The Society’s membership, initially centered in New York State, is now open to all United States watercolorists.  It is composed of Signature, Associate and Honorary Members. One may become an Associate member just by paying annual dues. Associate members will receive preferential status for event signups, in addition to other perks detailed below.

 Signature Members generally begin as Associates, and then may be elected by the Jury of Selection based on a review of  6 individual jpeg images of the submitting artist's best watercolor work. More information is detailed in the Associate membership area below.

Honorary members are those who have earned this distinction due to a long, and dedicated involvement in CNYWS. The Society maintains a central registry of its members, which can include resumes and images of representative works. Links to some member websites and other watercolor societies can be found on the Members' Website page.

Members of the Central New York Watercolor Society have had numerous exhibitions of their work in galleries and museums throughout the United States.  They have taught watercolor painting, conducted workshops, and served as jurors for regional and national exhibitions.  Members are well represented in private and public collections and have won prizes and awards for their paintings.  The general excellence of their work has been recognized in art magazines and other publications, including “Who’s Who in American Art.”

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Applications for Associate membership are available to anyone interested in watercolor.  Associate members may attend all meetings, workshops and are encouraged to be involved in all Society activities.  They may also enter work in the Annual Juried Show.  They receive the newsletter twice a year either online, or pay for postal, and are encouraged to serve on committees and the Board of Directors. The best way to become involved in CNYWS is to join as an Associate and then offer your time and talents!   

CNYWS Member Application and Renewal Form

Associate members may also request being paired with a Signature member to assist them in their personal art growth, through our Mentorship program. This program is being reviewed and is currently available on an informal basis. Associates may contact Jeri Meday at jerimeday@twcny.rr.com for a list of Signature artists who are available as mentors. 

Associate members in good standing (dues current) may also apply for Signature member status by submitting six of their most recent and strongest paintings for review by a jury of Signature members. NOTE: Images submitted must be the original work of the artist. No work done in a workshop (in-person or online), or under an instructor's supervision is allowed. Work must be watercolor or water media, on paper or Yupo. Images should not include mats or frames. The sole criteria for Signature acceptance is the consistent quality, as determined by the impartial jury, of the work shown in the images presented. A working knowledge and application of the elements of art and principles of design should be apparent. The applicant is expected to demonstrate a high level of skill as a painter, and specifically in the use of the watercolor medium, throughout all of the images presented for review.  

                                            Generally, the jury reviews are conducted in May and September.

                              The current application periods for submissions for Signature Membership are:

                                                                March 1 - April 30 and July 1 - August 31.

 Jeri Meday is the Chair of the Jury of Selection. Her contact information is on the form linked below.

Annual dues for Signature members are $40.00.  There is no charge for submitting an application IF you are an associate member in good standing. It is highly recommended that you first become an Associate member of the society in which you are applying for Signature status, in order to become familiar with the responsibilities, procedures, and quality of work that Signature status requires. If you are NOT an Associate member, there is a $20 application fee, payable to CNYWS at the time of submission. Signature Members are allowed to enter all shows sponsored by the Society and have earned the privilege of including “CNYWS” after their name when they sign their work.  They receive the Newsletter twice a year either online, or pay for postal, and are encouraged to serve on committees, the Board of Directors and as Officers of the Society.

To download a copy of the Signature Member application and instructions for preparing digital images click here:  CNYWS Signature Application Check your downloads folder to access and print out.

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Signature members enjoy all rights of general membership and have also earned the privilege of adding the letters "CNYWS" designation after their signature on paintings. 

Signature members in good standing (dues current) are expected to exhibit new work in our two Signature shows, and the Juried Awards Show, annually. Signature members are additionally encouraged to strive for Silver and Gold status designations through the CNYWS Medallion program. Those artists who have earned either the Silver or Gold Medallion levels will have the appropriate medallion seal displayed with their work in all CNYWS exhibits.

To download a copy of the Signature Member application and instructions for preparing digital images, use link above.

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If you are already a CNYWS Signature or Associate Member, renew between Jan 1 and March 31 of each year. We use the same downloadable    CNYWS Member Application and Renewal Form  for Associate and Signature members. If your contact information has not changed, just leave the fields blank and we will continue to use the information you have previously provided. Click on "renewal form" above. Don't forget to read the Volunteer Help Listings on the second page. We NEED you!