WWCA Past Exhibits and Events

2024

WWCA-Artists Group Field Trip to the National Gallery of Art

November 12, 2024: “Paris 1874 The Impressionist Moment”

On Tuesday, November 12, nine members of the WWCA visited this fascinating historical exhibit that documented the first official Impressionist exhibition held in Paris, France in 1874. This exhibit contained the works of the “Société Anonyme” the group of artists that we have now come to know as the Impressionists and consisted of 200 paintings by 31 artists who had separated from the Paris Salon, which was the overarching art governance body of the day. The exhibit compared and contrasted works of the “Société Anonyme” with those of the Salon.

WWCA-Artists Group Watercolor Workshop, August 21, 2024, led by Michael Flyn

This painting session was held at the Perry Belmont House, 1618 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington DC

WWCA Member Paint-Along, July 31, 2024

This painting session was held at the Perry Belmont House, 1618 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington DC

Moh’d Bilbeisi Workshop, June 26, 2024

This workshop was held at the Perry Belmont House, 1618 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington DC

“Paper and Pigment,” a WWCA Exhibit, May 1-31, 2024

The exhibit was held at the Kensington Park Library 4201 Knowles Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895

Quarterly Member Meeting and Social, Friday, May 31, 2024

Members met at Anne’s House

“Serenity and Tranquility” Member Exhibit, January 12-April 26, 2024

at the Hera Hub, 5028 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 100. Washington, DC 20016 

Visit Artomatic , Saturday, April 20, 2024

2100 M Street, NW Washington, D.C. to see the works of Anne Albright and Alexandra Michael in individual galleries 

Paint Social Wednesday, April 17, 2024

The event took place at the Perry Belmont House in Washington, D.C.

2023

WWCA Quarterly Meeting and Holiday Gathering, December 13, 2023

The event took place at the Perry Belmont House in Washington, D.C.

WWCA Quarterly Meeting, June 24, 2023

Included social gathering at the home of WWCA president, Anne Albright

WWCA Founders Day Quarterly Meeting, March 26 

For the first quarterly member meeting of 2023, WWCA artists and guests met at the Perry Belmont House in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. The date of March 26 was set to roughly coincide with the original date of March 28 on which the Washington Water Color Association was founded over a hundred years ago in 1896. Upon entry, the group was taken on a delightful tour of this historic mansion by Charles Chandler, a member of WWCA and current resident manager of the Perry Belmont House. Descriptions of the architecture and art were intertwined with the interesting historical details of the mansion’s origin, owners, and current usage, as well as an impromptu concert by Charles on the gold-plated Steinway piano, one of the few in the world. Following the tour, members met and mingled in one of the large ballroom areas. They enjoyed delicious food; a fascinating slide show of watercolors by well-known members from the WWCA’s illustrious past; as well as a sampling of art by current members. They also enjoyed each other’s company as they talked and got to know one another. Thanks are expressed to Anne Albright, WWCA president, and to the WWCA member hosts from the Perry Belmont House Larry J. von Weigel, Headquarters Administrator, and Charles Chandler, PGP for this elegant and enjoyable quarterly meeting.

2022

Relief from the Heat at Kentlands Mansion  

WWCA artists enjoyed displaying and selling their artwork themed as “Relief from the Heat” during this 4-month exhibit held at the Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg, Maryland from August 26, ’22-January 22, ’23.                  

 Fall Exhibit at Maplewood Park Place

This Fall Exhibit was enthusiastically greeted and enjoyed by the residents of and visitors to Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda, Maryland from October 9, ’22-January 21, ’23. The exhibit brought accolades and some sales.

Sargent and Spain Field Trip 2022

On Saturday, December 17, three WWCA members, Anne, Crystal, and Carol attended the lecture offered in conjunction with the current exhibit of John Singer Sargent works as well as visited the exhibit itself. Hearing the lecture and viewing his magnificent works in watercolor and oil created in the country of Spain was an exhilarating and inspiring experience.

Observing the free and spontaneous brushstrokes which produced such action in the paintings whether still-life or live objects was an incentive and motivator to watercolor painters. A few of the WWCA’s favorite images from the exhibit are shown below. This exhibit of works Sargent in Spain by one of the very earliest and most well-known members of the Washington Water Color Association John Singer Sargent will be on display through January 2, 2023, in the West Building of the National Gallery of Art. It is a must-see for all watercolorists. 

Michael Flynn Workshop

The September 28 two-hour workshop with Michael Flynn, the second of its kind was, again, a great learning experience as well as a social event for the WWCA members and guests that attended.

Flora and Fauna, an Exhibit at Brookside Gardens

From August 22 to September 18, 2022, WWCA artists had an exhibit and sale at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. Many visitors enjoyed the art, and sales occurred including works hanging on the wall as well as in the bins.

