The 42nd Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition will take place from April 29 through May 30, 2026, at The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Illinois. This annual juried showcase features watercolor, acrylic, and gouache works by artists from across the United States, celebrating a wide range of techniques and perspectives in water-based media.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the ongoing vitality and diversity of contemporary watermedia painting, bringing national attention to a medium often overshadowed by oil and acrylic. It also supports the local cultural scene in Northwest Illinois, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to connect with the public.