BWS Highlights Newsletter • March 2025

BWS, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
THE CHALLENGES OF FINDING THE NEXT BWS PRESIDENT

The Baltimore Watercolor Society (BWS) is facing a significant leadership challenge. Due to a family illness, our President, Linda Luke, has had to step down, and our current Vice President, Matt Fenton, has chosen to continue as VP. Our bylaws do not contain provisions to address this specific situation, so an amendment must be voted on by the Signature Artist members.

To ensure the continued smooth operation of BWS, the Board suggests a temporary solution: the establishment of a three-person committee to collectively manage the organization until a new President can formally be elected. This committee would oversee essential functions, maintain continuity, and support members during this transition.

To facilitate this, a proposed bylaw amendment has been drafted that will need approval through a vote by our Signature Artists. Please read this proposed amendment carefully to prepare for a vote that is planned for March 3-5.

Article IV, Section 10 (New)

In the event that the position of President is unoccupied because there are difficulties and/or delays in finding a replacement, the Board of Governors may appoint a “Temporary Presidential Governing Committee” (TPGC) to assume the duties of the BWS President in order to bridge the gap between Presidents, subject to the following:

1. The TPGC consists of three members of the Board of Governors (retaining their current positions on the Board of Governors) who are approved by a majority vote of the full Board of Governors.
2. One alternate member of the Board of Governors will also be approved by a majority vote of the full Board of Governors in case one of the TPGC is unavailable (e.g., due to travel or personal conflicts) who can vote in place of the absent TPGC member.
3. The TPGC members share the duties of the BWS President for matters of sustaining BWS activities. Any new initiatives are to be saved for action by the new President, when confirmed or, if urgent, may be taken to the full Board of Governors for consideration. The Board of Governors is the arbiter for distinguishing sustaining activities from new initiatives, should such questions arise.
4. The TPGC serves until a new BWS President is confirmed, 4 months elapses, or one or more TPGC members are unwilling or unable to continue in the role, whichever comes first. If needed, the Board of Governors may then appoint a new TPGC (possibly renewing the terms of some or all previous TPGC members), but the Board of Governors is required to take specific action to approve the new or continuing TPGC at that time.

There will also be some proposed revisions to the Bylaws pertaining to Student memberships, which will be explained in the voting instructions sent to Signature Artists.

Signature Artists members will receive instructions via email for submitting their yes or no vote. If the change to the bylaws is successful, the Board anticipates an announcement of the composition of the TPGC early the week of March 10.

Meanwhile, the search for a new BWS president will continue as a top priority. Certainly, it’s a big commitment which can be complicated by personal circumstances. On the other hand, the rewards are substantial in terms of building professional and personal connections, and expanding artistic horizons. If you are interested in learning what this role would entail, please contact us. If you know someone who would be a good match, please urge them to contact us. And don’t forget that the BWS President has a really capable team, the BWS Board of Governors, to rely upon, so the job is not as overwhelming as you might imagine.

Your involvement is crucial to ensuring BWS remains strong and well-managed. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to the Board at info@baltimorewatercolorsociety.org. Thank you for your patience and commitment as we navigate this transition together.

Respectfully,
The BWS Board of Governors

BWS Seeks Student Members!

Do you know of a young art student who could benefit from joining the BWS?

If they are between the ages of 16 and 25 and are interested in art or are pursuing an art degree or certificate, they are eligible to join BWS for the discounted membership fee of only $20.

Benefits of student membership include: BWS social activities, programs, and workshops, plus receipt of the monthly newsletter. Students may also participate in those BWS exhibits that include student members.

Let’s encourage our student artists in their pursuit of the watercolor medium! We look forward to their participation and, as with all members, their fresh ideas on possible activities and directions for BWS.

Thanks to the Volunteers Who Made the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition a Success

Jim Sandford, Mid-Atlantic Exhibition Chair

As we pause between Mid-Atlantic exhibitions, I offer my sincere thanks to all the volunteers who made the 2024 Exhibition a success...

The BWS Awards team works all year to line up sponsors and award donations and to organize the exhibition awards. Many thanks to Janet Freeman, Betty Myers, and Rebecca Rothey for their tireless work on this team.

Thanks to Jim Starr for taking over production of the Mid-Atlantic catalog, as well as Karen Starr for her assistance. Brenda Kidera provided invaluable experience in passing the catalog-production baton. Proofreading support came from Janet Freeman, Sharon Green, April Rimpo, and Janelle Sandford.

There’s always much to do on painting drop-off day, checking-in paintings, unpacking shipped paintings, and supporting the juror as he makes award decisions. Sincere thanks to Cecilia Capestany, Deb Cohan, Theresa Kurz Schur, Betty Myers, Julia Rosenbaum, Rebecca Rothey, Janelle Sandford, and Sandy Yagel.

