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• 2025 Volunteers for FWS Convention

  • Start
    May 27, 2025
  • End
    September 12, 2025
  • Location
    Orlando Double Tree Downtown

  Registration is closed

  
  

  VOLUNTEER

  2025 FWS CONVENTION

  The main ingredient to a successful Convention is by far the fact that each year so many fabulous volunteers come forward to make it so! There are lots of jobs needed to make the FWS Convention successful - one for everyone's skill set! There is no shortage of opportunities! 

  Volunteer positions will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis, so sign up now to secure your favorite job choices! We need lots of people, so don't assume your help isn't needed. We have never had too much help!

  Once you have registered, Sandi Baier, 2025 Volunteer Chair, will follow up with you to coordinate your job preferences and day/time slot(s).  You will receive additional information to prepare you for your volunteer position.  We will try to fit you with your preferred job to the extent possible. 

  Those who volunteer will be able to participate in the drawing for the Volunteer Gift Basket.  Volunteers get one raffle ticket for each hour served.  And invitations will go out to all volunteers to enter the FWS Volunteer Online Show coming up in 2025 after the Convention. You must be a 2025 volunteer to be eligible to enter. 
  

  In the meantime, email us any questions you may have. Please note, Volunteer positions are open to ticketed Convention attendees only.  If you wish to serve as an Artist Assistant, we ask that you also serve in another one-hour shift in a job of your choice.  

  
  

  info@floridawatercolorsociety.org

  See you in Orlando! 

  
  

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• 2025 Convention - Video Replays Only

  • Start
    June 01, 2025
  • End
    December 20, 2025
  • Registered
    18 registrants

  Register

  
  

  ^{2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION}

  VIDEO REPLAYS ONLY

  ^{If you can't make it to Orlando for the Convention, the next best thing is to watch the video REPLAYS. We make them available to you at the same ticket price as the Convention for members and non-members. Those who purchase REPLAYS will have exclusive access to the videos through June 30, 2026.}

  ^{All artist demonstrations will be videotaped for your viewing pleasure. In addition, we record the Exhibition Review by Matthew Bird and his demonstration during the opening session.}

  ^{The videos will be packaged and added to the website for your viewing pleasure. Our Help desk will provide any support needed to ensure you are able to access them any time you want. The deadline to purchase is December 20, 2025.}

  ^{PLEASE NOTE:  This is NOT a VIRTUAL event during the Convention, rather it is the recordings of those events for viewing AFTER the Convention. Video REPLAYS are automatically provided to all Convention attendees.
  Do not purchase this option if you are attending the Convention.}

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• Matthew Bird workshop, Lessons in Realistic Watercolor: Still Life

  • Start
    September 08, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 11, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Doubletree Downtown Orlando, 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804
  • Spaces left
    3

  Registration is closed

  Four-day workshop
  with Matthew Bird
  AWS, NWS, TWSA

  Lessons in Realistic Watercolor: Still Life

  
  

  Monday - Thursday, September 8th - 11th

  9:00am - 4:00pm

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Matthew's Bio

  Workshop Info

  
  

  Cancellation Policy for Workshops

  The Florida Watercolor Society understands that last minute emergencies, illnesses, and schedule conflicts arise that cannot be controlled or predicted. We are very sorry if this happens, but due to contractual expenses and obligations to our Guest Juror/Artist and rental venues, we are not able to make exceptions to our Cancellation Policy.

  The workshop fee includes a 20% non-refundable cancellation charge. Refunds of the full Workshop fees will not be given, REGARDLESS of the REASON for withdrawal, unless and until a paid replacement has been found for that seat from the waiting list. If there is no waiting list, it is the responsibility of the workshop participant to find a replacement.

  FWS reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient enrollment or other reasons beyond our control. If FWS cancels a workshop, applicants will receive a full workshop registration fee refund.

  
  

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• Kathleen Giles workshop, Creating Depth & Drama in Watercolors - 4-days

  • Start
    September 08, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 11, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Doubletree Downtown Orlando, 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  4-day Workshop with
  Kathleen Giles
  AWS, NWS-M, TWSA, WIW, PWS, NFWS, WHS

  Creating Depth & Drama in Watercolor

  Monday - Thursday, September 8th - 11th, 9am - 4pm

  
  

  

  You will explore the importance of value & composition, with an emphasis on seeing and painting the contours of subjects to help you paint them realistically. Using a limited palette, Kathleen will demonstrate the mixing of triads and explain the importance of grays to enhance the glow of the painting.

  Cancellation Policy for Workshops

  The Florida Watercolor Society understands that last minute emergencies, illnesses, and schedule conflicts arise that cannot be controlled or predicted. We are very sorry if this happens, but due to contractual expenses and obligations to our Guest Juror/Artist and rental venues, we are not able to make exceptions to our Cancellation Policy.

