Society of Watercolor Artists - 2026 International Juried Exhibition

The Society of Watercolor Artists is pleased to announce our 45th Annual International Juried Exhibition for 2026.  This is our largest event of the year, bringing in artists from all over the United States and Internationally.  Open to all artists 18 years of age and over working in water-based media. Paintings will hang in the House of Neville Gallery in Fort Worth, Texas.  For full prospectus, click here.

Exhibition Dates: May 6th thru May 30th, 2026

$6,000 in Cash & Merchandise Prizes!

Juror:  Ken Call  AWS, NWS, TWSA

$6,000 in Cash & Merchandise Prizes!

Juror:  Ken Call  AWS, NWS, TWSA

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS:  Original artwork only. (Definition of Originality:  From concept to execution, this ‘original’ painting is strictly my own composition.)

The use of photographs as reference materials is allowed only if that photograph was taken by the artist submitting the painting.  (Permission to use a photograph from another photographer, amateur or professional, relative or friend, is not allowed.)  No AI (Artificial Intelligence) allowed to create reference material or any portion of artwork.

Work must be water-media on watercolor paper or Yupo.  Water-media includes traditional watercolors, acrylics, inks or gouache.  Inks cannot cover more than 10% of the surface.  No works on canvas or other materials other than specified.

Each artist may submit up to three (3) paintings for consideration, no more than one (1) may be chosen for the show by the juror.

If accepted, the painting shipped must be the same as the image submitted.

All works must be available through the entire run of the show. Do not submit works that may sell before the show or be shown elsewhere during the show.  No paintings shall be removed early from the show.

The following are not allowed in this exhibition and will result in disqualification:

• Collage
• Nudes
• Work done during a workshop or in a class that is not original subject matter of artist
• Copies or likenesses of another artist’s artwork
• Digital reproductions or use of web/online photographs
• Digital/printer reproductions printed onto surface of artwork
• Artwork must have been completed in the last 3 years (after March 2022) and cannot have been shown previously in any SWA juried art exhibition.
• No use of Artificial Intelligence allowed to create reference material or painting.

ENTRY PROCEDURE & FEES:

Entry Fees:  

• 2026 SWA Members - $45 (USD)
• Non-Members - $55 (USD)
• Option of becoming SWA Member

All fees must be paid online through the Call for Entry (CaFÉ) website.   

Artists may submit up to 3 paintings.   Only 1 painting per artist is eligible for acceptance into this exhibition

Shipped paintings will be required to pay $20 handling fee.  This fee pays for professional service to unpack paintings, store boxes, deliver paintings to gallery and return paintings at the end of the show.  Instructions will be sent to accepted entries.

MEMBERSHIP AND SWA SIGNATURE STATUS:

Membership in SWA is not necessary for entry.  However, SWA Members receive a discounted entry fee into the International Exhibition.  The SWA membership year runs January thru December and includes a juried exhibition for members later in the year. Those who have been accepted to five SWA Juried Exhibitions while sustaining active membership are awarded SWA signature status and may add “SWA” with their signature. Disqualified work does not count toward signature status.  If interested in becoming a member, visit our website www.swawatercolor.com

SALES:  House of Neville Gallery withholds 30% commission on sales. Please price entries accordingly.  All entries are required to be listed for sale.  Prices cannot be changed after the entry process. Details for shipping sold works will be worked out between SWA and the artist. Payment for sold artwork will be issued within 30 days of receipt of payment from buyer.

CATALOGS:  Accepted entrants and sponsors receive a complementary catalog. Additional catalogs are available for sale after the reception. Contact us at swaexhibitions@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities. Shipped works will have the catalog enclosed in the shipping box.

FRAMING & SIZE RESTRICTIONS: Failure to follow guidelines shall result in disqualification.

• Acrylic/Plexiglass must be used - NO GLASS.  Varnished paintings also accepted.
• All paintings are to be framed.  No frame can be wider than 2” on each side. The minimum framed size is 15” in any direction/Maximum framed size is 42” any direction.
• NO PAINTING SHALL BE SMALLER THAN 100 SQ. INCHES IN SIZE.
• Frames may be metal or wood.
• Diptychs/triptychs constitute one painting and must be framed as such.
• All work must be matted using a white/off white mat.  Colored filets, colored lining or colored backboards are NOT ALLOWED and will be disqualified if delivered as such.  A visible mat with a minimum 2" is required.  A single, double or extra thick mat is acceptable. Floated work is allowed but must be adhered to a proper mat substrate which should show in the frame.
• Work must hang by wire using D-rings or metal hanging hardware. No saw-tooth hangers or screw eyes allowed.

Please direct all questions to swaexhibitions@gmail.com 

This exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age and older. International entries are welcome.  Open to both SWA members and Non-Members.  (SWA Members receive a discounted entry fee.)