2026 American Watercolor Society International Exhibition- Accepted!

The 159th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society (AWS) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive watercolor exhibitions in the world. Artists from around the globe submit their finest work each year, and acceptance into this exhibition is considered a hallmark of professional achievement and artistic excellence in the medium of watercolor.

This year’s exhibition takes place April 7 – May 1, 2026 at the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City, a venerable cultural institution that has hosted generations of leading American artists.

A Landmark Event in Contemporary Watermedia

Since its founding in 1866, the American Watercolor Society has been dedicated to promoting the appreciation, study, and advancement of water-based media. Today, the Annual International Exhibition remains the centerpiece of that mission, attracting thousands of submissions from both established and emerging artists worldwide.

The jury process for this exhibition is exceptionally rigorous. Only a select number of works are accepted from a large international field, making inclusion a significant professional honor. Artists whose work is accepted receive notable recognition, and those who achieve “Signature Status” earn the right to use the AWS initials after their name—an accolade that signifies mastery and peer-acknowledged excellence.

My Personal Journey with AWS

I’ve had the honor of being accepted into this exhibition three times previously, earning the AWS initials after my name—a milestone that reflects years of dedication to watercolor as a serious professional medium. Over the past seven years, life changes and evolving artistic priorities kept me from entering, as the competition level in this show is famously intense. But this year I took the leap with a painting I created in Helsinki, and not only was it accepted— it also received the Baohang Paper Award.

Traveling Exhibition and Extended Exposure

Selected works from the New York exhibition become part of the AWS Traveling Exhibition, a curated tour that brings outstanding watercolor paintings to galleries and arts organizations across the United States throughout the year. This extended visibility provides artists with additional public exposure beyond the initial New York showing.

6/19/26 – 8/15/26

Tullahoma Fine Arts Center
401 S Jackson St
Tullahoma, TN 37388
931-455-5321

9/8/26 – 12/20/26

Wrightstone Gallery

Mid-Plains Community College, McCook Campus
1205 East Third Street
McCook, NE 69001
308-345-8175, 308-340-9997

1/15/27 – 4/15/2027

Longview Museum of Fine Arts
215 E Tyler St
Longview, TX 75601
903-753-8103

5/25/2027 – 6/18/2027

Herrig Center for the Arts (formerly Art Center Manatee)
 888 3rd Ave West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 746-2862

Why This Exhibition Matters

Participation in the AWS International Exhibition offers multiple rewards:

• Professional Prestige: Recognition by one of the oldest and most respected watercolor societies in the world.
• Artistic Community: The opportunity to connect with leading watercolorists and industry professionals.
• Public Engagement: Exposure to collectors, curators, and museum audiences both in New York and through the traveling tour.
• Education and Inspiration: A chance for artists and art lovers to study cutting-edge work and evolving trends in watercolor painting.

This exhibition is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of the vitality, diversity, and expressive range of watercolor as an art form. Whether your interest is professional development, artistic inspiration, or simply appreciation for watercolor excellence, the 159th Annual International Exhibition offers a rich experience for all.

Watercolor Batik Workshops

Interested in mastering watercolor batik on Japanese rice paper? I offer immersive multi-day workshops designed for artists who want to push beyond traditional watercolor techniques and explore layered color, wax resist, texture, and expressive surface design.

Workshops are hosted nationwide and can be arranged for art centers, guilds, and private groups. Participants receive hands-on instruction, live demonstrations, and guided critique in a structured, supportive environment.

To host a workshop or join an upcoming session, visit

Ryan Fox AWS, NWS, TWSA

Ryan Fox Painting

www.ryanfoxpainting.com

(919) 645-8345