---
title: Simply Watercolor 2026
description: Juried watercolor-on-paper exhibition at the Rhode Island Watercolor Society gallery in Pawtucket and online, with $1,000 in cash prizes.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/74bd7e73-5431-4774-93f9-66f4c776557c
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-09-04"
updatedAt: "2026-10-17"
programType: Exhibition
organization: Rhode Island Watercolor Society
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/rhode-island-watercolor
deadline: "2026-10-16"
entryFee: 25 USD
location: Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Pawtucket, RI, United States
isOnline: false
compensationRange: $1,000 in cash prizes
disciplines:
  - watercolor
  - painting
  - gouache
---

# Simply Watercolor 2026

**Hosted by:** Rhode Island Watercolor Society

**Type:** Exhibition | **Location:** Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Pawtucket, RI, United States | **Deadline:** October 16, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $25

## About This Program

> "Celebrate the beauty of watercolors — no particular theme for subject matter; watercolor on paper only"

RIWS Presents: Simply Watercolor. $1000 in cash prizes! 1-3 WATERMEDIA ENTRIES ONLY (Watercolor ONLY; see full description for more information). Juror: TBA. Theme: Celebrate the beauty of watercolors with RIWS! All pieces must be painted in watercolor on paper (see prospectus for more details).

There is no particular theme for subject matter, just submit watercolor pieces that you love! This show will take place physically in our gallery in Pawtucket and online. Acceptable surfaces: Watercolor paper; toned watercolor paper; Yupo and similar synthetic papers; paper coated with water-based varnish and gesso; canvas paper, textured paper; illustration board; watercolor board; rice paper.

Acceptable mediums: Watercolor; gouache; watercolor mediums. Acceptable media up to 20%: water-based ink; watercolor pencils; water-based iridescent paints or powders (not glitter). Work must not exceed 48 inches on its longest side (including frame). Pieces should not be smaller than 5 inches on the shortest side (excluding frame). Work MUST be framed under glass or Plexiglass.

Drop Off/Delivery: October 22nd - November 12th, Thursday & Friday 10am-4pm & Saturday 10am-3pm. Accepted Entries Notified: October 22nd. Exhibition Dates: November 14th - December 11th. Show Opening: Saturday, November 21st at 1pm. Pickup Date: December 11th. Return Shipping: December 11th - January 11th.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** watercolor, painting, gouache
- **Note:** Submission Limit: 1

General Information

**This show will take place physically in our gallery in Pawtucket and online. Only submit work you are willing to drop off or ship to us!**

Work must have been completed within the last 10 years.
Work may not be copied from copywritten material.
No work partially or wholly painted by another.
Work may not have been created in a class or workshop under a teacher’s supervision.
All entries must be original paintings created from the artist’s own reference material—works based on others’ photos, artwork, or other images are not eligible.
Work must not have been exhibited in a previous Rhode Island Watercolor Society juried show.
Work must be the same work represented by the submitted digital images. No altered digital images may be submitted.
Work must be the size represented in the submission form.

**Unacceptable surfaces:** Composite paper with embedded materials; wood or composite panels; gallery wrapped or stretched canvas; Duralar; Aquaboard, Clayboard or other coated wood or composite panel; unmounted canvas or other fabrics; Tyvec; metal; glass

**Unacceptable media:**Acrylics, casein, egg tempera, pastels; colored pencil other than watercolor pencil; fabrics; digital media or digitally enhanced images; multiple edition prints; sand; glitter; gold or metal leaf; collage of any kind; oil paints; water‐miscible oil paints; photography; reproductions; 3D media

Eligibility Criteria

**Open to all artists in the United States**

**Open to watercolor only** (please read full prospectus for details)

### Additional Requirements

Submit 1-3 images, $20 each for non-members, $15 each for members (members use provided coupon code for discount). Media requirements: Images min 1, max 3. Work must be framed under glass or Plexiglass; work larger than 36" must be framed with Plexiglass; frames may not be wider than 1.5 inches; varnished pieces without glass are NOT acceptable; work must be presented in a professional manner; no broken or damaged frames; work may be floated within the frame, or presented with a single or double mat; white or off white mats are preferred, but liner mats less than 3/8" may be colored; entirely colored mats are acceptable only if they are integral in the completion of the artwork.

MUST BE WIRED!!!! with no wire or hanger showing when hung. No tooth hangers.

## Compensation & Benefits

$1,000 in cash prizes

**Includes:** Prize

$1000 in cash prizes. If the work is sold, the Rhode Island Watercolor Society will receive 35% of the sale.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** July 27, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 16, 2026
- **Program Start:** November 14, 2026
- **Program End:** December 11, 2026

## Contact

**Email:** riwsgallery@gmail.com

**Phone:** 401-726-1876

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17924