Southwestern Watercolor Society

Granted a charter by the State of Texas in May of 1964, Southwestern Watercolor Society began as the North Texas Watercolor Society, founded by Reese Kennedy, its first president. As membership expanded rapidly, the organization's name was changed to encompass a wider spectrum of potential members. SWS has grown to be an international organization and is one of the largest watercolor societies in the nation. Many of its members have attained national signature status in other watercolor societies, such as American Watercolor Society (AWS) and National Watercolor Society (NWS). Many members have paintings accepted in open juried competitions throughout the United States each year. SWS is fortunate to include many nationally-known artists and teachers as members.

SWS meetings are held monthly in Dallas, Texas (except the months of June, July, August and December). Meetings are attended by 150 to 250 people and feature a lecture-demonstration. Each year, three to four, three- to five-day workshops are held with nationally-recognized watercolor artists.

At the monthly meetings, members are encouraged to enter a painting in the "Painting of the Month" competition, sponsored by Asel Art Supply. SWS activities include: Annual Membership Exhibition, Annual Western Federation Show, Weekend Paint-outs, Workshops, Special Signature Events, a holiday party in December and various other opportunities to exhibit work, network with other artists and serve the community.

SWS aids and encourages watercolor training in area schools and colleges. Student scholarships are offered for some workshop. SWS maintains a set of color slides of past shows and makes them available to area schools and watercolor teachers for use in their classroom instruction. Members are available for lecture-demonstrations.