National juried watermedia exhibit continues in Pawtucket

Strokes of Genius

There’s still time to view the Rhode Island Watercolor Society 2021 National Watermedia Show

By Emma Nicholson

“Peeking” by Gina Croce won first place

Little Rhody has many surprises and one of them is a national juried art show on display in a boathouse-turned-gallery in Pawtucket. The JC Potter Casino Building in Slater Park is the home of the Rhode Island Watercolor Society (RIWS). Inside the historic property there’s an art gallery, library, and studio space. The gallery, which is free and open to the public, hosts around 10 shows per year, including the National Watermedia Competition, currently available to view both in-person or online through mid-September.

As you’ll pick up on from the name, the acclaimed exhibit includes works slightly beyond watercolor paint. A RIWS statement notes that with the growth of the arts industry comes the introduction of new equipment and practices. “As the options for art making expand, so must the horizons of the Rhode Island Watercolor Society guidelines for our open juried shows.” Acceptable mediums for the show included gouache, acrylic, oils, ink, casein, and egg tempera.

Tom Lynch, one of the nation’s premier watercolorists, served as juror. Specializing in unique landscape paintings, Lynch has written numerous books, been featured on TV shows, and has been a teacher for over 45 years. The show began in July and accumulated over 60 entries on display. From floral and natural scenes, to portraits and abstracts, no two works are alike. The show is on display through September 18 and can be viewed in-person or online. Slater Memorial Park, 831 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket; RhodeIslandWatercolorSociety.wildapricot.org