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The Watercolor Society of Alabama (WSA) was organized in 1939 by the artists of Alabama, none too few of whom were also part of the Dixie Art Colony. Our namesake John Kelly Fitzpatrick and his friends were participating and prominent members of the Watercolor Society of Alabama, winning exhibition awards and volunteering their time to the organization. Such friends and students of Kelly that also served with the Watercolor Society of Alabama included: Warree Carmichael LeBron, Louise Smith Everton, Genevieve Southerland, and Carlos Alpha "Shiney" Moon. In particular, Genevieve Southerland served as a past vice-president, and Carlos Moon served as the Watercolor Society of Alabama's president starting in 1950.
Today, the Watercolor Society of Alabama continues on strong with its exciting vision to promote, create and inspire painters in the art of watercolor media. They hold juried watercolor competitions each year as well as offer workshops taught by nationally and internationally known artists.
This year, we are thrilled to be chosen to host the Watercolor Society of Alabama's 83rd National Exhibition! Come join us for this quasi-homecoming exhibition honoring the roots of both the WSA and the Kelly. Explore the wonderful talent and skills of national watercolorists, right here in Wetumpka where many art organizations of Alabama were born!
Matthew Bird is an American painter born in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated with honors from the Pratt Institute of Art in Brooklyn, New York, in 2000. He is a Signature Member of numerous organizations, including the National Watercolor Society where he served as vice president, and his award-winning watercolor paintings have been exhibited in juried shows across the United States, as well as in Canada, China, England, Greece, Hong Kong, and Italy. His work is in permanent museum collections as well as numerous private collections.
For 15 years he worked as a designer and art director in advertising agencies, specializing in non-profit fundraising. As an illustrator, he has five children’s books published and his paintings have been used as greeting cards for The Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, and the National Audubon Society, among others.
Matthew lives with his wife and children outside Baltimore, where he maintains his studio.
Iain Stewart is a Scots born watercolor artist and a signature member of the American and National Watercolor Societies among other state and international entities. He has also recently been inducted into the Whiskey Painters of America. His work has received numerous awards in international competition and hangs in many corporate and private collections.
Iain is a sought-after watercolor instructor and juror and has been published in numerous books and periodicals. He has just finished production of his 5th instructional DVD. In 2021 his first book on painting; En Plein Air- Light and Color, was published. Iain maintains a studio near Auburn University in Alabama, and in addition to gallery work, is an Architectural Illustrator with an international clientele and has taught watercolor and design drawing at Auburn University where he received his degree in Architecture.
Iain is an International Brand Ambassador for:
Escoda Brushes
Daniel Smith Watercolors
Stillman & Birn Sketchbook
301 Hill Street,
Wetumpka, AL 36092
P.O. Box 641
Wetumpka, AL 36092
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