Watercolor Society of Indiana upcoming events

Monthly WSI Member Exhibit at Factory Arts District (Thursday, November 13, 2025)

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Monthly WSI Member Exhibit at Factory Arts District

Two artists will be invited to display their work to sell. A drawing is held each month. The following are the requirements:

The artists must be a WSI Member in good standing.

The artists must be willing to hang their own paintings during the first week of the month or bring someone to help. Both artists and helpers will work together with the Executive Director to arrange and hang on the designated walls.

All paintings must be hung and tagged by the First Friday of that month. The artists will provide their own tags.

Provide up to 25 watercolor framed paintings. All for sale.

Provide a master list and images to WSI so that WSI can post them on the WSI Store. Sales will be processed by WSI.

If a painting is sold, it can be removed and given to the buyer. This must first be approved by WSI to ensure payment was processed. WSI may rearrange paintings to cover empty spots.

Each artist may participate once per year. If an artist’s name is drawn and is not able to participate, they will be put back in the pool for future drawings.

Artists must take down their own paintings and remove them from Factory Arts District during the last week of the month so that the next pair of artists can hang.

WSI has cameras on the exhibit. WSI is not responsible for lost or stolen paintings.

The artists will receive 80% of the sale following the exhibition. The other 20% will support WSI’s Overall Mission.

To submit your name for the drawing Click on the REGISTER button to enter. *You must be logged in. You only need to enter once. You will be notified by the 20th of the month if your name is drawn.

This is a new Member Benefit and is subject to change. To download/print a copy of this new opportunity, click on Factory Arts District Monthly WSI Member Exhibit.pdf

The WSI Hallway & Monthly Member Exhibit is open anytime the building is open. Everyday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. The WSI Studio does not need to be open for guests to view and purchase these paintings. There is a QR code on display to direct sales to the WSI Online Store. The WSI Studio is open for every First Friday event, and by appointment. Regular studio hours in 2026. Thank you!

Annual WSI Membership Exhibit (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Membership Exhibit hosted by Pattern at The Stutz Building, 1060 N. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46202. April 18 to May 29, 2026.

This Membership Exhibit in Indianapolis is open to all current WSI Members and gives each of the participating artists the option to sell their artwork. This is not a Juried Exhibit - all 2026 WSI members are accepted.

Online registration is preferred, but you may mail in the form from the prospectus. 2026 WSI Membership Exhibit Prospectus Stutz.pdf *Please do not register until you have your final decision on your painting, name, and price. It creates too much confusion and room for error when requests are made after submission. Thank you very much!

Sponsorship Packages Available

IMPORTANT DATES

Registration Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026.

Painting Drop Off Dates: Saturday, April 11, 2026 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. See instructions below.

Opening Reception: Saturday, April18, 2026 – 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Painting Pickup: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

REGISTRATION FEE: $20.00 All registrations must be submitted to The Watercolor Society of Indiana, not to the venue.

ELIGIBILITY

All paintings executed and presented in accordance with the rules will be exhibited. Works not adhering to the following specifications will not be exhibited and their entry fees will not be refunded. The decisions of the WSI Membership Show committee are final.

Please read carefully:

● This is NOT The Annual Juried Exhibit. All skill levels are accepted into this show. 2026 WSI Membership required.

● All current WSI members may register one watercolor painting for this exhibition.

● Paintings exhibited in prior juried and membership shows are eligible; however, the same painting may not be shown two years in a row.

● All paintings must be the original work of the artist. No copies or prints of paintings or published photographs will be accepted.

● At least seventy percent (70%) of the entry must be watercolor paint or watercolor gouache paint. The balance of the entry may be acrylic, acrylic gouache, pastel, charcoal, ink and/or collage (e.g., photos, computer art, fabric, metal foil, etc.).

● Flexibility in surface is allowed (canvas, watercolor board, wood, etc.). All edges must be framed or finished, with no visible staples, nails, or hardware. If submitting an unframed canvas, the outer edges must be painted.

● For this venue, all work must be less than 42” in any direction. *Please take note as the space is smaller than previous years.

● Strap hangers and hanging wire are required. Sawtooth hangers will not be accepted. The frame must have a strap hanger attached with screws on the back side of each vertical piece of the frame located between 1/3 and 1/4 of the length of the piece from the top of the frame. Click Here for Details on Hanging Requirements.

