In the autumn of 1900. a small group of dedicated painters, Charles E. Dana, George Walter Dawson, Herbert E. Everett, Thomas P. Anschutz and Susan Bradley, founded the Philadelphia Water Color Club. Art exhibitions of the period gave slight attention to aqueous media, being dominated by sculpture and works in oil. Watercolor art was considered less valid and held in low esteem as "Art" by students and the public alike. The founders were determined to dignify their art in the eyes of the world. Mounting strong exhibitions at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Water Color Club members began to work toward their goal. In March 1922, the growing organization was chartered giving watercolor as a valid and respected art form its deserved place in the Philadelphia area and beyond. In 1999, preparations were made for changing the name of the Philadelphia Water Color Club to "Society", reflecting its nature and international scope of the anniversary exhibitions. On January 15, 2000 the new name was embraced.
Over the years, the Society has presented to the Philadelphia Museum of Art a distinguished permanent collection consisting of 159 works by 129 artists. Among those represented are Cecilia Beaux, George Bellows, George Walter Dawson, George Ennis, J. McClure Hamilton, W. Emerton Heitland, Henry McCarter, Thornton Oakley, Violet Oakley, Maxfield Parrish, Joseph Pennell, Howard Pyle. Arthur Rackman, Robert Riggs, John Singer Sargent, Benton Spruance, Andrew Wyeth, Henry Pitz, and Pablo Picasso.
Soon after its inception the Society expanded to include in its exhibits all works of art on paper, excluding oils. In addition to its annual juried anniversary exhibit, the Society holds regional shows where members exhibit their work. PWCS sponsors demonstrations and other events and gives monetary awards and Associate Membership to superior students working in aqueous media in Philadelphia area art colleges. In 1990, the members voted to expand the scope of the organization by offering Associate membership to the general public and to open the juried annual exhibit to all artists. With those steps PWCS moved into the international arena. Signature Membership is awarded to an artist after he or she has exhibited in two juried anniversary exhibits as an associate within 7 years. Many institutions have offered their facilities to support the Philadelphia Water Color Society. Among them are the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Art Institute of Philadelphia, Philip and Murial Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus, Philadelphia Port of History Museum, West Chester State University, Wayne Art Center, Perkins Art Center of NJ, The Noyes Museum of Art, Atlantic City Cultural Arts Center, Widener University, DaVinci Art Alliance, American College in Bryn Mawr, and the Franklin Mint.
The more than 600 distinguished members of PWCS are frequent award winners in major national exhibitions. Many have authored books or are featured artists in books and magazines. Philadelphia and the surrounding region has become an epicenter for watercolor art and artists. PWCS is proud of its heritage and contributions to the arts. By its own strength and in cooperation with others, the Society continues to grow as it celebrates its 100th year of life.
