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• 43rd Annual WSI Juried Exhibit

  • Start
    Friday, September 05, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    Saturday, November 01, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Newfields/Indianapolis Museum of Art

  The 43rd Annual WSI Juried Exhibit at Newfields/ Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208
  September 5 to November 1, 2025

  DEADLINE TO ENTER IS JUNE 20TH! 

  June 20, Friday Deadline is Midnight for online entries through the WSI website. Deadline is 5:00 pm. for entries with flash drives at the WSI Office.

  This year's juror is Thomas Schaller, Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and Transparent Watercolor Society of America. The images of each entry are sent digitally to the juror. He will choose 45 paintings to display in the exhibit. In August when he is in Indy, he will choose his top 10 picks for awards. WSI's goal is to meet last year's total prize money of $9500. *As an added bonus, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is giving each of the 45 juried exhibitors a free 1-year membership to the museum.

  Please be sure to read the entire Prospectus Rules for Entry as it is updated every year. Download Here: 2025 WSI Juried Exhibit Prospectus.pdf Each member may submit up to 2 paintings. Entry Fee $35 for one entry. $45 for two entries.  Please use the online entry form for the fastest and most efficient method. If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website.

  

  SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE!
  

  AGREEMENT:

  All entries are to be submitted with the understanding that accepted work may be photographed or videotaped for educational and/or publicity purposes. All accepted images will be included on the WSI website and social media.

   

  TO ENTER AND PAY:

  Please use the online entry form for the fastest and most efficient registration found on WSI’s website. Upload images when registering online. If you prefer to mail your entry, use the attached forms with payment and a labeled USB Flash Drive (USB drive will not be returned to you).

  
  

  IMAGE REQUIREMENTS

  • Digital file must be in JPG format. The image resolution must be at least 300 dpi.
  • No digital enhancement is allowed.
  • The image must be oriented correctly. (Vertical or Horizontal)
  • Crop the image to exclude the mat and frame.
  • If using an iPhone to photograph, turn off the live feature as it will not upload to the website.
  • Save the image with your name, entry (“A” or “B”), 2023 and the painting title. Example: Smith_John_A_2025_Flower.jpg.
  • If you are having trouble uploading an image, contact Website Chairperson Brenda Pettigrew. Contact info is in the online Member Directory and on the Board of Directors page.

  RULES (Please read carefully as some changes have been made this year.)

  1. The Juried Show competition is open to current and former residents of the State of Indiana. You must be a current member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana.
  2. Artists may submit one or two paintings. If an artist enters two paintings, only one painting can be selected by the juror for the exhibition.
  3. No triptychs or diptychs will be accepted.
  4. All entries must be the original concept and execution of the artist. No copies of paintings or published photographs will be accepted.
  5. No work produced in class or under the tutelage of an instructor will be accepted.
  6. No work previously exhibited in ANY JURIED SHOW in Indiana will be accepted. This includes competitions such as the Indiana State Fair, SALI, IAC, IHA, or Hoosier Salon.
  7. A minimum of 80% of the painting must have been executed with traditional watercolor paints. Other media, listed below, may be used only to enhance, or embellish the watercolor and cannot exceed 20% of the painting. Collage is acceptable but all elements must be painted by the artist in 80% traditional watercolor paints – no preprinted or computer-generated images. Other media allowed up to 20% of the painting: Gouache, Graphite (pencil or charcoal), Acrylic Paint (thinned and painted using traditional watercolor techniques), Colored Ink, Watercolor Pencil (wetted), Brusho. Media other than those listed are not permitted to be a part of the painting.
  8. The painting must be executed on a 2-dimensional surface composed of paper with no impasto effects. Yupo paper is acceptable.
  9. No printed image may be a part of the painting.
  10. No digital artwork or photography will be permitted.
  11. The size limitation is 42” x 36” in any direction, including the frame. No exceptions per Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields’ rules.
  12. The WSI Juried Show is a prestigious show in a nationally recognized museum. The quality of the matting and framing must have a professional appearance and be free from damage or blemishes. Ensure the painting is clean, meets hanger requirements, and is of stable condition. If in WSI’s judgement the appearance does not reflect favorably on the organization or this event, the artist will have the option to correct this in time for the opening of the show. Otherwise, the artwork will not be hung, and the painting will be withdrawn from the exhibit. If you have questions, please contact Juried Exhibit Chairperson Benji Craig prior to delivery. Contact info is in the online Member Directory and on the Board of Directors page.
  13. All work must be matted and framed under acrylic sheet (plexiglass) or similar glazing. No Glass will be allowed. A simple gallery-quality frame with a white or neutral mat is strongly recommended. We recommend that the mat be at least 3 inches wide (4 inches wide on larger paintings).
  14. Strap hangers are required, and the hanging wire is optional. Sawtooth hangers will not be accepted. The frame must have a strap hanger attached with screws on the back side of each vertical piece of the frame located between 1/3 and 1/4 of the length of the piece from the top of the frame. (See Illustration attached.) If a painting is delivered with incorrect hardware the artist will have the option to correct this in time for the opening. The artist may pay WSI to correct the hardware for them ($25 fee). Otherwise, the artwork will not be hung and the painting will be withdrawn from the exhibit.
  15. Titles and prices will be listed as they appear on the entry forms. No changes will be made after entry forms are received.
  16. No further work can be done on a painting once it is accepted. The painting will not be accepted if it is different from the original image submitted.
  17. Each accepted painting must have a completed WSI Juried Exhibit 2025Painting Tag (see last page) attached to the back of the painting when it is delivered.
  18. If your painting sells during the exhibit, the buyer is responsible to pick it up and the artist is not responsible. Otherwise, if someone other than you or your area representative will be picking up your painting at the end of the show, you must email the WSI Executive Director with the name of the designated individual. ID may be required upon painting pickup. Note that there will be a $45 charge for any painting not picked up by 3:00 pm November 2, 2025. Paintings may be claimed at the WSI office when the $45 fee is paid. Unclaimed paintings become the property of WSI 60 Days after the pickup date of the exhibit.

