MEMBERSHIP TYPES

MEMBERSHIP STATUS

The Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild has seven (7) status of membership.

Members

Membership may be applied for at any time. Members are eligible to vote in general elections, enter SAWG sponsored shows, except for those requiring Signature status, and serve or hold office in any capacity except as noted in Section 3-1-A. We are a volunteer organization and members are expected to volunteer for guild and gallery functions.

Student Members

Student membership is available to any currently enrolled, full-time student age eighteen (18) or older. Student members may vote and participate in all SAWG sponsored activities and shows, except those requiring Signature status, and may serve in any capacity except as noted in Section 3-1-A. Student membership dues are half of the current annual dues amount. We are a volunteer organization and members are expected to volunteer for guild and gallery functions.

Juried Members

Juried members are those members with current dues paid and who have had 2 paintings accepted into a SAWG designated, juried point show. We are a volunteer organization and members are expected to volunteer for guild and gallery functions.

Click HERE to download a Juried Status Application.
Click HERE to apply online for Juried Status.

Signature Members

Signature membership is achieved by already juried members whose work has been accepted in at least five (5) additional shows designated by the Board as point shows. In addition to SAWG’s four point shows, Arizona Watercolor Association (AWA Spring and Fall shows) and the approved national shows listed under Saguaro Fellow are approved point shows. Note: A painting may only earn an artist one point regardless of multiple show acceptances. Signature members are entitled to add the initials SAWG following their signature on their paintings. Only Signature members may participate in shows requiring Signature status. We are a volunteer organization and members are expected to volunteer for guild and gallery functions.

Click HERE for the Signature Status Form.
Click HERE to apply online for Signature Status

Saguaro Fellow

Saguaro Fellow status is earned by a Signature Member who has been accepted into five additional juried shows. Four may be additional SAWG designated juried shows. At least one of these five points must come from one of the following approved shows:

  • American Watercolor Society (AWS)

  • National Watercolor Society (NWS) 

  • Arizona Aqueous (after 11/6/17)

  • International Society of Acrylic Painters (ISAP) Only the Annual Physical ISAP Shows after March 2016.

  • Acrylic Painters USA National Show (APUSA) after 2017

  • Northwest Watercolor Society Annual International Open Exhibition - NWWS after 2017

  • Kentucky Watercolor Society Annual Aqueous USA Show (KWS) after 2017 

  • Pittsburgh Watercolor Society Annual Aqueous Show (after fall 2018)

  • Aqueous 2020, West Virginia Watercolor Society National Juried Exhibition

  • San Diego Watercolor Society’s International Exhibition (after March 2021)

  • International Watermedia Exhibition (WAS-H) after January 3, 2022 

  • Western Federation of Watercolor Societies (WFWS) after September 10, 2022

  • Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors after June 5, 2023

Documentation for these shows must be provided at the time of application in order to receive a point. Documentation may be a catalog listing, an acceptance letter, or a program from the show.

As of September, 2022, the Board requests that if you plan to enter a regional/national/international show that is not listed above, you inform the VP of Shows with your plan to enter so that the board may decide if the show will qualify for Saguaro Fellow status advancement. SAWG board approval must be made prior to acceptance and/or participation in the show. 

We are a volunteer organization and members are expected to volunteer for guild and gallery functions.

Click HERE for the Saguaro Status Form.
Click HERE to apply online for Saguaro Status.

Honorary Members

Honorary members shall be invited to membership by the President subject to Board approval. These persons have either made an exceptional contribution to SAWG and/or the community in the advancement of watercolor, or be a watercolorist of outstanding talent and recognition. Honorary members pay no dues, but retain all the rights and privileges of their status of membership. We are a volunteer organization and members are expected to volunteer for guild and gallery functions.

Patron Members

Patrons shall be invited to this class by the SAWG President, subject to Board of Directors approval.  Patrons may or may not be artists, but should have demonstrated an active interest in the arts and in furthering the cultural and educational objectives of SAWG.  They shall have made a significant financial or other contribution in support of SAWG.  They shall pay no dues, nor may they hold office or vote.