  The workshop fee includes a 20% non-refundable cancellation charge. Refunds of the full Workshop fees will not be given, REGARDLESS of the REASON for withdrawal, unless and until a paid replacement has been found for that seat from the waiting list. If there is no waiting list, it is the responsibility of the workshop participant to find a replacement.

  FWS reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient enrollment or other reasons beyond our control. If FWS cancels a workshop, applicants will receive a full workshop registration fee refund.

  
  

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• Janet Rogers Workshop - Loose, Expressive Florals & Figures in Watercolor

  • Start
    September 10, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 11, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown, 60 S Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  2-Day Workshop with Janet Rogers
  AWS, TWSA, FWS-D

  Loose, Expressive Florals &
  Figures in Watercolor

  Wednesday & Thursday, September 10 - 11
  9:00am - 4:00pm
  

  

  
  

  Fresh Flowers for all will open this creative watercolor workshop - progressing to The Figure on second day.  Gesture, expression, color and design will be a focus.  Janet shares easily and has been a National and International Instructor for workshops for over 30 years.

  Cancellation Policy for Workshops

  The Florida Watercolor Society understands that last minute emergencies, illnesses, and schedule conflicts arise that cannot be controlled or predicted. We are very sorry if this happens, but due to contractual expenses and obligations to our Guest Juror/Artist and rental venues, we are not able to make exceptions to our Cancellation Policy.

  The workshop fee includes a 20% non-refundable cancellation charge. Refunds of the full Workshop fees will not be given, REGARDLESS of the REASON for withdrawal, unless and until a paid replacement has been found for that seat from the waiting list. If there is no waiting list, it is the responsibility of the workshop participant to find a replacement.

  FWS reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient enrollment or other reasons beyond our control. If FWS cancels a workshop, applicants will receive a full workshop registration fee refund.

  
  

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• Impactful Watercolor Compositions Workshop by Judy Saltzman

  • Start
    September 10, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 11, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown, 60 S Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Impactful Watercolor Compositions

  with Judy Saltzman

  AWS, NWS, TWSA, FWS, ASMA, WIW

  Wednesday & Thursday, September 10 & 11, 2025

  9:00am - 4:00pm

  
  

  Dive into an exciting 2-day workshop with Judy Saltzman, where creativity takes center stage.  Discover Judy’s signature layering, splattering, and pouring techniques that are FUN and ensure your paintings with depth and drama. Through step-by-step demonstrations, personalized guidance, and provided reference images, you will build confidence and elevate your artistic vision.   

  Supply list will be provided with registration.  

  Cancellation Policy for Workshops

  The Florida Watercolor Society understands that last minute emergencies, illnesses, and schedule conflicts arise that cannot be controlled or predicted. We are very sorry if this happens, but due to contractual expenses and obligations to our Guest Juror/Artist and rental venues, we are not able to make exceptions to our Cancellation Policy.

  The workshop fee includes a 20% non-refundable cancellation charge. Refunds of the full Workshop fees will not be given, REGARDLESS of the REASON for withdrawal, unless and until a paid replacement has been found for that seat from the waiting list. If there is no waiting list, it is the responsibility of the workshop participant to find a replacement.

  FWS reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient enrollment or other reasons beyond our control. If FWS cancels a workshop, applicants will receive a full workshop registration fee refund.

  
  

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• 2025 Annual Convention (attending in person)

  • Start
    September 11, 2025
  • End
    September 13, 2025
  • Location
    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Downtown, 60 South Ivanhoe Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32804
  • Registered
    270 registrants

  ^{LIVE 2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION}

  ^{Join us in Orlando at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Downtown for our 2025 Annual Convention & Trade Show.  Convention Registration includes all live Demos, the Paint-a-Round, Trade Show, and other events, and Replays of all demos available after Convention.}  

  ^{On Thursday, September 11th, the Trade Show will be OPEN from 4:00 - 7:00pm!  It will reopen Friday & Saturday mornings at 9am.}

  ^{On Thursday evening at 7:00pm, we kick off the Convention with a Demonstration by Matthew Bird, our judge & juror for the 54th Annual Exhibition.}

  ^{Exhibition Reception at 6 pm on Friday, September 12th at the Orlando Museum of Art.  It's close and there will be no buses this year.  Carpooling is encouraged.  Please let us know if you plan on attending.}

  ^{Order your Live Convention tickets and options on this registration page. At the end of your order, you will be asked whether you have any guests. Add each guest(s) and order options for them. You will pay once for your completed order. Please be aware that the hotel does not allow food purchased elsewhere to be brought into the Convention venue. Please review your order prior to paying to make sure you have all the options you need.}

  ^{Pre-Register no later than midnight September 1st.
  (Walk-ins may register during the Convention)}

  ^{Optional Items}

  ^{(additional fees apply)}

  Exhibition Review by Matthew Bird will be held on Saturday, 2:30pm. Tickets are required to enter ($10 each).  Seating is limited!  Tickets will not be available at the door.

