Press Release

September 28, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 28, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Passey | [email protected] | 480-874-4626

Scottsdale Hosts Arizona Watercolor Association Juried Exhibition

“Anticipation” by Andrea Merica (Scottsdale), “Rush Hour” by Glenda Folk (Scottsdale), “Emille” by Annette Smith (Mesa) and “Himalayan Hiker” by Arlene Miller (Phoenix) are part of the “Arizona Watercolor Association Juried Exhibition,” on view at the Civic Center Public Gallery in Scottsdale Civic Center Library from Oct. 4 to Dec. 31, 2021.

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Scottsdale Public Art will host the “Arizona Watercolor Association Juried Exhibition” Oct. 4 – Dec. 31, 2021, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library.

The exhibition includes 43 paintings, chosen by juror David R. Smith from among more than 150 submissions. Smith is a Michigan-based, internationally known and award-winning watercolor artist and instructor. He’s a member of both the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society.

Marion Droge, juror workshop chair for the Arizona Watercolor Association (AWA), said Smith’s careful selection process resulted in a show of quality and talent.

“Being part of this show is a tribute to members whose work was accepted,” said Droge, a Phoenix artist whose painting “All in the Same Boat” was among those selected for the exhibition. “The community has the opportunity to see a wide variety of watermedia from many talented artists of Arizona.”

The AWA was founded in 1960 by professional watercolor artists and instructors to advance the art of painting in water-soluble media and promote public awareness and interest through education and exhibitions. The group holds meetings for demonstrations, critiques and networking on the second Thursday of each month from September to November and January to June.

Wendy Raisanen, curator of collections and exhibitions for Scottsdale Public Art, said she is excited to exhibit the finest of Arizona’s watercolor artists from the AWA in this exhibition at the Civic Center Public Gallery, located inside the library.

“This is Scottsdale Public Art’s first time partnering with the AWA, and I’m thrilled to show the gorgeous work from artists across the state,” Raisanen said. “Watercolors are easy to start with, as most schoolkids know, but difficult to master.

Betsy Aguirre, the AWA exhibition chair, coordinated the show with Raisanen and accepted all of the artist submissions. Aguirre also organizes the awards reception, among other duties. Droge called Aguirre’s work on the exhibition “invaluable.”

In addition to the exhibition itself, there are a few events associated with the show, including an opening reception from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 15 at the gallery inside Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, Arizona 85251. Smith, the juror, will also hold two workshops for the AWA in Phoenix the week of Oct. 5.

For more information and to view all the artworks in a virtual exhibition, visit ScottsdalePublicArt.org/exhibitions. For more about the AWA, visit AZWatercolor.com.