About PWCS

The Philadelphia Water Color Society was founded in 1900 to offset the then common exhibition prejudice against watercolor. Chartered in 1922 as a corporation, the society continues today to foster its mission of furthering watercolor and works on paper through varied exhibitions of members’ work. The Philadelphia Water Color Society Annual International Exhibitions have been generously hosted by Widener University, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Woodmere Art Museum, Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art, The Noyes Museum and The Phillips Museum of Art, among others. 

Over the years, a permanent collection of over 175 works has been presented by the Philadelphia Water Color Society to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for proper custodianship.  This rich history of collaboration with the Philadelphia arts community will expand in 2017 as we partner with the Brandywine Conservancy and the Brandywine River Museum on a first ever plein air event on the historic grounds of the museum and private Wyeth properties in recognition of Andrew Wyeth’s 100th Birthday.  PWCS is also hosting a workshop in 2017 with internationally renowned watercolorist Andy Evansen, current President of the Plein Air Painters of America.  

Today over 600 international artists working in a broad variety of media on paper comprise the Philadelphia Water Color Society membership. We take great pride in continuing our rich artistic heritage and welcome you to join the tradition.