NMWS Members Only Juried Fall 2026

Overview

New Mexico Watercolor Society–Southern Chapter invites members of both NMWS chapters to submit artwork for the 2026 Fall Exhibition: Creative Freedom. Artists are encouraged to tap deeply into their creative self and paint what inspires them and gratifies their creative soul and to share their unique art that displays the versatility of the watercolor medium.

Key dates

• Call for Entries Opens: Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6 AM MDT
• Submission Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 at 6 PM MDT
• Notification of Acceptance: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026
• Deadline for Art Intake: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10 AM–12 PM MST
• Exhibition Opens: Friday, Nov. 6, 2 PM MST
• Artists Reception: Friday, Nov. 6, 5–7 PM MST
• Exhibition Closes: Sunday, Nov. 29, 5 PM MST
• Paintings Pickup: Monday, Nov. 30, 10 AM–2 PM MST

Eligibility

Artists must be a current member of NMWS. Entries must be original and entirely the work of the artist, completed within the last 2 years. No copying of others' work is allowed. Works previously accepted or shown in National Shows, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, Masterworks of New Mexico, or NMWS Fall or Spring shows cannot be entered.

Media & size

• Minimum image size: 80 square inches (height × width), e.g., 10" × 8" or 8" × 10"
• Maximum image size: 660 square inches (height × width), e.g., 30" × 22" or 22" × 30"
• Sizes are without mat or frame

Presentation & framing

Both traditional and non-traditional presentation are allowed. Traditional framing (with a mat, under Plexiglass glazing, in a frame) requires a mat between 1.75" and 3.5", white or off-white (with colored liner if desired). NO GLASS is allowed. Alternative presentation (paintings sealed with varnish, without Plexiglass) is also acceptable; mats are not required.

Fees

• $30 for one entry
• $45 for two entries
• $60 for three entries

Awards

• Best of Show: $450
• First Place: $350
• Second Place: $250
• Third Place: $150
• Honorable Mention: $100
• Sponsored Merchandise Awards: TBA

How to enter

Online registration starts Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6 AM MDT. You must first create an ArtCall account at artcall.org. Digital images must be submitted in JPG only, at least 1 MB and less than 9 MB with a maximum of 4800 px on longest side. All entries must comply with the prospectus.

Sales & commission

All entries must be for sale for the duration of the exhibition. A 30% commission of the sales price will be made to and collected by The Hood. Funds collected from artwork sales will be remitted to the artist within 15 days of exhibition closing.