Pour It On! Watercolors from the West
Organized by the Watercolor Society of Oregon, *Pour It On!* features three exhibitions: the 42nd Annual Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, The Watercolor Society of Oregon’s 52nd Annual Spring Exhibition, and the work of Jeannie McGuire, this year’s juror for both shows*.* Works eligible for the exhibitions must be created with water-based media, which include acrylic, casein, collage, gouache, tempera, and transparent or opaque watercolors.
The Western Federation of Watercolor Society’s annual juried exhibition is hosted each year by a different regional member society. This is the first time that The Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO) has served as host. Founded in 1974 by the New Mexico Watercolor Society through the foresight and work of Dr. David Gale (1915-80), WFWS encourages and recognizes artistic excellence and encourages the visibility of watercolor as an artistic medium through its annual exhibitions. Today, WFWS has more than 5,000 artist members in eleven regional societies: Arizona Watercolor Association, Colorado Watercolor Society, Idaho Watercolor Society, Nevada Watercolor Society, New Mexico Watercolor Society, San Diego Watercolor Society, Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, Southwestern Watercolor Society, Utah Watercolor Society, Watercolor Society of Oregon, and West Texas Watercolor Society.
An internationally known, Pittsburgh-based artist, Jeannie McGuire juries art exhibitions and gives figurative design watercolor workshops to artists, always encouraging a purpose for creating art. Her awards include the American Watercolor Society’s 144th Gold Medal of Honor for her painting *Kenneth.* Her original work and commissions are in both private and public collections and have been featured in numerous art magazines. Ms. McGuire is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society.
WSO thanks the JSMA for its generosity in presenting this exhibition and bringing the beauty and breadth of water-based artwork to a larger public. Additional support has been provided by the WSO 100 Club, a non-profit foundation created by WSO members in 1984, and the following: Ampersand Art Supply; Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff; Creative Catalyst Productions; Golden Artists Colors; Jack Richeson & Co.; Salis International, Inc.; Sakura of America; Strathmore Artists Paper; Watercolor Artist Magazine; and the Past Presidents of WSO.
The Watercolor Society of Oregon will also sponsor their bi-annual Watercolor Convention in Eugene, April 7 - 9, including watercolor workshops, lectures, paint-outs and more. Ms. McGuire will teach a 5 day workshop March 27th - 31st. More information will be available on the WSO website: www.watercolorsocietyoforegon.com or on the WFWS website: www.wfws.org.