  AWARDS

  WSI will award as many cash awards as the 2025 Awards Fund will support. Our goal is to meet or exceed last year’s prize money of $9500. All members are encouraged to support this fund by donating or soliciting donations. Contributions may be made online here: Contribute All donors are recognized in the Juried Exhibit catalog.

   

  SALES

  All sales will be conducted through the WSI office. The artist is not responsible for sales tax. WSI will retain a 30% commission on each sale. The buyer has permission to pick up the painting on November 2, 2025 with ID. Paintings may be NFS. However, if this painting is sold during the exhibit, the commission must be admitted to WSI in good faith. If this painting is sold within 30 days after the exhibit because of being seen at Newfields, the artist is asked to make a donation to WSI.

   

  SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

  If an entrant receives $600 or more in sales and/or awards per year from WSI, the entrant agrees to provide Form W9 to the WSI office upon request and will receive a 1099 for 2025.

   

  SHIPPING

  If an accepted painting is shipped instead of delivered in person, it must be crated and delivered to the WSI office by 5:00 pm Friday, July 25, 2025. The WSI office will return unsold paintings in the same packaging in which they were received. The artist must set up an account with FedEx or UPS so that all shipping costs are prepaid. The artist will also be charged a $60 handling and transport fee. If you have a question, please contact the WSI office at (317) 500-2275.

   

  RISK

  Watercolor Society of Indiana, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and transporters will exercise diligent and reasonable care, but they will not be responsible for any loss or damage. By signing the entry forms, the artist assumes all risks. If you are concerned about the risk of loss or damage, we suggest you get insurance coverage for your painting.

  
  

  AREA REPRESENTATIVES

  WSI Area Reps are able to help coordinate transporting paintings to Indy when possible. Contact information for each representative is available on the WSI Board of Directors Page. 

  
  

  Details on frame hangers: 

  This is a “Strap Hanger”:

   

  Some have two mounting holes. One hanger must be attached to the back side of each vertical frame piece, located as shown. The hanging wire between the two hangers is optional for our show.

   

  2025 JURIED EXHIBITION CALENDAR

  June 20, Friday Deadline is Midnight for online entries through the WSI website. Deadline is 5:00 pm. for entries with flash drives at the WSI Office.

  June 28, Saturday: Images of all entries will be exhibited in a video at the Membership Luncheon, 12:00 noon at Second Presbyterian Church. Tickets are required for the luncheon and are available online: Membership Luncheon and Special Event.

  July 7, Monday: Acceptance Notifications and Non-acceptance Notifications emailed to entrants.

  July 14 – July 25: Selected paintings must be delivered to WSI office between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

  August 6 - 8, 2025 Juror Thomas Schaller will judge the top award winners in person.