● The painting and frame must have a professional appearance and be free from damage or blemishes. Ensure the painting is clean, ready to hang and in stable condition.

● A label with the artist’s name, painting title & painting price must be attached to the back side. If not for sale, write "NFS". Please use the attached label.

● Title and price may not be changed after the entry form has been submitted. Please ensure the title and price on your painting label match your entry form. If there is a discrepancy between the form and the label, the information on the entry form will be used.

● No paintings may be removed before the end of the show.

● By participating in the show, artists give WSI and Pattern/The Stutz permission to photograph or video tape their work to be used for educational and publicity purposes online and social media sites.

● All paintings must be delivered to The Stutz building between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on April 11th. See special instructions below. Contact your Area Representative for delivery if you are unable. Contact Chairperson Katy Volikas if special circumstances exist.

SALES

Images are not required but will be used in the online store and printed promotional material. Upload the image with the online registration form. If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website. Each artist is also encouraged to promote the sale of their painting.

The artist receives 70% of the selling price. All sales are handled through the WSI website. Paintings may be NFS. However, if a painting is sold during the exhibit, the commission must be admitted to WSI in good faith. If this painting is sold within 30 days after the exhibit because of being seen at The Stutz, the artist is asked to make a donation to WSI.

DELIVERY & PICKUP OF PAINTINGS

Use this entrance on the NORTH side of the building located on 11^th Street. IMPORTANT Pull up to the curb outside of this garage door. WSI volunteers will be there to unload your painting to take back to the gallery. You do not need to park. Please use hazards and be cautious of other members in line. Please note 11th Street is a One Way heading West between Capitol Ave. and Senate Ave. We strongly encourage you to team up with other members for less traffic, or contact your Area Rep to transport work to the venue.

Painting Drop Off Dates: Saturday, April 11, 2026 – between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Painting Pickup: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Each painting must be signed in at drop off and signed out at pick up. Out of respect for the venue, membership chair and volunteers, please do not arrive outside of these times. The artist or buyer is responsible for picking up the painting at the designated pick-up time only. If you plan for a volunteer to pick up your painting, you must submit written confirmation to Chairperson Katy Volikas prior to May 30th.

Members outside Indianapolis may arrange assistance for delivery or pickup by contacting their WSI Area Representative. Contact information for each representative is available on the WSI website Member Directory and Board of Directors Page. If you do not know who your Area Rep is, look on the Area Map.

AREA REPRESENTATIVES

Contact information for each representative is available on the WSI website Member Directory and Board of Directors Page.

• Area 1 - Lana Davis-Stout

• Area 2 - Susan Voigt

• Area 3 - Susan Semenick

• Area 4 - Sheryl Thurston

• Area 5 - n/a

• Area 6 - n/a

• Area 7 - Shirley Woolard

• Area 8 - Open – rep needed!

• Area 9 - Sandy Hall

• Area 10 - Nancy Rairdon

• Area 11 - Debi Black

The Watercolor Society of Indiana will exercise diligent and reasonable care, but neither WSI nor The Stutz will be responsible for loss or damage to any painting. We recommend getting insurance on your painting if you have concerns. By participating in the show, the artist assumes all risk and agrees to the rules and conditions of this prospectus.

UNCLAIMED PAINTINGS

You will be charged $45 if your painting is not picked up at the end of the exhibit. WSI will do its best to offer volunteer help, but you must confirm with WSI if you need assistance. Unclaimed paintings will become WSI property 60 days following the closing of the show.

OPENING RECEPTION

Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring guests to the Free Opening Reception of April 18, 2026, 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Details to follow.

PARKING

The Stutz has multiple parking lots to accommodate a large number of visitors. Some lots have a flat parking fee, while others have an hourly rate. Metered street parking is available around the building and on nearby side streets.

QUESTIONS

Contact Membership Exhibit Chair Katy Volikas or Executive Director Tanya Roberts with questions via the Membership Directory at www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/Member-Directory. Please do not contact Pattern Magazine or The Stutz.

