About us
NorthStar Watermedia Society
NorthStar Watermedia Society is the oldest watermedia society in Minnesota. The group promotes the artistic use of water-based media and is well-known for lively and informative monthly meetings, art shows, and demonstrations that feature local, national, and internationally known watermedia artists.
Whether you are a seasoned professional artist or a Sunday afternoon painter, NSWS is sure to have a place for you. NorthStar Watermedia was established in 1975 and is the oldest Watermedia society in Minnesota. Our group promotes the artistic use of water-based media through lively and informative monthly meetings, art shows, and art demonstrations that feature nationally and internationally known watermedia artists. Meetings are held monthly from September through May at two different St. Paul locations as well as streaming online. Member privileges include monthly membership meetings which may include painting demonstrations, slide shows, discussion of supplies and their sources, or interactive classes that teach unique approaches to the media. In the summer, members may participate in plein air paint-outs at various locations. Members may also participate in the annual NorthStar Members’ Exhibition. Opportunities for involvement include membership on the board, committees and other volunteer positions.
To support watermedia artists through education, events, and networking.
To accomplish our mission through demonstrations and interactive painting events at our monthly meetings, paint-in and plein air events, small group weekly painting opportunities, and participation in our annual Members’ Exhibition while enjoying social connections.
Our History
NorthStar Watermedia History
Judy Blain called to order a meeting to organize a watercolor society in 1975. Dues to be $5 a year. This is the day that the NorthStar Watercolor Society, now known as the NorthStar Watermedia Society, was born. “People attending the meeting suggested the following goals for the association: conduct only enough meetings each year to enable the club to survive, publish an official club periodical, sponsor workshops by competent watercolor artists, hold watercolor shows, and endeavor to obtain support from business and industry to finance shows and awards. We were admonished to guard against the organization’s becoming involved in red tape and business matters to the detriment of art. The emphasis is to be on painting and learning and communication with other watercolorists.” (from the archives) Today, the Northstar Watermedia Society is the oldest watermedia society in Minnesota, and continues to be a place where watermedia artists from across the Midwest and beyond can paint, learn, and connect with other others.
our members
Our Board Members
- President – Paul Oman
- President-Elect – Erin Burton
- Secretary – Patty Schmid
- Treasurer – Jean Doyle
- Member Exhibition – LouAnn Hoppe
- Membership – Mary Zadach
- Program Chair – Marilyn Jacobson
- Past President – Deirdre Vaughan
Please join us :