  September 14, Sunday: Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, DeBoest Lecture Hall beginning at 2:00 pm. All WSI members are encouraged to attend and bring guests. Free and open to the public. The museum moved the opening to this date so as to not interfere with the Penrod Arts Fair on the previous weekend.

  September 5 – November 1: Exhibition open to the public at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

  November 2, Sunday: Pick up paintings at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. No paintings will be released before 1:00 pm on November 2, 2025.

  SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

  Each sponsorship allows WSI to continue to grow, offer artists more opportunities, award artists prize money, and fulfill its mission to educate Indiana residents about the discipline of the watercolor medium. Learn how about this opportunity to promote your business while supporting these artists. Exhibit Sponsorships Thank you!

  
  

  Show details
• WSI Plein Air Event FRIDAY "Quest for the West"

  • When
    Friday, September 05, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Eiteljorg Museum Grounds, 400 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  "Quest for the West WSI Plein Air Event" on the grounds of the Eiteljorg Museum. WSI MEMBERS ONLY. September 5, 2025 starting at 10:00 am.

  Watercolor artists of The Watercolor Society of Indiana have been invited by The Eiteljorg Museum for this exclusive opportunity. "Quest for the West" is hosting a Private Art Show and Sale inside the museum. Watercolor artists will set up to paint on the grounds outside of the museum. You must pre-register! Space is limited.

  WSI MEMBER BENEFIT Free registration for the first 15 WSI Members who register online. Log in to the WSI Website to sign up.

  FREE Eiteljorg Museum Swag Bag with museum passes, tote, and more. Approximate value $100.

  $20 Gift Card to Blick Art Materials, compliments of WSI & BLICK Art Materials. All gifts will be distributed at the museum on the day of the event for pre-registered artists only.

  START TIME 10:00 am. Arrive early to choose your spot and set up. Bring ALL supplies with you to paint outside. Don't forget the umbrella if you want shade. Stay for as long as you like. See *Weather Action Plan below. 

  FREE PARKING Park in the underground garage. Ask for an exit ticket inside the museum.

  This is a WSI Community Outreach Event. Engage with the community while painting with other watercolor artists and supporting one of the world's finest Native American and Western Art Museums. 

  "Quest for the West" artists will be around most of the day and may stop by! This exhibition features 48 western artists, including Watercolor Artists Dean Mitchell and Gayle Weisfield. It is open September 7 through October 5, 2025. Learn more at https://eiteljorg.org/quest-for-the-west/.

  The Museum Cafe is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (ala carte only after 3:00 pm). You may tour the museum after you paint. They will provide day passes if you're interested. Save your complimentary tickets for when "Quest for the West" opens! *no art supplies inside museum, thank you!

  The museum has asked that the WSI Plein Air artists DO NOT sell their paintings or other items during this event. Thank you for respecting this request. Sign up now for an exciting day of art, community, watercolors, and more! Choose to paint on September 5, OR September 6 OR sign up for both.

  
  

  *Weather Action Plan

  • Before lightning is within 10 miles of the Eiteljorg, staff and security personnel will direct outdoor activities to cease and provide shelter from lightning by the time lightning is within 10 miles of the festival. Shelter orders should remain until lightning is no longer within 10 miles of the museum.

  • If severe weather is expected to impact the museum within 30 minutes, the decision will be made to postpone or cancel the event. Evacuation procedures should then be followed.

  • If sustained wind speeds exceed 25 mph and/or .25 of an inch of rain per hour or more are present, all participants, volunteers and visitors to be directed to evacuate & collapse pop-up tents outside and secure tent flaps on large tents.

  • If the NWS issues a severe thunderstorm watch/warning and/or a tornado watch/warning, a decision will be made to postpone or cancel the event. Evacuation procedures should then be followed.

  Show details
• WSI Plein Air Event SATURDAY "Quest for the West"

  • When
    Saturday, September 06, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Eiteljorg Museum Grounds, 400 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  "Quest for the West WSI Plein Air Event" on the grounds of the Eiteljorg Museum. WSI MEMBERS ONLY. September 6, 2025 starting at 10:00 am.

  Watercolor artists of The Watercolor Society of Indiana have been invited by The Eiteljorg Museum for this exclusive opportunity. 

  The "Quest for the West" is hosting a Private Art Show and Sale inside the museum. Watercolor artists will set up to paint on the grounds outside of the museum. You must pre-register! Space is limited.

