About the Red River Watercolor Society

The Red River Watercolor Society (RRWS) is a non-profit, international organization of vibrant and enthusiastic volunteers and art lovers who strive to advance education about, and practice of, all aspects of water media arts. We reach out to include community members, and artists at all levels as we promote the value of art to communities, art education for individuals, and the challenge and the satisfaction of the practice of creating art through water media.

RRWS serves water media artists in the Red River Valley Area of Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota plus 18 other states and Canada. This nonprofit volunteer organization serves to promote the interest, display, and education in watercolor and other water-based media regionally, and nationally, through its flagship program, the National Juried Watermedia Exhibition.

The mission of the Red River Watercolor Society is to advance the application and education of the community, and artists at all levels, about water media. Its vision is to provide a diverse selection of water media and related opportunities for the RRWS members, and to build a world-class community through education, innovation, and collaboration with, and for, artists. RRWS seeks to create projects that encourage new artists and engages community participation. 

Founded in 1989 with a charter membership of 13, RRWS has seen hundreds of artists enter the National Juried Watermedia Exhibition over the years, and has nearly 200 member artists. The Society offers a variety of programs and opportunities that address many aspects of the art profession including business, marketing, exhibition, artistic growth, and enhancement of art experiences in the community. This year we are planning many new and exciting opportunities for artists of all abilities.

The values of the Red River Watercolor Society revolve around the following ideals:
*  Inspire and education the community and artists to learn and appreciate watercolor painting;
*  Provide a caring and mentoring environment for new and emerging artists at RRWS;
*  Be active in the arts community, and provide support for all mediums and artists; and
*  Be judicious in the management of all of our resources.

Check out our latest events page and exhibitions page for more information.