The “Well-Oiled Machine” Strikes Again

Twice a year the Watercolor Art Society-Houston (WAS-H) brings in a nationally/internationally acclaimed artist for our major workshops that are a part of either our Annual Members Exhibit (October) or our International Show (March).  Both are week long extravaganzas that, as you can imagine, take a lot of volunteer effort to pull off successfully.

During our 40th Annual Members Exhibit earlier this month we welcomed Jan Fabian Wallake to Houston as our juror and workshop artist.  We had 227 submitted paintings for the exhibit which had to be reduced in number to 89 due to space limitations of our gallery.  Jan told us that she had expected it to take 5 to 6 hours to juror and judge the show.  That was, of course, before she experienced the “well-oiled machine” kicking into gear.  The teamwork of our dedicated volunteers, which, by-the-way, is becoming well known throughout the world of watercolor, assisted in completing the task in approximately two hours.  That was just one of the many things that happened that “wowed” our guest artist.

As we went upstairs to set up for the Sunday demo Jan commented that she guessed that it would take the rest of the week to get the show hung before our reception on Friday.  By the time we had finished setting up for her demo and preliminary set-up for the week-long workshop….the show was up.  She was amazed!

From the time our artists arrive at the airport to their departure our membership works diligently through both individual and group efforts to make sure they are not only comfortable with everything that has to do with teaching in our world class facility but making sure that they are enjoying visiting our wonderful city. Houston has so many wonderful restaurants and there is so little time.  Speaking strictly for myself…..I always gain weight during these events.

It is so rewarding at the end of these events to hear our visiting artists share their thoughts on the exceptional experience they have had at WAS-H.  They are not only impressed with our building, which contains a beautiful gallery space and an exceptional teaching venue but I think mostly they are wowed by the incredible southern hospitality of our members.  On top of that we have some of the most talented water-media artists around.

Don’t take my word for it, ask the artists.

Photos from take-in to the closing reception can be found at our WAS-H Calendar Site.

We are looking forward to “Wowing” Frank Webb in March 2010 during our International Show.