BWS Studio a New Opportunity for Members

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Brevard Watercolor Society announces a new weekly event, BWS Studio, that provides its members an additional opportunity to socialize, paint, watch art videos, lead or watch demonstrations, and more. A soft opening of the BWS Studio took place on September 18 and 25, 2025, with the official opening at the Eau Gallie First Friday Walk on October 3 at 6:30 pm.

We are starting from scratch and in the planning/organization stage and are open to your ideas for the BWS studio.

WHERE: Highland Art Studios, 1425 Highland Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935

WHEN: Every Thursday afternoon, 1:30-4:30pm

COST: $0 for BWS Members

CONTACT: Barbara Rios (chairperson) at barbrios@bellsouth.net

BWS Studio gives members another venue to display their paintings, in addition to the annual Splash of Watercolor show, the Eau Gallie Library Exhibit, the Merritt Island Wildlife Show, and the Brevard Cultural Alliance (via BWS’s membership as an organization). There is limited wall space to display framed paintings (same guidelines for framing as the EG Library (no glass, etc.). There are no themes anticipated. Roughly 10 half-sheet framed paintings will be displayed for two month periods. Paintings can be for sale or NFS, but specifics are not currently available.

Painting space on tables is limited to 10 people, however there are many chairs available to socialize. Until we determine the interest and attendance is at the Thursday events, reservations should be made in advance for specific dates by contacting Barbara Rios above. There will be a backup list each week. If you want to attend at the last minute to paint and haven’t made a reservation, you may bring a tv tray and hope there will be space to set up. Since there is limited space, be mindful of giving the other 100+ BWS members the opportunity to paint. A table will be set up (under our hanging wall space) which will be used to display BWS brochures, etc. and possibly storage for limited supplies in a two-drawer file cabinet.

BWS is always looking for new members. This new venue is the perfect venue to invite someone who wants to learn more about BWS. They are welcome to come watch and socialize.

Volunteers are needed to lead a specific Thursday event by demonstrating skills, techniques, styles, etc. As with our monthly mini workshops, if there are any special supplies needed, that will be announced. Participation by everyone painting is not required.

Thursday evenings and two Saturdays at the Studio are also available to BWS for events; for example, a one-day workshop. None are planned at this time and will require an additional rental fee from BWS (which results in a small fee for those attending those days). Specifics are not currently available.

*A third volunteer is needed to man the BWS Studio Committee so that duties can be divided (opening and closing the studio, hanging paintings, attending weekly studio events, manning our table during the EG First Friday Walks, and backup when needed).

BWS Members Attend FWS Convention

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The Florida Watercolor Society‘s 48th Annual Exhibition and Convention was amazing! The convention was headquartered at the Doubletree Hotel and Resort, just steps away from SeaWorld in Orlando near International Drive. The Florida Watercolor Society (FWS) has over 1,000 members and it seemed like all of them were there, including a large contingent from Brevard Watercolor Society. The Trade Show was great, and most of us came away with giant bags filled with new products and great buys on almost everything. There was lots of free stuff as well.

There were many wonderful demonstrations, workshops and great teachers, including BWS members Therese Ferguson and Frank Spino. Carol Carter, the jurist, gave a detailed review of the 100-plus paintings. It was very educational, as the features of each painting were commented on and why it was chosen for the exhibition. Many stars were spotted, and the “who’s who” of the watercolor world were even approachable.

Lori Jenkins won the raffle for TWO of the paintings generated as paint-arounds. Way to go, Lori! There were also many great things in the FWS Silent Auction.

The reception was held at Leu Gardens, a wonderful destination on its own. Beauty beyond belief. The exhibition was beautifully hung in salon style, with 103 paintings on display.

BWS Participating Artists

  • Therese Ferguson, “Double Reds With Stripes”
    Winner of The LaVerne Philips Memorial Award  ($1000)
  • Lori Pitten Jenkins, “The World Is Your Oyster”
    Winner of The Ruby Grace Denson Memorial Award/Holbein Award ($880)
    Gift of Terry Denson in honor all grade school art teachers ($500) and gift of Holbein ($380)
  • Debby Marriott, “Señora Habana”
    New FWS Signature Winner
  • Mary Salvage, “Driving Rain”
    New FWS Signature Member
  • Ruth Foreman, “Javier”
  • Frank Spino, “Transparent Lemon”
  • Barbara Brennan, “Stratosphere”
  • Kathie Benson, “Community of Trees”

Congratulations to all of our BWS artists in the show!

FWS 2020 Online Show

To those who entered but weren’t chosen for the exhibition, consider entering the FWS 2020 Online Show. It opened for entries on October 5th through Saturday, November 30th. The FWS Online Show accepts entries from FWS Non-Signature Members in good standing whose dues are paid on or before November 25th, 2019, and those who did NOT win an award in the 48th Annual Exhibition, and to new members who join by November 25th, 2019. You can find more information on the FWS website, or view and download the FWS 2020 Online Show brochure.

Please click on the photos below to enlarge: