IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SWA MEMBER SHOWS

SWA Shows are open to MEMBERS ONLY, unless it is the Annual Online Pacific Artistry Showcase Exhibit

SWA has created an online format for entering shows using Show Submit. All members must create a Show Submit account. Once created, you can enter your artwork online, view the prospectus and upload your painting photos. Payment for entries is made on Show Submit website.

SWA Members: Please read the attached Standing Rules II for SWA's art exhibit policy. This policy covers information about accepted artwork, exhibit categories, framing, judging, awards, points, etc. This is important information for new members and a refresher for long time members.

SWA Standing Rules for Exhibits - 2022 version

Society of West-Coast Artists

RULES ON FRAMING FOR SWA SHOWS

SWA Judges look at frames and matting along with your artwork. Many times, paintings are not accepted into shows due to poor framing and matting. Before you bring in your painting check the overall look of your artwork. Artists have brought in paintings with frames that don’t compliment the painting or are scratched/chipped, artwork falling out of frames, dirty or spotted mats, buckled watercolor paintings, dirty glass, etc. Use one solid wire on your paintings to hang. One watercolor artist used 2 pieces attached to the flat hangers and wound them together in the middle. The wires eventually slipped apart, and the painting fell, destroying the glass.

SWA is a professional organization.  Make your artwork look as professional as possible!

FRAMING RULES

Size: Frame outside dimensions for all paintings are limited to:

SIZE: Minimum size 10” a side OR 100 sq Inches in area and a maximum no larger than 48” or 2304 Sq inch in area, including frame. The same painting may be entered in only two non-consecutive shows, plus one Annual Show. (ANNUAL EXHBITION ONLY - Including frame - 16 inches minimum size on all sides or 256 square inches in area. Maximum 60 inches a side or 3600 square inches in area.)

Metal Frames – full sheet of watercolor (22”x30”) or larger must use Plexiglas in metal frames.

Hardware – Hardware for hanging must be flat type. SEE PHOTOS BELOW

No nails, eye screws, or protruding hardware allowed.

Wires – All paintings must be wired for hanging. Use one piece of wire for hanging.  Hanger wires ends must be taped or covered with plastic sleeves or tape.

Paper Artwork - must be properly mounted to support or substrate. No scotch tape or other visible adhesives allowed.

Works on Canvas or Panel - Must be securely mounted within frame rabbet. Taping artwork into frame is not allowed.

No oil paintings under glass/Plexiglas.

No paintings over photographs.

All artwork MUST be dry. Wet paintings will not be accepted.



Signature Member Information:

Signature membership requirements and form

A Member in good standing will have the opportunity to apply for Signature Membership after completing the requirements to apply. Each artist accepted in the member shows accumulate points toward their esteemed Signature Award. Once achieved, Signature Members may use the initials SWA after their name as long as they are in good standing with SWA. To initiate a membership status change, detailed information regarding acceptances should be forwarded to the SWA President. A Signature Member will remain in good standing while there is no lapse in membership. Dues renewal notices will be sent out 60 days prior to the renewal date. A lapse in Signature membership occurs after 365 of unpaid overdue dues.

Create your account for SWA shows here:

https://showsubmit.com

Exhibit Steps to enter a show:

1. Upload your entry photos to your account on Show Submit before the closing date for entries. Crop your photos so frames are not showing.

You don't have to bring your paintings to SWA on receiving day as in the past.

You pay your entry fees online.

2. SWA Judges will review all entries online and jury paintings for acceptance in the show. 

3. You will be notified by email if your entry has been accepted into the show.

4. If your painting(s) are accepted into the show then you bring them to SWA for awards judging by the date indicated. On back of painting, tape a paper in the upper left hand corner listing: Your name, email address, phone number, SWA member number, title of painting, size, medium, price.

5. After the show you can pick up your paintings.