Hanging of the exhibition is an all-day affair where all participants collaboratively leave their mark on the overall exhibition (which is a work of art in its own right). Thanks to Debra Halprin, Lisa Kokes, Angela Lacy, Ruth Lampi, and Janelle Sandford.

Opening reception help came from Lisa Kokes, who organized the food and drinks, Kathy Gardner and Linda Sherman who greeted artists and visitors, and Janet Freemen, Betty Myers, Rebecca Rothey, and Janelle Sandford, who kept the awards presentation running smoothly.

Stephen Hanks and Karen Norman did a wonderful job conducting an Arts Barn workshop and exhibition tour for beginning and intermediate painters.

This year’s painting pickup had its share of challenges between snow and complications from a mixup on the part of the gallery resulting in a shortened exhibition schedule and two pickup days instead of one. Thanks to Matt Fenton, Janet Freeman, Stephanie Gustavson, Theresa Kurz Schur, and Janelle Sandford for their support.

And special thanks to Sharon Green, who is always available to share her years of experience chairing the Mid-Atlantic, and BWS Treasurer April Rimpo who keeps the exhibition finances straight and does pretty much everything for BWS.

I hope I didn’t leave anyone off the list.

Volunteers are the life blood of BWS, and BWS has volunteer jobs which suit everyone’s interests and personality, for the Mid-Atlantic and the full range of BSW activities. Big jobs, small jobs, and everything in between—it’s a great way to expand your artistic horizons and make new friends. The door is open to all. Additionally, BWS members who volunteer accumulate credit for their efforts, for consideration for future designation as a BWS Life Member.

Applications for the 2025 Mid-Atlantic exhibition will be accepted this coming June, July, and early August. Keep your eye on future editions of the BWS Newsletter for details, and get cracking on those paintings you will want to submit!

From the Archives: 
Continued Stories from the 1940s - The Collapse

Jim Sandford, Mid-Atlantic Exhibition Chair

In previous reports, we’ve met John McGrath, Baltimore businessman turned full-time artist, Treasurer of the Baltimore Water Color Club (BWCC, the predecessor of BWS), and the driving force behind the BWCC’s 43rd Annual Exhibition in November, 1940 and the war-distracted 44th Annual Exhibition in February, 1942.

Planning for the 45th Annual Exhibition began in June,1942 as McGrath wrote to Mrs. Adelyn Breeskin, acting BMA director, requesting confirmation of BWCC’s exhibition slot.

Adelyn Breeskin (1896-1986) was promoted from Curator to Acting Director, soon to become Director of the BMA in 1942, replacing Leslie Cheek, Jr, who resigned to pursue other interests. Breeskin remained BMA director until 1962, subsequently holding several prominent positions with Washington, D.C. museums and exhibitions.

Breeskin replied to McGrath on June 23, 1942, confirming BWCC’s slot for its 45th Annual Exhibition for February 1943.

Three weeks later, without warning, came the tragic news from Broad Creek (a minor Chesapeake Bay tributary in the vicinity of St. Michaels) on July 15, 1942. First came a notice in the (Morning) Sun…

(Note the ad inviting people to go to the movies instead of sitting home in the wartime blackout.)

… followed with additional details in the same day’s Evening Sun…

The obituary states that McGrath had been BWCC President. While there are many historical references confirming McGrath as President of the Baltimore Charcoal Club during the 1930s, this is the only reference I’ve found suggesting he was ever BWCC President. The BWCC archives at the BMA don’t start until 1940. It remains an open question whether McGrath was ever BWCC President.

On the lighter side, the McGrath memorial articles both mention a McGrath comment about Baltimore being at the “absolute bottom in purchase of original art works.” An article in the Sun from November 1937 explains this, making it evident that McGrath was making a provocative statement intended to stir things up a bit. As I see it, McGrath was like many Baltimoreans of the past and present: deeply devoted to a city of whose faults we are all deeply aware. McGrath’s record of service to the city certainly entitled him to vent now and then.

McGrath’s death hit BWCC like a ton of bricks. We’ve seen how McGrath had long been the glue holding things together for BWCC and its annual exhibitions, particularly into the difficult war years. It is apparent that without him the club quickly lost its will/ability to move forward in the face of overwhelming competition for human and physical resources brought by the war. (The battle of Midway took place the week before McGrath’s death, shining a faint light of hope for the war in the Pacific. The Allied landings in Italy were still a year away.)

November and December 1942 brought a series of meetings, resolutions, and ultimately decisions suspending the club’s activities. A letter cancelling plans for the BWCC’s 45th Annual Exhibition was sent to Director Breeskin on November 17. Note that BWCC Secretary, Anne Chandlee, assumed the lead in communications that would have previously fallen to McGrath.

(The Eutaw Place Green Gate Studio address on the BWCC letterhead is the same as McGrath’s former studio and residence. Perhaps there was some kind of studio sharing arrangement—something to look at in the future.)

