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Georgia Watercolor Society 44th National Juried Exhibition 

ANTICIPATED $10 K IN AWARDS!

Juror: John Salminen

Georgia Watercolor Society is accepting submissions for its 44th National Juried Exhibition. All paintings must be original work using WATER-SOLUBLE MEDIA. This will be an in-person exhibition held at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center (BRMAA) at the picturesque downtown area of Blue Ridge, home of the Appalachian Artists Guild, Arts and Wildlife Festivals and much more. Located only 90 minutes from Atlanta, Blue Ridge is one of the top small Art Towns in the United States. This competition is open to all artists 17 years of age and older residing in the U.S.

Important Dates:

• January 22nd - Deadline to receive entries
• February 8th - Selected artists list published at the GWS Website
• Mar 22 to March 24 - Shipped artwork must arrive at BRMAA
• March 25 - 11 am to 2 pm – In person delivery of paintings at BRMAA
• April 5 – Exhibition opens
• April 5 to 7 – John Salminen Workshop
• April 8 - John Salminen Demo and Award Ceremony
• May 19 – Exhibition closes
• May 20 – 11 am to 2 pm – In person pick up of paintings

For a complete description of requirements please click here to read the entire prospectus GWS Prospectus

Members receive $25 discount for entry and $50 discount for workshop. Click here to BECOME A MEMBER. To request a member discount please email georgiawatercolorsociety@gmail.com and request your code.

Click here for more information about JOHN SALMINEN WORKSHOP

If your painting is accepted, you will be required to sign a disclaimer form affirming that your work is not a copy or likeness of another’s work and that it is your original work from conception to completion without supervision.

Application Requirements

• Allowed water media: watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, egg tempera.
• Collage is accepted only if all elements were made using water media and created by the artist.
• Allowed surface: paper, Yupo, canvas, Claybord, rice paper and Tyvek.
• Media NOT allowed: pastels, charcoal, alcohol ink, oil, and water-soluble oil.
• No preprinted or computer-generated images are allowed.
• Work previously exhibited in any GWS show is not eligible.
• Image size displayed within the mat is no smaller than 80 square inches, with no side smaller than 8 inches.
• All work must have been completed after January 2021

Presentation

• All paintings are to be framed in wood or metal; accepted colors include gold, silver, black, brown, white or natural wood tones.  Cradled Clayboard is not required to be framed; all other paintings require framing, including canvas.
• Frames are to be plain and unadorned and must not exceed 3” in width. They must be ready for hanging with wire in place.
• Plexiglass must be used – NO GLASS.
• Work may be varnished or waxed before framing (These paintings do not require plexiglass).
• Maximum frame size may not exceed 48” in either direction.
• Image size displayed within the mat is no smaller than 80 square inches, with no side smaller than 8 inches.
• Mats and liners, if any, must be white or variations of white (e.g., cream or off-white). The mat contains one single opening.
• Improperly framed pieces or those unsuitable for hanging will be returned.

Click here for Framing Requirements

Fees, Sales & Liability

• There will be a charge of 40% commission on all sales with 30% going to the BRMAA and 10% to GWS. Please price your paintings accordingly.  Paintings not for sale must be marked NFS on the entry form.
• There will be no price changes after acceptance.
• Although the utmost care is taken in handling paintings neither the Georgia Watercolor Society, GWS Representatives, nor BRMAA will be responsible for damage or loss, whatever the cause. Artists are encouraged to carry their own insurance.

Packaging & Delivery/Shipping

• SHIP ONLY VIA UPS OR FEDEX TO:

Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association

420 W Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

(706) 632-2144

• To avoid handling fees you must use Airfloat, Masterpack or comparable foam lined boxes.
• Attach a photo of the painting inside the box so that it is visible when repacking. This will help ensure that the correct painting is returned to you.
• Wood or metal crates will not be accepted.
• Packages sent with popcorn or packing peanuts will be returned.
• Paintings must be shipped to arrive at the center between March 22 – March 24, 2023.
• A prepaid return shipping label must be enclosed.
• HANDLING FEE IS ONLY CHARGED IF YOU DON’T USE AIRFLOAT OR MASTERPACK BOXES. IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE A DIFFERENT BOX THAN AIRFLOAT OR MASTERPACK PLEASE INCLUDE A CHECK OF $25.00 MADE TO GWS INSIDE YOUR BOX. Improper packaging may result in damaged, returned or unopened shipments.

Questions? Click here for frequently asked questions GWS FAQ’s

Eligibility Criteria

• All work must be original from conception to completion. Submitted artwork may not be a copy, likeness, or direct derivative of another person's creative work including paintings, drawings, photography, digital images, or prints.  Work done in a workshop or under classroom supervision is not permitted.
• All work must have been completed after January 2021.