In 1971, the Tennessee Watercolor Society became an organization after two years of meetings and exploratory letters. The Tennessee Watercolorists was the original name given to the group but was later abandoned because of a trend toward designating such organizations as Societies.

When first exploring the possibility of a state organization Mary Britten Lynch, a Chattanooga artist, began by contacting Budd Bishop, director of the Hunter Museum in Chattanooga, George Cress, chairman of the University of Chattanooga (later called the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) art department and Kermit “Buck” Ewing, art department head at UT in Knoxville. All were very supportive of a statewide organization and provided lists of potential artist members across the state.The first meeting, held in Nashville at the University Club, included Ms. Lynch as chairman, Anton Weiss, Don Cannichael, Louise LeQuire, Mildred Cantrell, Gordon Holl and Norman Worrell.

Mr. Holl and Mr. Worrell, from the Tennessee Arts Commission, helped the organization get off the ground. Jim Franklin, a Chattanooga architect and exhibiting artist, provided expertise in organizing and writing bylaws. Memphis artist, Jason Williamson accepted the challenge to become the first president with the support of 26 founding members.The First Annual Exhibition was held in 1972 at the Hunter Museum. Ohio artist and author Robert Laessig, AWS, juried the exhibition. Today TNWS is a biennial exhibition organization with a statewide membership of more than 200 artists and supporters.

The Tennessee Watercolor Society (TnWS) was formed in 1971. The purpose of the TnWS is to elevate the stature of watercolor and educate the public to the significance of watercolor as an important, creative, permanent painting medium. The organization purposes are to further the interest of painters in all water media by its programs, competitive exhibits and workshops, encourage the study of water media by art students and others engaged in the medium, as well as supporting all the visual arts.

The Tennessee Watercolor Society is a statewide organization. Membership includes artists who reside in the state of Tennessee. Where cities border the state line, artists who work or reside with the greater metropolitan area, whether in Tennessee or not, will be eligible for membership. We have five geographical/metropolitan regions: Region 1-Memphis, Region II-Nashville, Region III-Chattanooga, Region IV-Knoxville, and Region V-Tri-Cities. This system is in place to pull together our large statewide membership for efficient and inclusive communication and organization. The Biennial Juried Exhibitions rotate around the state through the five regions.

The TnWS sponsors workshops, regional activities, membership shows, and biennial juried exhibitions. The TnWS Exhibitions are strong and well respected competitions, with an abundant award structure that is enhanced each exhibition with new patrons. Artists throughout the state eagerly await the Exhibitions. The last 3 biennieal exhibitions were held in Clarksville - 2006; Knoxville - 2008; and Chattanooga - 2010. The 2012 exhibition will be hosted in Memphis. All membership shows and juried exhibitions require that the paintings are executed in an aqueous manner, on paper and framed behind glass or Plexiglas.

The Tennessee Watercolor Society is stretching its boundaries; while remaining true to its mission of promoting an appreciation of watercolor and water media, it strives to bring exciting shows having versatility and innovation in both traditional and cutting-edge paintings in water media.

The society is open to artists and patrons, eighteen and older, throughout the state of Tennessee.