Baltimore Watercolor Society A Mid-Atlantic Organization of Watermedia Artists |
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Membership Levels
Associate - This level is for you if you want to include artwork in an exhibit, save on event registrations, view member-only demonstrations, and participate in member-only events. Yearly dues are $30.00.
Student - This level is for you if you are a student aged 16 through 25 who wishes to enjoy many of the same benefits as an Associate member. Yearly dues are $20.00.
Art Lover - Not ready to join as a member yet? You can become an “Art Lover” and get our monthly newsletter and announcements via email with information about exhibits, receptions, workshops, demonstrations, and other public events.
Signature - This level is attained either through the Jurying process (held in Spring and Fall) or by being selected to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Exhibition three times.
This level is open to members and non-members residing in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. Yearly dues are $40.00.
Paintings are juried for Signature Artist Membership twice each year in Spring and Fall. You can read a Jurying Packet with instructions and requirements here. Watch our list of events for the next opportunity to apply.
Life - This level is bestowed on members who have reached a certain age, a certain number of years of paid membership, and have volunteered actively. This level does not pay dues. Note: Signature Artists who meet the age based criteria between now and 2028 will be grandfathered into Life status based on the prior rules described in our Bylaws.
Complete List of Membership Benefits
| Benefit | Art Lover | Associate | Student | Signature | Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Art demonstrations on Zoom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Workshops, art talks, panel discussions held in-person or via Zoom | * | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Programs such as plein-air events, critique sessions, or how-to events such as photographing your art. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Reduced entry fee for the BWS Mid-Atlantic Exhibition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Annual Social Event | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Early access and reduced fees to programs and workshops | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Serve on the Executive Board | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Participate in exhibitions open only to Associate members with the opportunity to receive one of six awards | ✓ | ||||
| Participate in exhibitions open to Student members, with the opportunity to receive one of six awards | ✓ | ||||
| Allowed to use the initials BWS after your signature | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Ability to become a Watermedia Master, having been accepted to six Mid-Atlantic Exhibitions and allowed to use the initials BWS-WM after your signature | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Ability to become a Watermedia Master Elite, having been accepted to ten Mid-Atlantic Exhibitions and allowed to use the initials BWS-WME after your signature |
✓ | ✓ | |||
| Receive monthly newsletter and announcements about exhibits and public events | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Member Classified Ads and other resources | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Access to Member Directory basic information | ✓ | ||||
| Access to Member Directory member only information | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Listing in Teacher and/or Commissions Directory | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Access to YouTube videos by guest presenters and demonstrators | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Only when available if members do not fill places.
Join Us
Payment of DuesAnnual dues are payable to BWS on January 1st of each year. Anyone who joins BWS between September 1st and the end of the year is credited the membership through the following calendar year. Subsequent years, you may renew you membership starting during this same period. Our annual dues reminder email is send December 2nd of each year with reminders approximately every two weeks. Once you pay your dues the reminders stop. The dues reminder email will contain a link that will allow you to pay online. BWS prefers online payments via credit card, but if you need to pay by check, you can send it to: Janice Hendra, Membership Chair To obtain Signature Status Recognition Levels of Watercolor Master or Watercolor Elite you must renew your dues annually after becoming a Signature Artist. Your membership is considered lapsed on February 1st if your dues are not paid. A lapsed member may not enter member exhibitions, no longer appears in the Member Directory, is removed from the Members Who Teach and Members Who Accept Commissions pages, and no longer received dues notifications. A lapsed Signature Artist members can resume their membership by contacting the Membership Chair for details. Associate members can resume their membership by renewing at any time. Direct questions about BWS Membership to membership@baltimorewatercolorsociety.org. | More Questions About Membership?Direct questions about BWS Membership to membership@baltimorewatercolorsociety.org |