Image credit: Stephen Zhang, Hidden, 2020, Watercolor on paper.
Organized in 1962, this year marks the 60th year of Watercolor USA. The nationally known exhibition is open to artists from all 50 states and U.S. territories, and seeks to discover what is new and what is next in the world of contemporary American watermedia. This year’s exhibit was judged by Nick Nelson, Museum Director of the Springfield Art Museum
Of the 399 entries submitted by 232 artists from 44 states and the District of Columbia, Nelson selected 96 works by 95 artists representing 32 states for inclusion in the exhibition. Overall, 17 artists from Missouri were selected for the exhibition including Carolyn Wallace (Ava); Judge Bockman (Battlefield); HJ Schumer (Bois D’Arc); Robert Langford (Branson); Diane Stolz (Kansas City); Lana Cease (Maryville); Kelly Eddington (Monroe City); Maureen Brodsky (Olivette); Cindy Kopenhafer (Pleasant Hope); Mary Jane Mooney- ham (Republic); Alicia Farris, Les Hagemann, Steve Henry, Todd Lowery, and John Short (Springfield); Trevor Doell (Walnut Grove); and Barbara Williams (West Plains).
According to Museum Director Nick Nelson, “Watercolor USA is one of our Museum’s most beloved and long-lived exhibitions. In its 60 years of existence, Watercolor USA has carried on alongside national triumphs and tragedies and this year will be no different. During the global pandemic, we have continued to modify our processes for this year’s exhibition, and we will once again include online viewing opportunities for those unable to visit the Museum in person.”
See all the award winners and more at Watercolor USA, beginning on June 5 through August 29, at the Springfield Art Museum located at 1111 East Brookside Drive. Due to ongoing public health concerns, the opening reception for this exhibition has been cancelled. The Watercolor USA reception has a long history of generous support from the Southwest Missouri Museum Association. Admission is always free. Donations are gratefully accepted.
The Springfield Art Museum is Springfield, Missouri’s oldest cultural institution, founded in 1928. A department of the City of Springfield, the Museum invites you to connect with the world, your community, and yourself through active engagement with art objects.
For more information, please visit www.sgfmuseum.org