  | INSPIRING WATERMEDIA ARTISTS FOR OVER 40 YEARS |
SUNCOAST EXHIBITIONS
Our Suncoast (FSWS) Exhibition Season begins in the Fall of each year and runs through the Spring. We continue to return to Herrig Center for the Arts (formerly ArtCenter Manatee) in Bradenton in the Spring of each year.
"Entering juried exhibitions helps me grow as an artist. It's always informative to see the work a juror selects." |
(Use the Transparent form only if your entry is eligible for a Transparent Award.) New Calendar coming soon PAST EXHIBITIONS | FALL ONLINE MEMBERS EXHIBITION 2025 This is a juried show. Cash prizes will be awarded, as well as points toward Signature/Master Signature status. The show will be accompanied by an in-person reception and exhibition review. This is a great opportunity to meet the artists, ask questions about their work, and cheer each other on! SPRING SUNCOAST MEMBERS EXHIBITION 2026 Our second annual juried show will be held at Herrig Center for the Arts (formerly ArtCenter Manatee). A reception and awards ceremony will be held at the gallery. Exhibiting artists in attendance will be provided a lanyard badge with their artwork, name and town. PROSPECTUS UPDATES A Prospectus will be available for each Exhibition to address specifics for the gallery and any revisions that may have been made for that Exhibition. All entries must comply with our current prospectus which will be updated and made available for all members. |
“When you visit an exhibition, you see the way other artists solve problems. Expand your horizons and come away a different artist.” |
EARN SIGNATURE STATUS! Suncoast members enjoy participating in juried exhibitions, winning awards, and earning status towards two levels of achievement. Signature status is granted once a member is accepted into two juried exhibitions. Acceptance into a juried exhibition receives one point towards Signature status, regardless of number of entries or awards received in that show. After Signature status is achieved, one point is earned for each accepted entry. Additional points for awards* are counted towards Master Signature status, which requires a total of 25 points. Members must keep their membership dues current to maintain their earned status. Points are updated following each exhibition. Members may check their points total in the Members-Only section.
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"I'm always so excited to attend the exhibition receptions! It's a chance to see great artwork. Suncoast members are easy to approach and ask questions.” |
EXHIBITIONS FAQ
AQUEOUS: What does that mean?
‘Aqueous’ refers to opaque water media such as acrylic and gouache. ‘Transparent’ refers to traditional transparent watercolor. In some exhibitions, we provide a Transparent Award which only the transparent watercolor paintings are eligible for. See our PROSPECTUS for details about the water media we accept in exhibitions.
Liquid Watercolor: Some manufacturers advertise their product as liquid watercolor, but many are dye or ink based, not watercolor pigment. When purchasing, always check the detailed description, and look for those which indicate they are pigment based. Dyes are vibrant and fade quickly under UV exposure such as with window sunlight which cause dyes to disappear within several months. Dyes can permanently stain the paper and prevent techniques like lifting or layering. Because most dye-based products are fugitive, watercolor artists need art supplies to be lightfast and archival for wall display. The only current manufacturers of pigment based liquid watercolor include Schmincke's Aqua Drop and PH Martin's Hydrus product line. Both indicate they are pigment based.
What are the exhibition rules about ORIGINALITY?
Our mission is to promote excellence in water media. All entries in our exhibitions must be your own original creative artwork. Please see our PROSPECTUS for our current rules defining originality as well as all other eligibility requirements.
Can I enter my painting in multiple exhibits?
Once a painting has been accepted into one Suncoast juried exhibition, that painting will not be accepted in any future Suncoast juried exhibition. Of course you may enter that work in exhibits arranged by other organizations. For in-person shows, please check that the dates do not conflict with other shows you are entering!
Must my painting be for sale to enter it in an exhibition?
Generally no, you may list your work as Not For Sale. However this is up to the venue in which we arrange for space. Sale vs NFS rules will be listed in the call for entry.
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Email us at Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society [FSWS] is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-help-fla) or from the website: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Charities. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State of Florida. Registration #CH73752 |