To learn more about Pattern at visit https://patternindy.com/ and The Stutz at https://www.thestutz.com/artists

Opening Reception WSI Membership Exhibit (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Please RSVP for the private reception with artists on Saturday, April 18th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Guests are welcome. Parking available on all sides of the building at meters and paid lots. The exhibit is on the main floor outside of Pattern Indy in the northeast corner of the building. The exhibit is open every day 9:00 a m to 5:00 pm. Use the door on Capitol on weekends.

Volunteers needed. If you can help this week or on Saturday, please contact Tanya Roberts and Katy Volikas. Thank you!

Open Studio at WSI - May 16 (Saturday, May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Open Studio for WSI Members at The Watercolor Society of Indiana, 1125 Brookside Ave., Suite S55, Factory Arts North, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Saturday, May 16, 2026, Noon to 3:00 pm.

WSI Members are invited to come paint, connect, and share your current work with fellow members. This is not a class or workshop. You bring all of your own watercolor supplies. WSI will provide the space, tables, chairs, and water source.

You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to enjoy or share while you paint. PRE-REGISTRATION is required. Open to the first 10 WSI Members who register. We are hosting these on Saturdays to allow members from all over the state, and who work full time during the week, a chance to attend.

Thank you WSI Member Lydia Lodovisi for organizing and hosting these Open Studio sessions.

BOOK YOUR OWN If you are not able to come to Indy, we encourage you to host painting sessions with WSI members in your area too! Go to the online Member Directory to do an Advanced Search to discover members in your county.

BOOK YOUR OWN AT WSI with 5 to 10 (members only) by contacting Executive Director, Tanya Roberts. This is a new Member Benefit. Stay tuned for studio opportunities for non-members in the future.

SPACE IS LIMITED If you register but are unable to attend, please notify us prior to the Open Studio. We are excited to offer Open Studio for free as a benefit for being a member of The Watercolor Society of Indiana!

Beginning Watercolor Class (Sunday, May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

"Beginning Watercolor Class" at the Jewish Community Center Indy, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Sunday, May 17 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Adult Beginners only. Supplies not included, see below.

This class will cover the basics of watercolor painting while working on a special project. Learn about watercolor paints, brushes, paper, palettes, other tools used in watercolor, and techniques of application. Concentration on how to control the paint, how to mix the paint, and how to apply the paint. You do not need to be a member of The Watercolor Society to attend! Space is limited and for Beginners ONLY. Thank you!

Supply List for this workshop:

· 2 full sheets of 140 lb. paper (22 x 30) cut into halves (Arches, Fabriano, Saunders, Bockingford, Stonehenge, Canson Moulin.) If you are unable to find full sheets, any size will work.

· Watercolor paint in tubes (no pan cakes please): reds, yellows, blues, greens (preferably brands such as Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, Sennelier, Schminke, Graham, Holbein, or Qor).

· Brushes - rounds with good points, sizes 2,4, 6 and a mop brush, flat brush, or bigger brush for washes (synthetics are fine, just no plastic fiber brushes). Anything that you already have and like.

· Palette - something that has some wells and flat areas for mixing.

· Painting board - something like a piece of thin masonite, sheet of plastic, drawing board, etc. that is slightly bigger than yourpaper.

· Two water jars.

· Pencil, ruler, and a pair of scissors.

· Jar of masking fluid (rubber cement is fine too).

· Roll of masking tape.

*Workshops do not include supplies. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!

Membership Luncheon and Special Event (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Membership Luncheon and Special Event

Saturday, June 27, 2026

12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Second Presbyterian Community Room, 7700 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Enter the church through the North doors at 11:45 am.

DEADLINE FOR TICKETS IS END OF DAY MONDAY, JUNE 22!

Join us for this social event full of art, artists, food, presentations, a free gift, and special guests! You do not have to be a member to purchase a ticket. All ages welcome. Advance tickets required.

Soup, Salad, Dessert, and Refreshments.
An exclusive private viewing of all 2026 Juried Exhibit entries by WSI Members before they are sent to the Juror.
Presentation of the James C. Lentz Scholarship and the WSI Art Scholarships to graduating seniors.
Brief General Membership Meeting.
Special Guests - more details soon!
Tickets are required for this event. $20 per person - open to WSI members and guests! Paid reservations are required by Monday, June 22, 2026.

*No refunds within 2 weeks of the event date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!

