Benefits for Signature Artist, Associate, and Student memberships

• Periodic free Artist Demonstrations on Zoom
  
• Workshops, art talks, panel discussions held in-person or via Zoom
  
• Programs such as plein air events, critique sessions, and some how-to events such as photographing your art.
• Reduced entry fee for the BWS Mid-Atlantic Exhibition
  
• Early access and reduced fees to programs and workshops
  
• Annual Social Event (If not limited to Health Department restrictions)
  
• Advertising artists who teach or accept commissions
  
• Newsletters with upcoming events, member news, art tips
  
• A Member Profile Page where you can maintain various details about yourself, for example a link to your website, classes you teach, whether you do commissions, etc.
  

Signature Artist Membership

As a regional water media society, BWS welcomes all artists residing in the "Mid-Atlantic" region, including Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, to apply for Signature Membership.

Signature status is achieved through jurying by the Board of Governors or three acceptances in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Exhibition. 

Paintings are juried for Signature Artist Membership twice each year in March and October. Watch our list of events for the next opportunity to apply. 

Additional benefits available to Signature members:

• Serve on the Executive Board or Chair a position on the Board of Governors,
• Participate in exhibitions open only to Signature Artists, with the opportunity to receive one of six awards,
• Allowed to use the initials BWS after your signature.

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is open to anyone with no geographic constraints.

Additional benefits available to Associate members:

• Chair a position on the Board of Governors,
• Exhibitions open only to Associate members with the opportunity to receive one of six awards.

Student Membership

Student membership is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 25 who is enrolled in an art program, and submits an application and pays dues. The Student must provide their current institute of education along with the degree or certificate they are pursuing. The maximum term as a Student member is limited to five consecutive years, measured on a Calendar Year basis.

Additional benefits available to Student members:

• Student members are entitled to participate in exhibits open to Student members, with the opportunity to receive one of six awards.

Life Status

Life status is available to Associate and Signature Artist members who meet either of the following criteria:

• An Associate or  Signature Artist in good standing for 25 years.
• A 75-year-old Signature Artist in good standing for at least 10 years.
• Volunteering to assist with activities held by BWS or that assist in the running of BWS and being nominated by yourself or another member of BWS by filing a Life Nomination form for consideration by the BWS Board of Governors.*

* Signature Artists who reach meet the age based criteria between now and 2028 will be grandfathered into Life status based on the prior rules described in our Bylaws.

BWS Watermedia Master

• Achieved when a BWS Signature Artist exhibited at least 6 times in the BWS Mid-Atlantic Regional Exhibition. 
• Allowed to use the initials BWS-WM after their signature. 
  
• Dues are unaffected by this new recognition level.

BWS Watermedia Master Elite 

• Achieved when a BWS Signature Artist exhibited at least 10 times in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Exhibition. 
• Allowed to use the initials BWS-WME after their signature. 
  
• Dues are unaffected by this new recognition level.