WCWS History -Including Past Presidents and National Show Jurors

 

The Western Colorado Watercolor Society was formed in 1989 by artists from the Western Slope of Colorado, including artists from Austin, Cedaredge, Delta, Grand Junction, Hotchkiss, Mesa, Montrose and Palisade. The organization began with 14 original members who envisioned a society that would promote the arts in this region. They wanted a group who would encourage each other and help artists reach new heights in their work. They also wanted to promote the arts through a national show that would attract top watercolorists throughout the United States. The first national show was held in 1991.

The Society continues to offer excellent demos and critiques. They bring in nationally known artists to jury the annual “Rockies West National” exhibit and to give top notch workshops. The show continues to attract water media artists throughout the nation. Many entrants elect to join the organization to earn Signature and Master Signature status. To attain Signature membership, artists must be accepted three times and maintain their membership in the Society. Master Signature status requires acceptance of ten paintings in ten shows.

The Society also sponsors non-juried local members’ exhibitions which give all our members, no matter whether amateur or professional, an opportunity to display their work. The society stays committed to the promotion of the arts and encouraging their members to be involved wherever they live. Western Colorado Watercolor Society is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

PAST PRESIDENTS
  • Tim Brady, Grand Junction 2015-22
  • Virginia Blackstock, Hotchkiss 2014-15
  • Dani Tupper, Delta 2008-14
  • Sandy  King, Grand Junction 2006-8
  • Cynthia Callahan, Aspen 2004-5
  • Lou Cain, Hotchkiss 2002-3
  • Kay Ambrose 2000-1
  • Lou Cain, Hotchkiss 1998-9
  • Shirley Dickson, Grand Junction 1996-7
  • Dorothy Garber, Hotchkiss 1994-5
  • Wilda Fortune, Grand Junction 1992-3
  • Dorothy Garber, Hotchkiss 1990-1
NATIONAL SHOW JURORS
  • 2024 Fealing Lin
  • 2023 Betty Carr
  • 2022 Lorraine Watry2021 David Smith
  • 2020 Ken Call
  • 2019 David Smith
  • 2018 Fealing Lin
  • 2017 Iain Stewart
  • 2016 Tom Francesconi
  • 2015 Fealing Lin
  • 2014 Ratindra Das
  • 2013 Laural Covington Vogl
  • 2012 Frank Francese
  • 2011 Paul Jackson
  • 2010 Judi Coffey
  • 2009 Frank Francese
  • 2008 Carla O’Connor
  • 2007 Betty Carr
  • 2006 Jean Grasdorf
PRIOR YEAR JURORS –  2005 back 1991
John F. Salminen, Michael Schlieting, Don Andrews, Diane Maxey, Doug Walton, Marilyn Hughey Phillis, Arne Westerman, Carole Barnes, E. Gordon West, Maxine Masterfield, Stephen Quiller, Cheng-Khee, Judi Betts, Nita Leland, and Kurt Sala

We’re in love with water media and love sharing our art with the world.