History & Mission

The New England Watercolor Society (NEWS) was founded in 1885 as the Boston Society of Watercolor Painters, becoming the Boston Watercolor Society in 1896 and subsequently the New England Watercolor Society in 1980. Its 27 charter members included some of the best known names in American Art such as Charles Curtis Allen, Frank W. Benson, George Hallowell, F. Childe Hassam, Louis Kronberg, Otis Philbrook, Maurice Prendergast, Charles Woodbury, honorary member John Singer Sargent, and more recently Andrew Wyeth.

The mission of the New England Watercolor Society is to encourage and foster the excellence and advancement of the fine art of aqua media throughout New England.

NEWS sponsors two annual juried shows; one open to all artists residing in New England, and one for signature members only. In addition, a National juried North American Open Show, open to all artists in North America, is held every two years. Along with the exhibitions are receptions and award presentations, gallery talks, demonstrations and workshops led by nationally recognized water media artists. These are open to the general public.

Today, the Society has over four hundred members throughout New England. Anyone can support the New England Watercolor Society by becoming an Associate member which entitles the supporter to the NEWS quarterly newsletter, upcoming show prospectuses, invitations to shows and reduced rates for entries and workshops.

Any artist will become a candidate for Signature membership by being accepted into four juried shows sponsored by the New England Watercolor Society in a ten-year period, one of which must be a National Show.