Michigan Water Color Society

The Michigan Water Color Society was founded in 1946 by an enthusiastic group of young artists who envisioned an organization to promote the awareness of watercolor in Michigan. Their aim was to further watercolor education, maintain high standards artistically, while based on the premise of integrity and professionalism, and to be a forum open to all points of view.

MWCS will celebrate their 75th Annual Exhibition opening on Saturday, June 4, 2022. CultureVerse created a complimentary virtual exhibit, which you can explore below:

Kayrod Gallery at Hannan Center will play host to the MWCS annual exhibition and opening celebration, including a Juror Presentation and Show Opening at 1 p.m., with the Award Presentation following at 2 p.m. Awards include exhibiting paintings juried awards; induction of 5 new Signature Members; and MWCS first Lifetime Achievement Award.

Exhibited works of art were submitted by MWCS members and juried for the annual tour. 177 unique entries from 94different artists were submitted to the society, and 60 paintings were chosen for the annual exhibit by the juror. These paintings reflect each artist’s unique technique in controlling the watercolor medium. Most of the works of art are forsale to the public unless otherwise marked.

30 award winners will be chosen from those exhibited; these 30 will travel to Anton Art Center in Mt. Clemens; RiversEdge Gallery in Wyandotte; Riverside Art Center in Ypsilanti; and the Greater Flint Arts Council in Flint. More travel show information, including dates and times of galleries, can be found here: https://mwcsart.com/exhibition-entry-info/

This year’s show was juried by Mr. David R. Becker. Becker is an artist; illustrator; art instructor, and signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. Mr. Becker is the author of Watercolor Made Easy and How toSketch with Watercolor; as well as several magazine articles. He works in many different mediums, including watercolor, oil, and acrylic; and is mostly recognized for his watercolor scenes of Chicago. Becker will be conducting a workshop for MWCS members from May 31-June 3.

The MWCS Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Ms. Marilynn Derwenskus. Ms. Derwenskus earned herBFA and MA in Painting from Wayne State University and went on to complete an MFA at the University of Chicago.She has competed many artist residencies and exhibited in 50+ one-or-two person exhibits; nearly 260 national and international exhibitions, with over 101 awards. Ms. Derwenskus taught painting and watercolor at Henry FordCommunity College; Macomb Community College; Wayne State University; and is a tenured professor emeritus from Ball State University.

‍