2026 GA Watercolor Member Juried Show

Georgia Watercolor Society 2026 Member Juried Exhibition 

$3K IN CASH AWARDS! First prize $1K in cash.

Exhibition dates: September 25 through November 6th, 2026

This competition is open to all artists 17 years of age and older residing in the U.S. who are members of the Georgia Watercolor Society.

Entry fee for up to three images: $35 for Members. Click here to JOIN OR RENEW MEMBERSHIP

Juror: Diana Toma
Click here for more information about Diana Toma Workshop – link in progress

This will be an in-person exhibition held at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) in Watkinsville, Georgia. OCAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the creative and cultural vitality of Oconee County and the greater Athens‑area community. Founded to foster arts accessibility, it offers a diverse lineup of visual arts exhibitions, artist workshops, live performances, cultural events, and educational outreach programs for all ages. By partnering with local schools, artists, and regional businesses, OCAF strengthens community engagement and promotes lifelong arts education and appreciation.

Watkinsville is the charming historic seat of Oconee County, a vibrant creative hub nestled just outside Athens, Georgia. Blending small‑town Southern charm with a thriving arts scene, the area features scenic countryside, curated art galleries, unique local shops, farm‑to‑table dining, outdoor recreation trails, and a bustling downtown square. Year‑round cultural celebrations, art walks, live music, and community festivals make Watkinsville a lively destination for artists, visitors, and residents alike.

Important dates (2026) :
August 3 - Deadline to receive entries, midnight MOUNTAIN TIME
Aug 9 – Accepted artists are published on GWS website and GWS FB page
September 7 to 11 - Shipped work must arrive at OCAF
September 12 - Hand delivery of work between 11 am and 2 pm
September 23 - Exhibition opens
September 23 - 25 – Diana Toma workshop
September 25 – Opening Reception at OCAF
September 26 – Diana Toma demo and Award Ceremony
November 6 - Exhibition closes
November 7 - In person pick up of paintings between 11 am and 2 pm
November 10 - Shipped works will be mailed out
 

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.
 

For a complete printable copy, please click here to download the entire prospectus
GWS 2026 Member Juried Exhibition (in progress)

Online Requirements 
You will need the following information for each painting entered:

• Title of the painting
• Size of painting in inches (height x width, i.e., 22” h x 30” w)
• Selling price or NFS (Not for Sale)

You will need a digital .jpg image of each painting saved on your computer per these
instructions:

• Jpeg Image is 1200 pixels on the longer side
• File size is less than 5 Mb
• Image submitted must include ONLY the artwork. Do not include framework or surroundings.
• File name includes the artist’s name (last,first), title, size of image, city, state.
• Each item is separated by underscore. Example:
  Smith,John_SunsetAtParis_21x16_MilledgevilleGA
• Payment online can be made via PayPal or credit card.
  If you have trouble with the online payment, please notify Entry Show Chair at:
  kruger.traci@gmail.com  and send a check to:
  Georgia Watercolor Society Treasurer
  Peter Evans
  116 Laurel Overlook
  Canton GA 30114

OR send your PayPal payment directly to georgiawatercolorsociety@gmail.com and indicate that it is for the Exhibition Entry.

Acceptance Notification
On Aug 9, 2026 a list of paintings and artists that have been accepted into the show will be posted at: GWS Website and on GWS Facebook. In addition, the accepted artistswill receive an email from Café. Please mark your calendars!

Sales of artwork
There will be a charge of 40% commission on all sales with 30% going to OCAF and 10% to GWS. Please price your paintings accordingly.  Paintings not for sale must be
marked NFS on the entry form.