International Watercolor Society South Africa launches

Source: Benoni City Times
Date: October 3, 2014
By: Lea Jacobs

A national branch of the International Watercolor Society (IWS) will officially be launched on October 21.

The City Times recently caught up with Cheryl Curnick, Benoni resident and chairwoman of the society, to find out what it has to offer.

Curnick, who was also chairwoman of the former Watercolor Society of South Africa, which was discontinued in December, last year, was roped into coordinating this branch.

The International Watercolor Society South Africa's (IWSSA) first exhibition will launch the society at the Bedford Centre, in Bedfordview, from October 21 to 27.

She said about 45 paintings will be showcased at the exhibition.

Twelve of these are prints of the works of professional international watercolour artists, from various countries.

Others are selected works by local members, which will all be on sale.

Four works by well-known watercolourist from Johannesburg, Edward Selemetsela, will also be showcased at the event.

Thirty per cent of the funds raised at the launch will be donated to selected charities, including the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind, the Benoni SPCA and Little Black Artists.

The artists of the best three paintings will receive prizes.

Curnick said the society mainly operates through electronic communication.

Exhibitions and social events are arranged, for which members are invited to enter their watercolour paintings digitally.

A panel of judges then selects those which are exhibited.

She said artists learn through the feedback from the judges and regular workshops and demonstrations conducted by her.