Art with Purpose

GROW. LAUGH. LEARN.

Enter the Member Invitational

Join the Fun!

Born out of a dream to draw together a group of artists, or aspiring artists, to share their love of art in 2017, Great Plains Watercolor Society has become so much more. What once was only created for the purpose of learning has now transformed into a community of fun, encouragement and social retreat away from everyday life.

GROW WITH US.

Discover a passion for watercolor that you can carry with you well into the future. Open your heart and share your gift with those around us through our outreach programs.

LAUGH WITH US.

Who’s ready to have some fun? We love to laugh, spread joy and keep our environment as stress-free as possible. Enjoy interacting with other artists who share a commonality with you.

LEARN WITH US.

We focus on the process, not the product. True art, we believe comes from the heart, the sheer pleasure of creating something beautiful. Improve your skills and reach your goals.

Upcoming Workshops & Events

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Artist Spotlight

Spotlight on the Artist is an introduction of some of our members to find out what they like about and do with their art.

Janice Bartels

Janice Bartels has been a member of GPWS since 2017. After taking a long hiatus from 1976-2017, she reclaimed her passion for expressive art. Art has helped her discover who she is. “Art is the new part of me that I didn’t know before.”

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Did you know?

Featured Artist Tip:

Deco Edges
by Suz Gallaway

Suz Gallaway shows us how to keep deco edges on thick paper made from fibers by tearing rather than cutting the paper in half.

 

Artist Website

MORE TIPS

Current Board Members

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Barbara Sparks

Founder

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Byron Peterson

PRESIDENT

RachelHatle

Rachel Hatle

Co-President

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Janice Bartels-Welsh

Founder
National Workshops Membership and Treasurer

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Sheryl Baloun

Director of Programming, quarterly newsletter

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Julie Dent

Secretary

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Reeni McKay
Nancy Warnok

Paint-Ins

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Barbara Sparks
Sharon Weber

Plein Air

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Judy DeBoer
Marjorie Ness

Exhibits

Testimonials

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“My favorite things about GPWS are that classes are offered at a reasonable cost, I have many opportunities to meet fellow artists, share ideas and strike up new friendships, and it gives me motivation to pursue this passion.”

Connie Palmer

Member

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“Living in Canada, I’m often asked why I joined GPWS, an art group so far away and currently with the borders closed. During the pandemic, GPWS has been my lifeline to learning, social connections, support and an amazing array of talent and inspiration.”

Linda Rubell

Member

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“Since we’ve had GPWS, I’ve enjoyed countless classes, made friends with other artists and have had many opportunities to learn, grow and expand my skills.”

Candice Wagner

Member

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“I joined GPWS to learn about the possibilities of watercolor. I enjoy instructional  workshops and demos, opportunities to exhibit work, and networking with member artists.”

Paul Boerboom

Member

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“Although I never intended to join the GPWS, after my first workshop I knew I wanted to be part of this inspiring, welcoming, talented group. I continue to be blown away by the calibre of instructors at such reasonable costs and am amazed at how GPSW has embraced online learning.”

Linda Rubell

Member