  WSI MEMBER BENEFIT Free registration for the first 15 WSI Members who register online. Log in to the WSI Website to sign up.

  FREE Eiteljorg Museum Swag Bag with museum passes, tote, and more. Approximate value $100.

  $20 Gift Card to Blick Art Materials, compliments of WSI & BLICK Art Materials. All gifts will be distributed at the museum on the day of the event for pre-registered artists only.

  START TIME 10:00 am. Arrive early to choose your spot and set up. Bring ALL supplies with you to paint outside. Don't forget the umbrella if you want shade. Stay for as long as you like. See *Weather Action Plan below. 

  FREE PARKING Park in the underground garage. Ask for an exit ticket inside the museum.

  This is a WSI Community Outreach Event. Engage with the community while painting with other watercolor artists and supporting one of the world's finest Native American and Western Art Museums. 

  "Quest for the West" artists will be around most of the day and may stop by! This exhibition features 48 western artists, including Watercolor Artists Dean Mitchell and Gayle Weisfield. It is open September 7 through October 5, 2025. Learn more at https://eiteljorg.org/quest-for-the-west/.

  The Museum Cafe is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (ala carte only after 3:00 pm). You may tour the museum after you paint. They will provide day passes if you're interested. Save your complimentary museum passes for when "Quest for the West" opens! *no art supplies inside museum, thank you!

  The museum has asked that the WSI Plein Air artists DO NOT sell their paintings or other items during this event. Thank you for respecting this request. Sign up now for an exciting day of art, community, watercolors, and more! Choose to paint on September 5, OR September 6 OR sign up for both.

  
  

  *Weather Action Plan

  • Before lightning is within 10 miles of the Eiteljorg, staff and security personnel will direct outdoor activities to cease and provide shelter from lightning by the time lightning is within 10 miles of the festival. Shelter orders should remain until lightning is no longer within 10 miles of the museum.

  • If severe weather is expected to impact the museum within 30 minutes, the decision will be made to postpone or cancel the event. Evacuation procedures should then be followed.

  • If sustained wind speeds exceed 25 mph and/or .25 of an inch of rain per hour or more are present, all participants, volunteers and visitors to be directed to evacuate & collapse pop-up tents outside and secure tent flaps on large tents.

  • If the NWS issues a severe thunderstorm watch/warning and/or a tornado watch/warning, a decision will be made to postpone or cancel the event. Evacuation procedures should then be followed.

  Show details
• WSI Juried Exhibit Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony

  • When
    Sunday, September 14, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Newfields/Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208

  Register

  43rd Annual WSI Juried Exhibit Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony inside DeBoest Lecture Hall & Bret Waller Gallery at Newfields, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208

  Sept. 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Free and open to the public.

  Please join The Watercolor Society of Indiana for the 43rd Annual Juried Exhibit Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony. Please consider making a donation to the Juried Award Fund. You have an option to recognize someone with an Honorary or Memorial Contribution. Contribute

  More details to follow!

  Stay after the ceremony to view all 45 original watercolor paintings in this gorgeous, unique exhibit.  All WSI Members will receive a free copy of the 2025 Juried Exhibit catalog. Reservations are not required but helpful. Thank you to all WSI Artists, Members, Sponsors, and Patrons for supporting each other and for supporting the Watercolor Society of Indiana. Hope to see you there!

  Get directions and more information about the museum at www.discovernewfields.org. 

  Show details
• Beginning Watercolor Class with Anna Roberts and Cheryle Lowe

  • When
    Sunday, September 21, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Jewish Community Center, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  "Beginning Watercolor Class" with Anna Roberts, CF and Cheryle Lowe, CF at the Jewish Community Center Indy, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Adult Beginners only. $40 for the class. Supplies not included, see below. 

  This class will cover the basics of watercolor painting while working on a special project. Learn about watercolor paints, brushes, paper, palettes, other tools used in watercolor, and techniques of application. Concentration on how to control the paint, how to mix the paint, and how to apply the paint. You do not need to be a member of The Watercolor Society to attend! Space is limited and for Beginners ONLY. Thank you!

  

  Supply List for this workshop:

  ·        2 full sheets of 140 lb. paper (22 x 30) cut into halves (Arches, Fabriano, Saunders, Bockingford, Stonehenge, Canson Moulin.)  Paper quality is the single most important part of successful watercolor results.

