About VWS

In 1977 a small group of twenty watercolor artists got together to meet in each other’s homes to share their interest and knowledge of watercolor. For four years they held talks and demonstrations by members, and they regularly painted plein air together. Known as the unstructured “Watercolor Group,” the membership increased and soon they needed a newsletter to inform members of various activities and meeting arrangements.

By 1980 the Watercolor Group outgrew the living room space and moved to various community rooms at local banks, and in 1983 the group applied for nonprofit status and registration in the name of Valley Watercolor Society.

Membership growth brought a big bonus – Valley Watercolor Society could now invite the best watercolor artists in the country for demonstrations and workshops. 

The original purpose of the Valley Watercolor Society continues today: to promote interest, knowledge, and appreciation of watermedia through meetings, exhibits, workshops, paint-outs and association with other watermedia artists.

VWS is one of the founding members of VIVA Art Center. Please see the VWS website for membership information.