  ^{Gala Awards Dinner:  Tickets are available for the Gala Awards Dinner on September 13th. Dinner options include Herbed Seared Chicken, Herb Seared Salmon, or TriColored Tortellini. No-host Cocktail Hour between 6:00 - 7:00pm; seating opens at 7:00pm. The costs are $75 per person. You can also add and pay for guests. Be sure to select their dinner menu options.}

  ^{One-on-One Critique with Matthew Bird: Here's your chance to spend 30 minutes with the Annual Judge to get his input on up to ten images of your paintings.  Your time slot will be set in the order in which you registered, after the Demo Schedule is complete.  You will email your images to Kathy Durdin and she will be in touch to schedule you.  First-come, first serve - up to 11 slots available.  You must be registered for the Convention to participate.}

  ^{Only want to attend the Gala Awards Dinner?  You may alternatively purchase tickets ONLY for the Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday evening for yourself and/or your guest(s). Return to the Convention webpage and choose the "GALA ONLY" registration button for the Gala Awards Dinner tickets only. ($75 each)}

  ^{Not Attending Convention in Person?  You may return to the Convention page and choose the Replays ONLY option to order Convention Replays.  Replays will be available a few weeks after Convention.  (All Convention attendees will also receive access to the Replays included with their Registration.) Click here to register for Replays Only:}

   ^{Video Replays Only}
  

  ^{*Walk-ins: Registration opens Thursday afternoon at 4pm; however, if you wait to purchase your ticket at the Convention, you will pay an additional $10 more per ticket and need to wait in line.  Pre-Registration is requested.}

  ^{Hotel Information: You will need to make your own hotel reservations. DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown is offering a discounted room rate of $129/night plus tax for all FWS Convention attendees with a two-night stay. [Insert extended stay option] Please be aware these rooms will sell out quickly. You may not be able to get this rate for all nights you request. Hilton has set up a booking link for our group. To reserve your room, click the link below.} 

  ^{Doubletree by Hilton Reservation}

  
  

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• Trade Show Vendor Registration

  • Start
    September 11, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 13, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    DoubleTree By Hilton Orlando Downtown, 60 South Ivanhoe Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32804

  Registration is closed

  The Florida Watercolor Society Tradeshow Double Tree by Hilton
  60 South Ivanhoe Blvd
  Orlando, Fl. 32804
  888-615-9809

  Discounted Hotel Room Rates: (link)

  $129/night plus taxes
  

  Download the Exhibitor Contract: 

  Contract WORD.docx

  Contract PDF.pdf
  

  
  

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• One-on-One Critique with Matthew Bird

  • When
    September 12, 2025
  • Location
    Dobletree Hotel Downtown Orlando

  
  

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• 54th Annual Exhibition Reception

  • When
    September 12, 2025
  • Location
    Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Avenue, Orlando, Fl

  Registration is closed

  

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• 2025 GALA AWARDS DINNER TICKET ONLY

  • When
    September 13, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Double Tree by Hilton 60 South Ivanhoe Blvd Orlando, Florida 32804
  • Spaces left
    480
  • Registered
    20 registrants

  Registration is closed

  

  ^{This reservation option is available for those who ONLY wish to attend the Gala Awards Dinner, but not the Convention. Deadline is September 4, 2025, with no exceptions.}

  ^{Use this registration page if:}  

  • You ONLY wish to attend the Gala Awards Dinner
  • Your guest(s) will ONLY attend the Gala Awards Dinner

  ^{If you and your guest(s) plan to attend the Convention, you may choose your Gala Awards Dinner option for yourself and your Convention guest(s) when you make your Convention order. If that is you, please return to the Convention webpage and select the Live Convention registration option.}

  If you plan to stay overnight, click this button to book a room at the Doubletree at a discounted rate:

  ^{FWS Discounted Hotel Room Rate}
  

  ^{Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 pm.}

  ^{Awards Gala seating begins at 7:00pm. Dinner will be plated and served based on your selection.}

  ^{Register no later than midnight, September 4th.} 

  ^{MENU CHOICES}

  • Herb-Seared Chicken

  • Herb-Seared Salmon

  • Tri-Color Tortellini

  (Vegetarian option)

  All dinners include salad, sides, dessert, and iced tea.

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