  ·        Watercolor paint in tubes (no pan cakes please): reds, yellows, blues, greens (preferably brands such as Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, Sennelier, Schminke, Graham, Holbein, or Qor.  

  ·        Brushes - rounds with good points, sizes 2,4, 6 and a mop brush, flat brush, or bigger brush for washes (synthetics are fine, just no plastic fiber brushes). Anything that you already have and like.

  ·        Palette - something that has some wells and flat areas for mixing.

  ·        Painting board - something like a piece of thin masonite, sheet of plastic, drawing board, etc. that is slightly bigger than your half sheet of paper.

  ·        Two water jars.

  ·        Pencil, ruler, and a pair of scissors.

  ·        Jar of masking fluid (rubber cement can be used if you don't want the expense of masking fluid and don't think you will ever use it again).

  ·        Roll of masking tape.

   

  Meet your instructors! Anna Roberts is a Cardinal Fellow of The Watercolor Society which is the highest earned achievement with WSI. Anna won "Best of Show" in the 2022 WSI Juried Exhibit. Cheryle Lowe is also a Cardinal Fellow of The Watercolor Society of Indiana and won "Best of Show" in the 2024 WSI Juried Exhibit She will assist Anna in bringing you a fun day of learning. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two of the best!

  
  

  *Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you! 

  Show details
• "Painting a Figure from a Photo" with Ted Nuttall

  • Start
    Tuesday, October 14, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, October 17, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  "Painting a Figure from a Photo" Watercolor Workshop with Artist Ted Nuttall, AWS, NWS, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. October 14-17, 2025. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch. 4-day Workshop Price: $525 for WSI Members. $585 for Non-Members. Skill Level Required: Intermediate to Advanced.

  Painting the Figure from Photographs

  My passion is painting people. I paint from photographs. In the demonstration portion of my workshops, I discuss anatomy, expression, emotion, light, color, composition – and the benefits of working from a photographic reference. Naturally, I employ my experience as a watercolorist in my instruction.

  More important though is my intent to cultivate, in each workshop participant, an awakening to how and what an artist might be thinking as they approach a painting. My desire is for each class member to discover enriched thinking and seeing skills that can translate to any medium or subject. And, I believe ardently that these lessons apply, regardless of the skill level of the student.

  Through a balance of demonstration, presentation, and one-on-one instruction, I share my philosophical approach – plus I introduce other artists’ work for the purpose of exploring what they may have been thinking in their use of color, composition and light.

  My goal is to provide, in an atmosphere that’s both creative and supportive, an enjoyable hands-on learning experience – and to facilitate a heightened awareness that each participant can use in his or her work, and in their daily lives.

  Click here to download Workshop Preparation Documents.

  

  Ted Nuttall is a figurative artist whose painting expression was born out of his observation of people. Ted is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, San Diego Watercolor Society and enjoys Master Signature Status with both the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Watercolor West. Learn more at: https://www.tednuttall.com/

  *Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when canceling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you! 

  Show details
• Ted Nuttall Live Demonstration

  • When
    Saturday, October 18, 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260
  • Spaces left
    92

  Register

  Live demo. You are invited to meet nationally known watercolor artist Ted Nuttall on Saturday, October 18, 2025 as he gives a live demonstration with watercolors at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.

  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. 

  As a 2025 WSI Member your ticket is FREE!  Tickets for guests, family members, friends, and the general public are $10 each.

  12:15 pm - Check in, make a plate of snacks, be in your seat by 12:30 pm.

  12:30 pm - Live watercolor demonstration by Ted Nuttall.

  2:00 pm - Meet and greet with Ted. Purchase his art for sale.

  2:45 pm Adjourn.

  
  

  SPECIAL NOTES FOR WSI MEMBERS

  If you can bring a treat or snack to share with the group. Sign Up Link to follow. Chips, cookies, veggies, fruit, beverages, and paper goods. Thank you!

  
  

  If you are unable to attend, you may watch the demo through WSI's Livestream Video on WSI's YouTube Channel. A recording will be available on the Private Members Only Page.

  
  

  We look forward to this unique opportunity and hope you will join us!

  
  

  Ted Nuttall is a figurative artist whose painting expression was born out of his observation of people. Ted is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, San Diego Watercolor Society and enjoys Master Signature Status with both the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Watercolor West. Learn more at: https://www.tednuttall.com/
  

  Show details