WSNC 2026 Annual Juried Exhibition

Overview

The WSNC Annual Juried Exhibition is a statewide event celebrating excellence in watercolor, open to all current 2026 WSNC members working in water media. The juror of selection and awards is internationally recognized watercolorist Michael Solovyev. The exhibition will be hosted by the Griffith Fine Arts Museum at Red Oak Brewery in Whitsett, NC.

Key Dates

• Call Opens: May 15, 2026
• Entry Deadline: July 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
• Jury results emailed: August 10
• Shipped paintings due: September 21–25
• Hand-delivered paintings: September 25–26
• Exhibition Opens: October 4, 2026
• Awards Ceremony & Member Opening Reception: October 4 at Griffith Museum
• Juror Workshop with Michael Solovyev: October 5–7 at Congdon Yards, High Point, NC
• Public Reception: October 8, 5–7 p.m.
• Exhibition closes: November 13

Eligibility

• Artwork must be the original creation of the artist
• Not completed under instruction, whether in person or online
• Not copied from, derived from, or substantially based on another artist's or photographer's work
• Must not include AI-generated or digitally produced imagery
• Completed within the past three years (after January 1, 2023)
• Works previously exhibited in a WSNC Annual Juried Exhibition are not eligible

Acceptable Media

• Not permitted: collage, pastel, water-based oils, canvas, prints, reproductions, digital artwork, heavy impasto, texture gels, or excessive relief

Size & Framing Requirements

• Maximum framed size: 44 inches in any direction
• Minimum image size: 80 square inches
• Acceptable surfaces: Natural or synthetic watercolor paper, watercolor board, Yupo, Aquabord, Claybord, or similar absorbent rigid supports that are framed
• All accepted paintings must be professionally framed and ready to hang according to WSNC standards
• Frames: Simple, professional-quality wood or metal frames only in black, white, natural stained wood, or plain matte or satin gold or silver. Frame width: 1–3 inches maximum.
• Glazing: Works on paper must be framed under acrylic or plexiglass glazing (no glass) or be varnished or wax sealed. Frosted or matte non-glare glazing is not permitted.
• Matting: White or off-white only. A narrow neutral inner mat (¼ inch or less) in black, gray, or beige is optional.
• Hanging Hardware: Secure coated wire attached one-third from the top using D-rings or screw eyes. Sawtooth or keyhole hangers are not permitted.

Entry Fee & Submission

• Non-refundable entry fee: $45
• Maximum entries per artist: Two (2); only one may be accepted
• Entries must be submitted via ArtCall.org by July 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
• Digital images must be submitted in JPEG format, under 5 MB, showing only the image (no frame or mat)
• Images should be at least 1,200 pixels on the longest side

Awards

The juror will select 70 paintings for acceptance and invitation. Awards are judged in person after delivery and hanging. Over $6,000 in cash and merchandise awards will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on October 4.

About the Juror

Michael Solovyev is an internationally acclaimed watercolorist known for his luminous handling of light and atmosphere. A Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and the International Watercolor Society of Canada, his work has been exhibited in over 20 countries. Solovyev is celebrated for his expressive, transparent approach.