PWS celebrated our 40th anniversary in 2014 with an exhibit in Lewiston, ID at the LCSC Center for Arts and History!  More than 120 paintings by our members were on display during the month of July.

The Palouse Watercolor Socius was formed in the spring of 1974 as a watercolor artists' support group, by seven artists who were students of Alfred Dunn at the University of Idaho. Of the original group, Kay Montgomery and Linda Wallace remain active members. PWS’ purpose is to give watercolorists the opportunity to learn from each other, exhibit their work, and promote an appreciation of watercolor painting within the community. Our members are a diverse group living in the Palouse region of northern Idaho and eastern Washington, as far away as Spokane.

In summer 2013, PWS coordinated a four-state juried competition and show in collaboration with the Inland Northwest Watercolor Society and the University of Idaho Prichard Art Gallery in Moscow, Idaho. Paintings by artists in the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana were selected for the exhibit by juror Nancy Stonington.

The Avista Corporation, one of the show's major sponsors, contributed $1000 for the first place winner, and a total of $3,000 was awarded. Other generous sponsors were Archer Photography, Frontier Communications, Gritman Medical Center, Rex Cosgrove's State Farm Insurance and the Latah Federal Credit Union.

PWS holds monthly (first Wednesday) and quarterly (third Saturday) meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing projects, critique members’ work and offer informal workshops. PWS has a lending library of art magazines and instructional books and DVDs.  When weather permits, our members gather for plein air outings around the Palouse.

PWS members maintain ongoing exhibits at several venues on the Palouse and in the Lewiston-Clarkston valley. Additionally, we participate in annual shows during Moscow’s ArtWalk and at the Dahmen Artisans’ Barn in Uniontown, Washington. Visit “Our Members” page to see biographies and examples of their work.

An innovative rental program featuring participating members’ framed paintings has mutually benefited artists and renters. Patrons may choose to rent a painting for $35 for a period of three months, or to purchase the work. To view images of paintings that are currently available, visit PWS Rental Program A-K (for artists with last names beginning with A-K) and PWS Rental Program L-Z.

Each year, we sponsor beginners’ and intermediate watercolor workshops for community members. Visit our Calendar Page for details.

Our monthly meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in the conference room of the United Church of Moscow, Idaho, 123 W. 1st,  at 10:00 a.m. Our quarterly meetings are usually held at members' homes in the Lewiston-Clarkston valley. Visitors are always welcome!. For more information please send e-mail to pwsartists@gmail.com, or click here for a membership form.

We hope to hear from you!