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Pikes Peak Watercolor Society

A History of the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society

The Pikes Peak Watercolor Society is 20 years old. Ten local artists found the society in 1986 to promote excellence in watercolor media and to encourage artistic achievement in the community. Most of these original members are still with the society today including: Nancy Baldrica, Mary Ann Bransby, Marian Busey, Penny Stewart, Don Van Horn and Richard Williams. Today the society continues to promote and encourage artisitc expression through the sponsorship of exhibitions and workshops and support for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and other local arts organizations and educational institutions.

What does the society do?
The society sponsors a Fall Signature Members' Exhibit, an International Watermedia Exhibit & workshop, and a Yearly Changing Exhibit (more about exhibits below). We also support other local art organizations with time and grants of money.

Where does the PPWS meet?
Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month except July when no meeting takes place. The Cottonwood Artists' School is the current meeting venuc, although it hasn't always been this good. Originally the society met at the homes and studios of our members. The PPWS is grateful for the space at the Cottonwood School for the meetings and a storage room where the art materials and other 'stuff' of the society is kept.

Frank Webb Workshop at International Watermedia XV

The International Watermedia Exhibit has grown from a small regional show to a statewide juried show and in 1997 became an international juried exhibition, bringing global art to the Colorado community. Now nationally known artists jury these shows and give workshops. Workshops generally last 4 to 5 days and bring artists from all over the contry to participate. All PPWS members can enter slides for jury. These exhibits have hung at The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, The Galley of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs and the Sangre De Cristo Art Center in Pueblo. Currently this show runs every other year.
To see a selection of work from the 2007 International Watermedia Exhibition: Click Here for a gallery tour

Frank Webb (on the left) and his gift to the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society; his painting "Morro Bay"

PPWS Shows:
Shows in addition to the International Watermedia Exhibit:   The Signature Members' Show was originally held each November to December at The Pikes Peak Center.  Recently it has been held at the Tri lakes center for the arts.   Every Signature member is encouraged to participate and show off their best work. This show also features an "artists-walk" to educate and inform the public about the medium of watercolor, usually given by a local artist or art aficionado. The 2004 show was a trial run to allow Associate members to have their work juried into this high caliber exhibit.
The Yearly "Changing" Exhibit evolved out of our old Pandora's Box Exhibit.  Pandora's Box is an outrageous event designed to help artists stimulate creativity, stretch their artistic horizons, and just plain have fun.  In 2000 we paired artists and kids from a local elementary school for the 1st time, with great success. In the same vein as Pandora's Box, the 2005 show was entitled "A Reason for Red", a watercolor interpretation of all things red and was juried at the Business of Arts Center in Manitou Springs.  In 2007 the PPWS  is reviving Pandora's Box with a show  theme called "Collections" which will be an installation of mixed medium wall art on masonite.  It will be held at Cottonwood Studios in April and is open to all PPWS members. PPWS will be paired with 8th grade students from Holmes Middle school.  Other projects include: collecting funds and arts supplies for the local Salvation Army at Christmas time, plein air "paint outs", painting retreats, gallery visits, group showings and other activities of mutual interest. Membership in PPWS is a great way to network, share and learn from other watermedia artists. The society is a vigorous, growing organization supporting the arts community of the Pikes Peak Region

'07 Show at UCCS gallery

Who belongs to the society?

The Pikes Peak Watercolor Society currently has 99 members - 49 signature and 50 associate (living as far away as Texas, Kansas and California). We have signiature members who have received Signature status in the top watercolor societies such as the American Watercolor Society (AWS) and the National Watercolor Society (NWS). Work by society members appear regularly in national and international exhibitions and publications.
Members teach art classes, workshops and seminars locally and abroad. Any may be an associate member, artist or non-artist. Associate membership enables one to apply for Signature membership, if desired. Members receive the monthly newsletter, are invited to monthly meetings and are able to volunteer for committees.
For further information on Membership, please visit our website at: http://www.pcisys.net/~ppwsart/ Email mbmcadams@earthlink.net or post a request for membership to:
PPWS Membership, P.O. Box 62693, Colorado Springs, CO 80962

Past Featured Societies :

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