumber, and two dressings; classic potato salad; smoked pulled pork with spicy barbecue sauce; grilled chicken breast with sweet heat glaze; beef brisket with smoky barbecue sauce; smoky shard cheddar macaroni and cheese; buttered corn on the cob; cornbread with honey-butter; and, assortment of desserts).

Please send your deposit of $60 per person (includes buffet, tax, and tip), made out to IWS, by the deadline of September 7, 2026, to: Scott Muscolo, 3640 N Pankratz Way, Meridian ID 83646

7:30 – 8:45 PM Annual Meeting – We will do our best to keep the meeting to an hour or less.

SATURDAY, September 19

9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Linda Aman – Rust and Corrosion Watercolor Workshop for those who want to attend.

Location: College of Southern Idaho (CSI), Herrett Center, 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, ID 83301

Back by popular demand, Linda Aman is bringing her popular Rust and Corrosion Workshop to Twin Falls! Spend the day discovering how to create the rich colors, textures, and character of rust using watercolor. You’ll learn techniques for granulation, texture, composition, and layering that will help bring old machinery, vintage vehicles, farm equipment, gears, and other well-loved objects to life. Whether you bring your own reference photo or use one provided by Linda, you’ll leave with new skills and greater confidence in capturing the rich colors, textures, and beauty found in colors of rusted items. This full-day workshop is offered at the special discount price of $45 (lunch on your own: 12:00–1:00 PM). Open this link for more information: Linda Aman Workshop Information. If you don’t have granulating watercolors, Linda will provide a selection of specialty granulating colors for you to borrow and use during class. Please send in your payment of $45 to Scott Muscolo, 3640 N Pankratz Way, Meridian ID as soon as possible. There are currently 8 (eight) spots remaining for the workshop which has a maximum of 15 persons. You are not completely registered until I have your deposit!

Hello IWS members:

The Spokane Watercolor Society is holding its Juried Member Show.  If you happen to be in the area, it will no doubt be a splendid exhibit. It will be held at the Spokane Art School Gallery at 503 E. Second Ave., Suite B in Spokane from Sept. 4-28, 2026.  The First Friday and Awards Reception will be held on September 4 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  Click this link for more information.

Scott Muscolo, IWS President

Please open this link regarding the agenda for the upcoming IWS 2026 Annual Meeting Friday and Saturday, September 18-19.

Additional meeting information can be found in the links below. 

– Friday: PAPI Information

– Saturday: Linda Aman Workshop Information

– Hotel List

Hope to see you there.

Scott Muscolo, IWS President

The Water’s Edge Gallery at the Riverside Hotel in Boise invites artists of all mediums to participate in “Beyond the Brush,” a juried exhibition celebrating experimentation, imagination, and the beauty of the unexpected. The event is scheduled for March – April 2027. For more information, open this link.