Michael Flynn Workshop

The August 24 two-hour workshop entitled “Blue Wave” with Michael Flynn was a fun event as well as a great learning experience. The 10 attendees had a productive session.

This first Belmont House Watercolor and Wine event was a great success. Thanks to our hosts and all attendees.  We are looking forward to our August event.

Plein Air At Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

On Thursday, July 28, a plein air session for both WWCA and LAG (Laurel Art Guild) artists was held at the Aquatic Gardens off of Kenilworth Avenue in NE Washington, D.C. The huge flowering aquatic plants were stunning and proved to be a great inspiration to those who attended.

Picnic Meeting

The WWCA members gathered together for a fun meeting at Stratton Park in Bethesda, MD on Saturday, May 21. This was the first in-person meeting the group has had in two years. The heat of the day was offset by the shade and breeze under the picnic pavilion, and members enjoyed visiting with friends, meeting new members. and sharing food provided by those present. Two dogs belonging to members also enjoyed socializing and romping. The group appreciated the efforts of Anne Albright, president in planning and setting up this event.

Transitions

Our Spring Time Show, Transitions took place in April 2022 at the Chesapeake Framing Co. The show featured 11 artists and 35 works depicting the artists’ interpretations of the show title. This show can still be viewed online.

Plein Air Painting At Brighton Dam

On Thursday, April 28, an outing to Brighton Dam Azalea Garden took place. Both WWCA artists and LAG (Laurel Art Guild) artists were invited in order to capture the beautiful explosion of pinks, purples, reds, and oranges that were on display. The chilly weather, uncharacteristic of April, may have been a deterrent for some, but those who came were greatly inspired by the breathtaking imagery all around them.

2021

Celebrating Maryland

The WWCA artists were happy to hold their first live show in two years during the months of October and November 2021. Fifteen WWCA artists participated in this collaborative effort of the Chesapeake Framing Co. and WWCA. The event held in the Chesapeake Framing Co. store in Kensington, MD featured over 40 works and was very successful and well received by the those who came to view it.

Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival

WWCA enthusiastically participated in this first-of-its-kind community arts event in Wheaton, Maryland on Sunday September 19, 2021. The event itself was multi-faceted featuring a parade with artistically designed floats, artwork on display and for sale all day in booths belonging to both individuals and art organizations, as well as a variety of other arts presentations including poetry readings, musical offerings, drama and dance. 

The WWCA booth contained the work of five WWCA artists and received many positive responses including compliments and purchases. 

2019 and earlier

WWCA Color In the Garden

The works of 19 WWCA members were on display during our first Members Exhibit, Color In the Garden, at the Green Spring Gardens Historic House in Alexandria, VA. The show opened on December 18, 2018 and ran through February 24, 2019. 

Exhibiting artists included Anne Albright, Dave Daniels, Beth Dugan, Robin Frosh, Lieta Gerson, Monika Griff, Margo Kabel, Carol Leo, Janet Hansen Martinet, Carol Morgan, Gisele Child Olmsted, Crystal Parmele, Diane Rudzinski, Jane Salomon, Concetta Scott, Elizabeth Stecher, Celeste Stewart, Alexandra Treadaway-Hoare and Matthew Topoleski.

WWCA Artists Exhibit at NIH 

The WWCA exhibited at NIH (National Institutes of Health) in 2018. The exhibiting artists were: Noelie Angevine, Linda Daniels Cermak, Deborah Cohan, Monika Griff, Margo Kabel, Grace Lebow, Bonny Lundy, Janet Hansen Martinet, Crystal Parmele, Barbara Petro, Diane Rudzinsky, Jane Salomon, Millie Shott, Narissa Steel, Matthew Topoleski and Alexandra Treadaway-Hoare.

The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda is known worldwide as one of the premier bio-medical research facilities but, little is known about the leadership role NIH has played in the arts in healthcare movement. Artists from across the country with a focus on the Washington, DC art community have shown an impressive variety of media from fiber, photography, watercolor, glass and calligraphy to large-scale contemporary paintings, with 20% of the proceeds of sales donated to the Patient Emergency Fund. The art program has raised over $70,000 to the Patient Emergency Fund, which assists patients and families in need.

Golden Artist Demonstration for WWCA Members 

On Saturday, February 2, 2019, Golden Artist Color representative Amy Shawley conducted a Water Media demonstration to over 20 WWCA members. Amy was an energetic and knowledgeable speaker, offering valuable ideas, tips, samples and technical guidance on using the many Golden water media products including QoR pigments, grounds and varnishes. Thank you, Amy! 

If you would like to learn about Golden products or receive the Golden e-newsletter, “Just Paint,” visit www.goldenpaints.com. It’s a worthwhile resource for your tool box!