2026 NORTH AMERICAN OPEN Exhibition
November 5, 2026 To December 5, 2026
OPEN FOR ENTRIES: June 1, 2026
SUBMISSIONS CLOSED: August 28, 2026
NOTE:
Artists will be notified of acceptance by September 24, 2026
HOSTED BY:
New England Watercolor Society
at the Plymouth Center for the Arts (artsplymouth.org)
11 North Street Plymouth, MA 02360 (map)
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Wednesday-Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Sunday, 1pm to 4pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
ELIGIBILITY:
Open to artists 18 and older residing in North America.
See the detailed eligibility requirements HERE.
SIZE RESTRICTION:
Paintings may not exceed 46 inches in width, including frame (outside dimensions).
Geoff Allen is a nationally recognized watercolor artist and instructor whose work captures the spirit of place through expressive plein air and studio paintings. His teaching emphasizes confident brushwork, value structure, and disciplined use of color, and he has led workshops and demonstrations for societies and ateliers across the country.
Geoff will serve as Juror of Selection and Juror of Awards for the 2026 exhibition.
Workshop with Geoff Allen October 30 – November 1, 2026
Geoff will lead a three-day watercolor workshop at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, immediately preceding the show's opening.
The workshop registration process, pricing, and workshop details are available HERE.
Space is limited for this workshop. NEWS members will have registration priority.
Geoff will also give a FREE artist demo on Thursday, October 29, from 6 – 8 pm, open to the public.
Important dates and times...
| 24-Sep-2026 | Accepted artists posted on NEWS website |
| 23-Oct-2026 | Shipped works due at Plymouth Center for the Arts |
| 25-Oct-2026 | Drop off Works at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11am to 2pm |
| 29-Oct-2026 | Artist Demo with Geoff Allen, 6 to 8 pm |
| 30-Oct to 1-Nov-2026 | Workshop with Geoff Allen |
| 5-Nov-2026 | Show Opens |
| 15-Nov-2026 | Reception & Awards Presentation, 2 to 4pm |
| 5-Dec-2026 | Show Closes |
| 6-Dec-2026 | Pick up paintings at PCA, Noon to 3pm |
| Note: Shipped artwork will be packed & returned after 7-Dec-2026 |
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2026 WATERCOLOR GONE WILD All Members Show
November 6, 2026 To January 13, 2027
OPEN FOR ENTRIES: August 29, 2026
SUBMISSIONS CLOSED: October 1, 2026
NOTE:
Artists will be notified of acceptance by October 9, 2026
HOSTED BY:
New England Watercolor Society
at the Plymouth Center for the Arts (artsplymouth.org)
11 North Street Plymouth, MA 02360 (map)
HOURS OF OPERATION:
March-December:
Wednesday-Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Sunday, 1pm to 4pm
January-February:
Wednesday-Saturday, 11am to 3pm
Sunday, Noon to 3pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
ELIGIBILITY:
Open to all Members of New England Watercolor Society.
Here is your chance to enter artwork not permitted in other NEWS shows. Have fun and experiment
SIZE RESTRICTION:
Paintings may not exceed 30 inches in width, including frame (outside dimensions).
Important dates and times...
| 29-Aug-2026 | Open for Entries | 1-Oct-2026 | Deadline for submissions (Smarter Entry) |
| 9-Oct-2026 | Accepted artists posted on NEWS website |
| 4-Nov-2026 | Shipped works due at Plymouth Center for the Arts |
| 5-Nov-2026 | Drop off Works at Plymouth Center for the Arts, Noon to 2pm |
| 6-Nov-2026 | Show Opens |
| 13-Jan-2027 | Show Closes |
| 14-Jan-2027 | Pick up paintings at PCA, Noon to 2pm |
| Note: Shipped artwork will be packed & returned after 15-Jan-2027 |
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