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By name, the Virginia Watercolor Society’s annual exhibition seems limited to one medium. This medium, however, is anything but limiting.

“Traditionally, watercolors were transparent,” said Karen Schwartz, a local artist. “But watercolor is a lot more than that.”

It can be utilized as transparent washes, Schwartz said. But it can also be a thick paint, or even combined and layered with other mediums.

“It lends itself to a lot of manipulation and various techniques,” she said.

The 37th annual Virginia Watercolor Society Exhibition showcases the vibrant, varied world of watercolor and watermedia. The exhibit runs May 20 through June 25 at Gloucester Arts on Main, open to the public and free of charge.

Though headquartered in Williamsburg, the society includes members from around the state, and a different locale hosts the annual juried exhibition each year. This year, Gloucester and Mathews counties partnered to host the event, with the exhibition in Gloucester and a corresponding artist workshop held at Mathews’ Bay School Community Arts Center.

Schwartz, a society member since 2002, joins more than 100 artist members accepted to this year’s exhibition. Juror Mel Stabin whittled nearly 450 entries down, and he will further narrow the pool this weekend in deciding the top awards.

“These are really high-end artists,” Schwartz said. “I feel like I am really included among terrific company when I do get accepted.”

Many members of Virginia Watercolor Society also participate with the National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society and Southern Watercolor Society, Schwartz said.

Other Williamsburg artists accepted to this year’s exhibition include Lynn Hosegood, Jan Ledbetter and Amy Snowden.

“There’s landscapes. There’s still lifes. There are mixed media pieces,” said Leslie Belvin, exhibition co-chair. “There’s a lot of variety in this show.”

Belvin helped remove packaging from the paintings on Monday, in preparation for their mounting in the gallery.

“The vibrant colors on some of these paintings are just so eye-catching,” Belvin said. “It’s amazing what people can achieve with watercolor.”

The exhibition kicks off with an opening reception on Friday. Many of the exhibiting artists will be present, available to speak with the public about their work. On Saturday morning, juror Mel Stabin will discuss his selection process – Stabin himself is an internationally known watercolor artist, author and teacher.

“We value the arts so much in Gloucester,” said Bill Andersen, exhibition co-chair. “We look forward to sharing it with the community.”

Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.

Want to go?

Opening reception: 6-9 p.m., May 20

Juror talk: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., May 21

Gallery hours: 12-5 p.m., May 21; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., May 22; 12-5 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays, May 23-June 25

Where: Gloucester Arts on Main, 6580 Main St., Gloucester Courthouse

Info: virginiawatercolorsociety.org