Local FKWCS Exhibitions

"Art in the Park" Florida Keys Celtic Festival

FKWCS members have been invited to participate in this year’s “Art in the Park” at the Celtic Festival by exhibiting their art work. The Festival will be held January 9th, 10th and 11th, located at the Marathon Community Park. If you are interested in submitting your work and/or volunteering, let us know by signing up.  To sign up, go the the Members section of the navigational bar located at the top of this page. Scroll down to the Events Sign-up button and the Volunteer Sign-up button. Fill out the form and the information will be automatically sent to FKWCS. We will follow-up with you with further information

FKWCS Exhibition at Artists in Paradise Gallery

We have arranged for an exhibition during the month of January 2026 by members (only) of FKWCS in the front window of Artists in Paradise Gallery, in Big Pine Key.  There will be a $10.00 fee to exhibit one painting for sale.  A commission of 20% of the proceeds will go to FKWCS. If you are interested in submitting art work, sign up on the “Events Sign-Up” located  under “Members” in the navigational bar at the top of this page. More information to be announced.

2026 Annual FKWCS Exhibition at the Marathon Community Theatre

We are dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic exchange with our members and the community.  Each year the Florida Keys Watercolor Society (FKWCS)  partners with the Marathon Community Theatre  (MCT) to showcase our member’s art during the MCT theatrical productions. All art exhibited is for sale!   

2025 Jan Lawliss People's Choice Award

The 2025 FKWCS Exhibition Jan Lawliss People’s Choice Award was  given to Sandy Metinis.  Her work, entitled,  “Lila in Key West”

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“Lilia in Key West”

The 2026 FKWCS Exhibition will open in conjunction with the Marathon Community Theatre's presentation of The Little Shop of Horrors!  

Frame 1171274536 min

FKWCS Exhibition Opening Party: February 21st Open to FKWCS Members Only.  Time to be Announced

Press Night:  February 19th 2026  Open to FKWCS Members.  Time to be Announced   

Location: Theatre Lounge  5101 Overseas Hwy. Marathon FL. 33030             

Website: marathontheatre.org

Exhibition and Performance Dates and Times:       

  • February 26, 27, 28 at 8pm
  • March 5, 6, 7 at 8pm
  • March 8 at 3pm Sunday Matinee
  • March 12, 13, 14 at 8pm         
  • March 15 at 3pm Sunday       
  • Matinee March 19, 20, 21 at 8pm

FKWCS Exhibition Set Up:  February 16 

Take Down Date:  March 23rd.

 

2026 MCT Exhibition Details

Set Up and Take Down Times

If you are interested in submitting your work for the FKWCS Annual Exhibit, sign up to let us know you are planning on submitting and how many paintings you are intending to submit. Go the the “Members” section in the navigation bar (click on it) and scroll down to “Event Sign-up”.  This will notify the Committee Chair that you are interested in submitting in the 2026 Annual FKWCS Exhibition.

Set up times will be announced.  Please drop off your paintings at the MCT at  5101 Overseas Highway, Ocean in Marathon. Make sure that you follow all the directions regarding pricing, title, and completely  prepared forms (see below under Exhibitor Requirements).

Volunteers are Needed

Assistance in setting up the exhibit as well as “show sitters” are welcomed and needed.   Although, it is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated that members who choose to exhibit their art, consider volunteering a few hours to ” Show Sit”.  Show sitting hours will correspond with each production.Go the the “Members” section in the navigation bar (click on it) and scroll down to “Event Sign-up”.  This will notify the Committee Chair that you are interested in submitting in the 2026 Annual FKWCS Exhibition.

Show Sitting Details

During the month long period in which the FKWCS Exhibit is open to the public, the exhibit requires a member to be present prior to the beginning of the MCT performance as well as being present during the intermission. The role of the show sitter is to: 

  • Represent the FKWCS     
  • Greet the public
  • Encourage participation in the Jan Lawliss People’s Choice Award nomination    
  • Gather the nomination forms and place in the box provided  

Exhibitor Requirements

  • All exhibitors must be FKWCS members in good standing.
  • All artwork must be for sale. A 20% commission fee supports community arts through MCT productions.
  • You are welcome to submit up to 5 paintings each, however size does matter. Please speak to the  Exhibition Chair if you have large pieces to submit.
  • Each painting must have two forms filled out for each painting submitted.
  • Each painting must have the filled out “Front Painting Info”  and “Back Painting Info” (see the link to print out forms) attached to the bottom right corner of the painting. Exhibition Painting Form  
  • Each painting must have the filled out “Back Painting Info” (see the link to print out forms) attached to the back of the painting. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Exhibitions

What paintings are eligible for an FKWCS Exhibition?
  • All paintings must be original works using water-soluble media.
  • No reproductions or preprinted images are allowed.
  • Work must be original from concept to completion and not a copy, likeness, or direct derivative of another person’s creative work (including photos, digital images, or prints).
  • Paintings completed in workshops or under classroom supervision are not permitted.
  • Work must be completed within the last two years and not previously exhibited in an FKWCS show.

✅ Allowed: Watercolor, acrylic, water-soluble oil, water-based pencils, casein, gouache, egg tempera, acrylic ink, batik (water media with wax resist).
❌ Not Allowed: Pastels, charcoal, alcohol ink, and oil. 

  • FKWCS accepts paintings on:

    • Watercolor paper, Yupo paper, watercolor canvas, matboard, Claybord, Aquabord, rice paper, and Tyvek. 

Yes, only if all elements are made using water-based mediums created by the artist. No reproductions or preprinted materials are allowed.

Each artist may submit up to five works. Of course, this depends on the size of each painting. If you have any questions, contact the Exhibition Committee Chair.

  • Maximum frame size: 48 inches on any side.
  • Displayed painting size within the mat: No smaller than 80 square inches (with no side smaller than 8 inches).
  • Frame width: Not exceeding 3 inches (plain and unadorned).
  • Frames must be wood or metal in gold, silver, black, brown, white, or natural wood tones.
  • Frames must be plain and unadorned (no beading, distressed painting, or elaborate designs).
  • Cradled Claybord or Aquabord do not require framing if the painting is waxed or varnished.

🚫 No, glass is NOT allowed. Plexiglass must be used.

    • Waxed or varnished paintings on Cradlebord or Aquabord do not require plexiglass.

Mats or liners must be white or light neutral colors.

  • Paintings must not be a copy, likeness, or direct derivative of another person’s creative work.
  • If your painting is based on a photo, you must have taken the photo yourself.

A special public voting award given during the exhibition. More details will be announced at the event.

📩 Still have questions? Contact us at fkwcs@gmail.com

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