Opportunity Summary
You are invited to apply to the 50th International Watermedia Exhibition (IWE) on CaFÉ which showcases watermedia artists from around the world in a judged and juried gallery exhibit in Houston's popular Museum District. In March 2027, entries selected by renowned artist, juror and judge, Jean Pederson, will receive maximal exposure in a month-long gallery exhibit as well as in an online exhibit that will last through the end of 2027. In addition, participants will have a chance to win awards totaling $10,000 and obtain WAS-H Signature Status.
Founded in 1975, the Watercolor Art Society–Houston (WAS-H) is known for presenting exceptional monthly exhibits, supporting dedicated community outreach and offering a vast array of educational art programs taught by world-class instructors year-round.
Prizes
$10,000 in cash awards
- 1st Place $2,500
- 2nd Place $2,000
- 3rd Place $1,500
- Odette Rubin Memorial Award $1000
- ET Kraycirik Award $500
- Leslie C. McDonald Jr. $500
- Margaret Scott Bock Award $500
- Ten Merit Awards of $150 each
WAS-H Signature and Elite Signature Status
Signature Status and Elite Signature Status are honors awarded to WAS-H members whose artworks have been selected for multiple years' participation in the WAS-H IWE. Signature artists have exhibited their work in three IWEs; Elite Signature artists have exhibited their work in five or more IWEs. Once designated, artists may add the credential "WAS-H" after their signature to indicate their status.
To be eligible, an artist must be a WAS-H member at the time their artworks are submitted into the IWEs, however, there is no requirement for an artist to retain ongoing membership in WAS-H.
Juror and Judge Jean Pederson
Jean is the author of "Expressive Portraits: Creative Methods for Painting People". She has been painting for over twenty years, balancing her strong teaching abilities, and writing with her continuing aspiration to convey her ideas in visual form. Jean's traditional practice includes referential imagery of people, still life, landscape and abstraction. Although Pederson is well known for her mastery of watercolours, mixed media has become an important venue for her creative expression. Jean has work placed in the Royal Collection in Winsor England and has been honored with numerous National and International awards over the years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Participant Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Number of Entries: Up to three (3) works per artist may be submitted. Only one (1) work per artist may be selected for the exhibition. Not all artists will have works selected.
- Creation Date: Only artwork completed on or after January 1, 2025 is eligible. Artwork may not have been accepted in any previous WAS-H Annual Members Exhibit (AME) or previous IWE.
- Originality: Artwork must be original and created without instruction. No works will be accepted that were created in a class or by other media instruction (Book, DVD, YouTube, etc.) or in collaboration with other artists or Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Reference: Reference photo may be used only if the photo was taken by the artist.
- Watermedia: At least 80% aqueous media including: watercolor, acrylic, gouache, egg tempera, casein, ink, metallic and luminescent water-based paint.
- Unacceptable Media: oil paints; water-mixable oil paints; oil pastel; oil stick; pastel; colored pencil; impasto; fabric; digital media or digitally enhanced images; multiple edition prints; sand; glitter; gold or metal leaf; collage from printed materials; photography; reproductions; 3D media.
- Enhancements (up to 20%): soft pastel; watercolor pencils; charcoal; graphite; wax accents and resists; water-based monotypes and monoprints; embossing.
- Surface size: No smaller than 9 inches (22.86 cm) and no larger than 44 inches (111.76 cm) on any side.
Framing, Matting, and Hanging
- Artwork must be framed unless it is a cradled panel.
- Mat is recommended but optional and must be true white.
- Frame material must be wood or metal, plain and simple.
- Frame color: Black, white, brown, gold, or silver only, one solid color.
- Frame thickness: No thicker than 2.0 inches.
- Framed artwork weight must not exceed 45 lbs.
- Artwork must be protected by Plexiglass for framed work or varnish for cradled panels. No glass allowed.
Sales
Sales of paintings during the Exhibition will be handled by WAS-H on behalf of the artist. The art price listed includes the frame and 25% paid to WAS-H. WAS-H reserves the right to negotiate up to a 10% discount to close a sale. Sales tax is 8.25%.
Important Dates
- Registration opens: October 1, 2026
- Registration closes: January 16, 2027, 11:59 pm MST
- Artist Notification: January 29, 2027
- Deadline to Receive Shipments: March 3, 2027, 3:00 pm CST
- Awards and Gallery Reception: March 7, 2027, Sunday, 3:30 pm CST
- Gallery Exhibition Dates: March 7, 2027 to March 27, 2027