The BWCC Board converged on a resolution to suspend BWCC operation for the remainder of the war.

(The handwritten note says: *Finding donation for ambulance would be for local use only—we are giving the $500 for Club - Mobile Services oven (handwritten signature unclear), suggesting there was some back-and-forth on what the $500 would buy.)

The official announcement of the proposed resolution went out to BWCC’s membership on November 24. The mention of transportation difficulties proved a reminder that just getting around in a world of fuel and rubber shortages was challenging.

BMA Director Breeskin sent her final acknowledgement to the BWCC on December 31, summing up everyone’s thoughts of the moment: “Hoping for the day when the Club will once again become the active, stimulating force that it has proven to be in past years.”

It would take several years after the war for the BWCC to pull itself back together, the subject for next month’s From the Archives segment. Meanwhile, from the 2025 Baltimore Watercolor Society, our sincere thanks to artist John McGrath for his many contributions to the Baltimore Water Color Club and the arts in Baltimore.

“Heigh ho, alack a day, them was the happy days” — Closing salutation in McGrath letter to BMA Director Leslie Cheek Jr, providing background data for upcoming 43rd Annual Exhibition, c. October 1940.

“What we need here is more buying and less exhibiting” — John McGrath, quoted in The Baltimore Evening Sun, November 2, 1937.

The Shot Tower, Baltimore, by John McGrath (1884-1942), Etching, c.1930, 5” × 4.5”, Delaware Art Museum digital archive.

On February 11, BWS received the first donation for the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Exhibition from Wind River Arts. Wind River Arts is a repeat donor, which each year sends us two $50 certificates for merchandise from their shop.

They are the only art supplier in the United States that carries Rosemary brushes, so we are always excited to receive their donation. Visit https://windriverarts.com for more information.

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Receive American Frame Discounts Through Our Artist Alliance Program

American Frame is a second-generation, woman-owned, family-run company, dedicated to serving artists like yourself since 1973. Our mission is to provide excellence in custom framing products, fine art printing and related services while advancing a socially responsible company that gives back to the arts. As such, we are proud to be counted among the list of donors to the BWS Mid-Atlantic Regional Exhibition. If you need design assistance or have questions about the website, we are here to help. We offer free samples, phone support as well as face-to-face ‘zoom style’ consultations via our Virtual Showroom. Our goal is to serve you in the way that makes you most comfortable.

Apply your American Frame account to the Baltimore Watercolor Society through this link: https://www.baltimorewatercolorsociety.org/Member-Discount-Codes/12652400 (you must be logged in to BWS Wild Apricot to see the link). Click on the link and sign-up or login to the American Frame Alliance Program and you will receive a reusable discount code as well as earn credit for your purchases for BWS. Be sure to check ‘Agree to Terms and Conditions.’ Once your American Frame account is linked to the Alliance Program, all of your orders will benefit BWS, even if you choose another discount to use for that order (e.g., free shipping).

Act Now: March 2025 Jurying for Signature Member Status

The application packet containing detailed information about the Jurying process can be found under “Upcoming Events” on the BWS website. 

Important Dates: 
BWS is now accepting applications through March 7th
Jurying will be held on March 22nd
Notifications will be mailed to artists within two weeks of Jurying

Please direct questions to the BWS Jury Chair by emailing jurying@baltimorewatercolorsociety.org.

Membership

Thanks to all members who have paid their 2025 dues. We hope that all of you who have not yet paid and are now lapsed will rejoin soon so as to not miss out on any events. Remember, prior to registering for any upcoming events you will need to pay your dues first.

If you have not paid, please pay online with a credit card. To log on and pay your dues go here.

You can also pay by sending a check made out to the “Baltimore Watercolor Society” and mailing it to:
Janice Hendra - Membership
103 Avondale Circle
Severna Park, MD 21146

Signature Artist dues are $40 and Associate dues are $30.

Contact membership@baltimorewatercolorsociety.org with any questions.

Welcome New Associate Members

Terri Allen-Jackson, Severna Park, MD
Christie Cavitt, Annapolis, MD
Trish Crowe, Hood, VA
Janet Gitterman, Montville, NJ
Chloe Probst, Baltimore, MD
Pearl Moti Regmi, Baltimore, MD
David Thomas, Abingdon, MD
Terry Vonhagel, Columbia, MD

Other Art Organizations’ Call for Entry

Laurel Art Guild’s 56th Annual Open Juried Exhibition
January 20 - March 17, 2025
Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel, MD
Registration deadline: March 17, 2025
https://laurelartguild.org/lag-open/

Opportunities

Dear Plein Air Artists,
Soon it will be nice enough to take your equipment outside without having to put foot warmers in your shoes! This year’s popular Frederick County Landmarks Foundation’s Barnstormers event will take place June 14, 2025. Registration information will soon be available at https://www.fredericklandmarks.org.