In the spring of 1974, seven artists formed the Palouse Watercolor Socius. All 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.

This summer, 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. Thirty five paintings were selected for the exhibit, which will were on exhibit until August 3.

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. Click on the "2013 Regional Juried Show" tab for more information and to view the award winning paintings.

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.  We sponsor an annual beginners’ watercolor workshop for community members as well as workshops by regional artists. In the summer, our members participate in plein air outings and events such as the Lentil Festival in Pullman, Washington.

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. Click on the “Our Members” tab 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. Click on the “PWS Rental Program” tab to view images of paintings that are currently available.

Each fall, in cooperation with the Latah Arts and Culture Committee, PWS offers a beginners’ workshop to members of the community. It is usually taught by a PWS member with years of experience as an artist and teacher. The workshop is provided for a nominal fee, and includes all materials, to encourage those without previous experience to give watercolor painting a try.

Our meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in Moscow, Idaho at 10:00 a.m., and visitors are always welcome. If you are interested in joining PWS, for more information please send e-mail to pwsartists@gmail.com, or click here for a membership form.

We hope to hear from you!