MNWS Spring Juried Exhibition: Reflections
Minnesota Watercolor Society
The theme of “Reflections” was chosen for the 2025 spring show because it defines many ways an artist can work within the creative process. A painting reflects the artist; what they are thinking about; what is interesting or important to them; who they are. The artist has the freedom to express their reflections or thoughts literally or emotionally in their painting. They may work realistically or abstractly or with whatever speaks to them. We look forward to seeing the reflections of our members’ best work in the 2025 spring exhibition!
Key Dates
- Registration Opens: Saturday- February 1, 2025
Information provided during registration may not be changed once submitted - Registration Closes: Monday- February 17, 2025 at 8pm.
No late entries will be accepted. - Jury of Selection: February 20-28, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: After March 3, 2025
by email or check MNWS Website for List of Accepted Exhibitors - Drop-off date: Saturday-April 5, 2025 10am-1pm
(No early or late drop offs) No substitutions of artwork are allowed. Title and prices must match entry information. - Exhibition dates: April 10, 2025-May 16, 2025
- Opening Night/Awards: Thursday – April 10, 2025 6:30-8:30pm
Light refreshments will be served. - Exhibition Closes: Friday – May 16, 2025
- Pick-up Date: Saturday – May 17, 2025 10am-1pm (No late pick-ups)
Entry Rules
- Participant Age: Must be 18 years of age or older
- Eligibility: Entrants must be a Minnesota Watercolor Society (MNWS) member with dues paid through the current membership year. Entrants may join MNWS or renew their membership during the online entry process.
- How to Enter: Registration is available ONLINE ONLY through the MNWS website. Images must be sent via email according to the instructions in the entry form. Do not send images before entering.
- Digital Images: A high-quality digital image, in .jpg format, must be submitted for each entry. Images must be cropped to exclude any mat, frame or background. This image is used by the juror during selection. Make it the best you can! The image must be at least 1200 pixels or greater on the longest side. Max 3.5MB Note: Do not photograph images through glass or plexiglass as it distorts the image rendering it unusable for the juror.
- Number of Entries: Up to 2 works per artist may be entered. Juror will determine which pieces are accepted into the exhibition
- Entry Fees: Single Entry $30, Two Entries $35 Entry fees are non-refundable
- Creation Date of Works: Only artwork completed in the past 24 months is eligible. Works shown in previous MNWS exhibitions are ineligible.
- Originality: Artist’s original work only. No class work. No work done under supervision. No copies or likenesses of another artist’s work including published source or reference work not attributable to the artist. No work generated with or assisted by AI (artificial intelligence) may be submitted to the exhibition.
- Reference Photos: When using reference photo(s) for your work, they MUST be taken by you. Photos taken by friends, family members, or obtained online or from other sources are not allowed, even if usage permission has been granted by the photographer. AI generated reference photos are not permitted
- Primary Medium: The primary medium used must be Water-based media. Acceptable mediums: Watercolor, Acrylic, Gouache, Egg Tempera, Casein No impasto textures.
- Acceptable Enhancements: Soft Pastels, Crayon, Watercolor Pencil, Charcoal, Graphite, Wax accents/resists, Ink, Metallic and luminescent paints, Gold Foil.
- Collage: Collage images must be 100% created by the artist and follow the acceptable medium and surface rules. Any collage used cannot dominate the painting. Found materials (leaves, twigs, petals, jewelry pieces, buttons, etc.) can NOT be used.
- Surfaces Acceptable:Watercolor paper, toned watercolor paper, YupoTM or similar synthetic papers, Rice Paper, AquaboardTM, ClayboardTM, Canvas or Wood. Surfaces can be coated or treated with products such as gesso or gel medium, to accept water-based media
- Actual Image Size: Images may not be larger than 40” on any side. No Diptych, Triptych or other composite style work.
- Pricing: All work for the spring exhibition must be for sale. Price should include consideration of the gallery commission as well as framing costs. Gallery handles all sales. (Insurance value must exclude any mark-up added to cover the gallery commission)