Workshop with Kathleen Giles (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

"Creating Depth and Drama in Watercolor" with Artist Kathleen Giles, AWS, NWS-M, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. July 14 to July 17, 2026. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch.

4-day Workshop Price: $415 for WSI Members. $475 for Non-Members. Skill Level: Intermediate

This workshop will explore the importance of value and composition, with an emphasis on seeing and painting the contours of subjects. Every object, from flowers to faces, have shadow contours that make them appear three dimensional. This information packed class will help students see and paint values realistically. Using a limited palette, Kathleen will demonstrate the mixing of triads and explain the importance of grays. Color mixtures can be altered by the ratio of warm to cool color used to enhance the glow of the final painting. The first day begins with a short digital picture show and Kathleen will discuss choosing the best references and how she manipulates them to ensure a more successful painting. Each morning and afternoon will begin with a demonstration, with more throughout the day. There will be plenty of one-on-one attention. Critique will take place at the end of each day. Wet-into-wet, wet-on-dry, glazing techniques and dry brush will be demonstrated and explained. The class will do several studies of deferent subjects.

Students will learn:

~to read values correctly and alter them when necessary creating a three dimensional look

~create depth with layered wet-into-wet glazes and texture

~how to use neutrals for balance and depth

~create unity by mixing grays and blacks.

~tips on how to lift out lost hi-lights or brighten areas when needed.

Students will receive a palette and supply list. The reference photos and an introductory video from Kathleen will be sent to all registered students about 5 weeks before the workshop.

Level of student: Some previous watercolor experience needed

Kathleen S. Giles ~AWS, NWS-M, TWSA, AWA, PWS, NFWS, WHS

"My art has become such an all-encompassing force in my life that I am always involved in some aspect of it. I am paint scenes that are filled with color and dramatic lighting. My subjects can be beautiful but often have an underlying story. My work captures a moment in time. I strive to draw the viewer into my visual narrative and to create an emotional response. For me, realism is the best way to do that. My teaching has allowed me to meet and work with wonderful artists from all around the world. I value those relationships that have enriched my life so much" - Kathleen

Kathleen’s primary discipline is watercolor and her realistic portrayal of everyday life has won her many awards. She is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, a Master Signature of the National Watercolor Society, the Transparent Watercolor Society, American Women Artists, the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, the Watercolor Honor Society, North East Watercolor society, Women in Watercolor and the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society. The artist is a member of the International Guild of Realism and an elected member of the Allied Artists of America.

The artist travels the U.S. to teach workshops, in-person and online. In 2025 her painting “Heading Out” won first place in the Artist’s Magazine annual competition. Also in 2025 her painting “Life is Learning to Fly” won first place in the Splash 26, the best of contemporary watercolor, first place in the North East Watercolor Society show and was accepted into the American Watercolor Society Show. In 2024 she also had two paintings included in Splash 25 and has also had work in Splash 24, 23, 21, 20, 17 and 15. In 2024, her painting “Life is Having Time for Nature” won first place in the Richeson Portrait Competition. Her painting "Life is a Reflection of Youth" won the Edgar Whitney Memorial award at the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club and the Watercolor USA Honor Society Escoda Brush Merchandise Award at Watercolor USA. Kathleen is a 2023 Arc Salon winning artist for her painting "Tears For Ukraine". The painting "Life Is Feeling Boxed In" won the Bronze Medal from the American Watercolor Society, in 2022. Kathleen was one of the instructors in the 2nd Watercolor Live and in the January 2026 event. She appeared twice on Eric Rhoads Art School Live podcast. Watch the videos here, Painting Faces with Wet-into-Wet Watercolor w/ Kathleen Giles and here Eliminate Clutter for Better Paintings with Kathleen Giles. Kathleen sells prerecorded videos and also teaches live online. She maintains a studio and gallery in her home in Gasport, N.Y. that is open to the public by appointment. https://www.kgilesstudio.com/

*Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!

Kathleen Giles Live Demonstration (Saturday, July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Live demo. You are invited to meet nationally known watercolor artist Kathleen Giles on Saturday, July 18, 2026 as she gives a live demonstration with watercolors at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. 2026 WSI Members - your ticket is FREE! Log in to get free ticket. Tickets for guests, family members, friends, and the general public are $10 each.

