Compete AWS 159th Annual International Exhibition
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: November 12, 2025 – The 159th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society will be held April 7– May 1, 2026, at the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City. Drawing submissions from some 30 countries, the 159th Annual Exhibition is a world-class presentation of the best in water media today.
VENUES
The Exhibition will be held in New York City at the illustrious Salmagundi Club April 7– May 1, 2026. Up to $50,000 in cash and awards will be distributed. The Exhibition is seen by thousands of visitors each year.
A Traveling Exhibition, consisting of 40 paintings, will also be selected for a nationwide tour of museums and galleries.
Both the New York Exhibition and the Traveling Exhibition are handled by professionals and all due care is taken to ensure the safety of every painting. All work accepted and received for exhibition will be included in the 159th Annual Exhibition Catalog.
ELIGIBILITY
The International Exhibition is open to artists worldwide, both member and non-member, working in water media on paper (Yupo and illustration board are permitted). No other surfaces accepted.
- Watercolor, Acrylic, Casein, Gouache, Egg tempera
- No collage, pastels, digital images, any form of print or reproductions.
- Artist’s original work only. No class work. No work done under supervision. No copies or likenesses of another artist’s work including published source or reference work not attributable to the artist.
- One entry per artist, except for Signature Candidates.
- No work previously exhibited in the International Exhibition may be submitted.
- Maximum frame size is 44″ in any direction. (height or width)
- Minimum image size (do not include mat or frame) is 140 square inches (multiply image height x width).
AWARDS
Up to $50,000 in Cash and Medal Awards.
CATALOG
All exhibiting artists, whether AWS members or not, will receive a copy of the catalog. (International artists receive a digital copy) Images of accepted work may be used by AWS in promotional material.
ENTRY FEES
- Signature Member $25
- Associate Member $30
- Non-Member $55
APPLY ONLINE
Download Prospectus.
SALES
All paintings will be considered for sale at the price set forth by the artist unless marked NFS (Not for Sale) or 0 (zero). Prices may not be changed or withdrawn once accepted into the exhibition. Any painting sold in the New York Exhibition or Traveling Exhibition is subject to a 35% donation to AWS.
About The American Watercolor Society
The American Watercolor Society is one of America’s oldest arts societies. The mission of the American Watercolor Society is to foster the appreciation of watercolor media, and to advance education in support of this end.
47 5th Ave
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 206-8986
About The Salmagundi Club
The Salmagundi Art Club, is a not-for-profit fine arts center founded in 1871 in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan, New York City. It is one of America’s oldest arts organizations.
47 Fifth Avenue
12th Street
New York, NY 10003
