Valley Watercolor Society

The Valley Watercolor Society is a U.S. nonprofit organization based in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. The society is dedicated to promoting interest, knowledge, and appreciation of watermedia art through various activities and events.

History

The organization began as an informal "Unstructured Watercolor Group" in 1977, consisting of 20 watercolor enthusiasts who met in each other's homes to share techniques and knowledge. Over time, the group expanded and eventually adopted formal bylaws and became the Valley Watercolor Society in 1983. Initially, membership was selective, but this policy was discontinued in 2016, allowing anyone to join.

Activities

• Monthly Meetings: The society holds monthly meetings from September to June on the second Thursday of each month, featuring guest artists, demonstrations, and member exhibitions. These meetings are free for members and accessible to non-members for a small fee.
• Workshops: The organization offers watercolor workshops that typically span one to three days. These are available to both members and non-members, with discounts offered to members.
• Plein Air Paint-Outs: Members and non-members are invited to participate in plein air painting events at various locations around town, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These events are free and open to participants of all skill levels.
• Exhibitions: The Valley Watercolor Society organizes an annual exhibition in the spring, providing members with the opportunity to showcase their work.

Membership

Membership in the Valley Watercolor Society is open to anyone, with benefits including free attendance at monthly meetings, eligibility to participate in exhibitions, and discounted workshop fees. Members also have access to an extensive library of instructional and historical DVD videos.

Geographic Scope

The society primarily serves the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley regions of Los Angeles County, though membership is not limited to these areas. The San Fernando Valley includes cities such as Burbank, Glendale, and San Fernando, while the San Gabriel Valley includes cities like Pasadena and Alhambra.