12:15 pm - Check in, make a plate of snacks, be in your seat by 12:30 pm.

12:30 pm - Live watercolor demonstration by Kathleen Giles.

1:45 pm - Meet and greet with Kathleen. Purchase art for sale.

2:45 pm Adjourn.

SPECIAL NOTES

If you can bring a treat or snack to share with the group, we will have a sign up sheet online soon. Chips, cookies, veggies, fruit, beverages, and paper goods. Thank you!

Following this event, a recording will be available on the Private Members Only Page.

We look forward to this unique opportunity and hope you will join us!

Artist Kathleen Giles is a Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society. Learn more at the Kathleen Giles Website.

44th Annual WSI Juried Exhibit (Friday, August 28, 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The 44th Annual WSI Juried Exhibit at Newfields/ Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208
August 28 to October 24, 2026

Entry opens soon. DEADLINE TO ENTER IS JUNE 19TH!

June 19, Friday Deadline is Midnight for online entries through the WSI website. Deadline is 5:00 pm. for entries with flash drives at the WSI Office.

This year's juror is Kathleen Giles, Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and Transparent Watercolor Society of America. The images of each entry are sent digitally to the juror. She will choose 45 paintings to display in the exhibit. In July when she is in Indy, she will choose her top 10 picks for awards. WSI's goal is to meet last year's total prize money of $10,000. *As an added bonus, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is giving each of the 45 juried exhibitors a free 1-year membership to the museum.

Please be sure to read the entire Prospectus Rules for Entry as it is updated every year. Prospectus Coming Soon. Each member may submit up to 2 paintings. Entry Fee $35 for one entry. $45 for two entries. Please use the online entry form for the fastest and most efficient method. If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website

ENTRY FEE: One Entry $35; Two Entries $45.

AGREEMENT: All entries are to be submitted with the understanding that accepted work may be photographed or videotaped for educational and/or publicity purposes. All accepted images will be included on the WSI website and social media.

TO ENTER AND PAY: Please use the online entry form for the fastest and most efficient registration. Upload images when registering online. If you prefer to mail your entry, use the forms from the prospectus with payment and a labeled USB Flash Drive (USB drive will not be returned to you). *PLEASE NOTE THE 2027 WSI JURIED EXHIBIT WILL USE “SHOW SUBMIT” INSTEAD OF THE WSI WEBSITE. INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE IN THE 2027 PROSPECTUS.

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Digital file must be in JPG format. The image resolution must be at least 300 dpi.

• No digital enhancement is allowed.

• The image must be oriented correctly. (Vertical or Horizontal)

• Crop the image to exclude the mat and frame.

• If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website.

• Name your image with your name, entry (“A” or “B”), 2026 and the title. Example: Smith_John_A_2026_Flower.jpg.

• If you are having trouble uploading an image, contact Website Chairperson Brenda Pettigrew. Contact info is in the online Member Directory and on the Board of Directors page.

RULES (Please read carefully as some changes may have been made this year.)

The Juried Show competition is open to current and former residents of the State of Indiana. You must be a current member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana.
Artists may submit one or two paintings. If an artist enters two paintings, only one painting can be selected by the juror for the exhibition.
No triptychs or diptychs will be accepted.
All entries must be the original concept and execution of the artist. No copies of paintings or published photographs, or unauthorized photographs will be accepted.
No work produced in a class or under the tutelage of an instructor will be accepted.
No work previously exhibited in ANY JURIED SHOW in Indiana will be accepted. This includes competitions such as the Indiana State Fair, SALI, IAC, IHA, or Hoosier Salon.
A minimum of 80% of the painting must have been executed with traditional watercolor paints. Other media, listed below, may be used only to enhance, or embellish the watercolor and cannot exceed 20% of the painting. Collage is acceptable but all elements must be painted by the artist in 80% traditional watercolor paints – no preprinted or computer-generated images. Other media allowed up to 20% of the painting: Gouache, Graphite (pencil or charcoal), Acrylic Paint (thinned and painted using traditional watercolor techniques), Colored Ink, Watercolor Pencil (wetted), Brusho, Media other than those listed are not permitted to be a part of the painting.
The painting must be executed on a 2-dimensional surface composed of paper with no impasto effects. Yupo paper is acceptable.
No printed image may be a part of the painting.
No digital artwork or photography will be permitted.
The size limitation is 42” x 36” in any direction, including the frame. No exceptions per Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields’ rules.
The WSI Juried Exhibit is a prestigious show in a nationally recognized museum. The matting and framing must have a professional appearance and be free from damage or blemishes. Ensure the painting is clean, meets hanger requirements, and is of stable condition. If in WSI’s judgement the appearance does not reflect favorably on the organization or this event, the artist will have the option to correct this in time for the opening of the show. Otherwise, the artwork will not be hung, and the painting will be withdrawn from the exhibit. If you have questions, please contact Juried Exhibit Chairperson prior to delivery. Contact info is in the online Member Directory and on the Board of Directors page.
All work must be matted and framed under acrylic sheet (plexiglass) or similar glazing. No Glass will be allowed. A simple gallery-quality frame with a white or neutral mat is strongly recommended. We recommend that the mat be at least 3 inches wide (4 inches wide on larger paintings).
Strap hangers are required, and the hanging wire is optional. Sawtooth hangers will not be accepted. The frame must have a strap hanger attached with screws on the back side of each vertical piece of the frame located between 1/3 and 1/4 of the length of the piece from the top of the frame. (See Illustration attached.) If a painting is delivered with incorrect hardware the artist will have the option to correct this in time for the opening. The artist may pay WSI to correct the hardware for them ($25 fee). Otherwise, the artwork will not be hung and the painting will be withdrawn from the exhibit.
Titles and prices will be listed as they appear on the entry forms. No changes will be made after entry forms are received.
No further work can be done on a painting once it is accepted. The painting will not be accepted if it is different from the original image submitted.
Each accepted painting must have a completed WSI Juried Exhibit 2026 Painting Tag (see prospectus) attached to the back of the painting when it is delivered.
If your painting sells during the exhibit, the buyer is responsible to pick it up and the artist is not responsible. Otherwise, if someone other than you or your area representative will be picking up your painting at the end of the show, you must email the WSI Executive Director with the name of the designated individual. ID may be required upon painting pickup. Note that there will be a $45 charge for any painting not picked up by 3:00 pm November 1, 2026. Paintings may be claimed at the WSI office when the $45 fee is paid. Unclaimed paintings become the property of WSI 60 Days after the pickup date of the exhibit.

AWARDS: WSI will award as many cash awards as the 2026 Awards Fund will support. Our goal is to meet or exceed last year’s prize money of $10,000. All members are encouraged to support this fund by donating or soliciting donations. Contributions may be made on the WSI website. All donors are recognized in the Juried Exhibit catalog. Sponsorships are available.

SALES: All sales will be conducted through the WSI office. WSI will retain a 30% commission on each sale. The buyer has permission to pick up the painting on November 1, 2026 with ID. Paintings may be NFS. However, if this painting is sold during the exhibit, the commission must be submitted to WSI in good faith. If this painting is sold within 30 days after the exhibit because of being seen at Newfields, the artist is asked to make a donation to WSI.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: If an entrant receives $600 or more in sales and/or awards per year from WSI, the entrant agrees to provide Form W9 to the WSI office upon request and will receive a 1099 for 2026.

SHIPPING: If an accepted painting is shipped instead of delivered in person, it must be crated and delivered to the WSI office by 2:00 pm Saturday, July 11, 2026. The WSI office will return unsold paintings in the same packaging in which they were received. The artist must set up an account with FedEx or UPS so that all shipping costs are prepaid. The artist will also be charged a $60 handling and transport fee. If you have a question, please contact the WSI office at (317) 500-2275.

RISK: Watercolor Society of Indiana, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and transporters will exercise diligent and reasonable care, but they will not be responsible for any loss or damage. By signing the entry forms, the artist assumes all risks. If you are concerned about the risk of loss or damage, we suggest you get insurance coverage for your painting.

AREA REPRESENTATIVES: WSI Area Reps are able to help coordinate transporting paintings to Indy when possible. Contact information for each representative is available on the WSI Board of Directors Page.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES: Each sponsorship allows WSI to continue to grow, offer artists more opportunities, award artists prize money, and fulfill its mission to educate Indiana residents about the discipline of the watercolor medium. Learn how about this opportunity to promote your business while supporting these artists. Exhibit Sponsorships Thank you!

June 19, Friday at 5:00 pm: Deadline for receipt of mailed entries with flash drives at the WSI Office. Midnight for online entries through the WSI website.

June 27, Saturday: Images of all entries will be exhibited in a video at the Membership Luncheon, 12:00 noon at Second Presbyterian Church. Tickets are required for the luncheon and are available through the WSI Website.

June 29, Monday: Acceptance Notifications and Non-acceptance Notifications emailed to entrants.

July 7 – July 11: Selected paintings must be delivered to WSI office between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

July 14 - 17, 2026 Juror Kathleen Giles will judge the top award winners in person.

September 6, Sunday: Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, DeBoest Lecture Hall beginning at 2:00 pm. All WSI members are encouraged to attend and bring guests. Free and open to the public.

September 4 – October 31: Exhibition open to the public at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

November 1, Sunday: Pick up paintings at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. No paintings will be released before 1:00 pm on November 1st.

Regional Exhibit in Fort Wayne, IN (Saturday, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

WSI Regional Exhibit at the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Located inside the West entrance at the Main Library. Free & Open to the public during library hours. Sept. 26 to Nov. 7, 2026.

More details soon!

Workshop with Carol Carter (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

"Painting From the Heart" with Artist Carol Carter, AWA, HACS. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, 2026. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch.

3-day Workshop Price: $375 for WSI Members. $435 for Non-Members. Skill Level: All experience levels welcome.

Discover how to paint with freedom, emotion, and flow in watercolor. In this inspiring workshop, Carol shares her signature wet-into-wet, loose watercolor technique through engaging 20 to 30-minute demonstrations designed to spark creativity.

Participants will paint alongside as she offers personalized guidance and support. You’ll experiment with new techniques while refining essential skills such as brush handling, water control, composition, and value. She will demonstrate the “cell” technique of sophisticating a wash.

Throughout each session, Carol will highlight the brilliance of color, the purity of transparent paint, and the importance of imagery, content, and point of view. By the end of every class, you’ll complete a finished painting that reflects both technique and personal growth.

MATERIALS LIST

PAINT:

Winsor Newton French Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, Winsor Green (YS) Aureolin, Burnt Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt Turquoise, Light Cerulean Blue, Opera Rose

Daniel Smith Shadow Violet

Holbein Mineral Violet, Bright Violet

PAPER:

Arches 140 lb. Cold Press 22 x 30 sheet (divided into four 11x15” sheets)

BRUSH:

1” or 2” sable/synthetic brush flat (if you have)

#2, 4, 8, 20 Black Velvet Silver Series 3000S watercolor round brush

#1 or 2 Winsor Newton Cotman Series sable round brush

GEAR:

Palette, Mechanical Pencil, Paper Towels, Water Buckets (2), Masking Fluid Pebeo, Facial Mister (fine spray bottle), iPad or cell phone to photograph the various stages of DEMO.

Please bring what you have, we will improvise!

Carol Carter is an internationally recognized artist whose career has spanned more than 35 years. Carol has taught workshops for over 30 years, as well as in university. Her paintings have been in many national and international exhibitions, both juried and invitational. She has been featured in global publications including, International Arts Magazine, Art of Watercolour, Watercolor Artist, and L’Aquarelle Magazine. In 2012 she was an AIRE fellow for the Everglades National Park. She is part of the Art in Embassies program with art currently in the American Embassy in Montenegro.

In 2019 she was also honored with Master Signature Member status, American Women Artists and Master Signature Member status, Heartland Art Club. She recently exhibited in “Making Their Mark: American Women Artists” at the Booth Western Art Museum. She is the recent recipient of 2020 Snehil Lifetime Achievement Award, Snehilsrijan, India. She has exhibited her work in Europe, China, Hong Kong, USVI, Morocco and throughout the United States. She has lead many symposiums on how to make a living as an artist and marketing art as a career. She has frequently served as a juror in art exhibitions both on national and on international levels. She is on the advisory board of the American Watercolor Weekly.

https://www.carol-carter.com/

*Workshops do not include supplies. There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!

Carol Carter Live Demonstration (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Live demo. You are invited to meet nationally known watercolor artist Carol Carter on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 as she gives a live demonstration with watercolors at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.