Learn what KW Society of Artists is all about!

A Society of Artists

KW Society of Artists is over 80 years old and we have approximately 135 members. KWSA has members who are hobbyists, as well as many part-time and full-time professional artists in our membership.  As a social organization, our meetings are oriented towards conversation, presentations and announcements. Networking among fellow artists is the foundation of KWSA, and we always welcome new and prospective members.  Our members volunteer to make the group a vibrant and exciting community where artists network, mingle and share learning experiences. Learn more about the history of KWSA here.
Events and Upcoming Art Shows
Find out where you can view and purchase some great art locally produced by our KWSA members. Learn when we are holding our Event Openings and Artist Talks. Come out to our events to learn and to support the Artists in your community.

Each year KWSA puts on a minimum of two shows featuring our members work:  an open artwork exhibition, and a professionally juried show. Our yearly KWSA Juried show is typically held in late spring. This past year it was held in May at Homer Watson House and Art Gallery in Kitchener. Our Open member's show is typically held in June at the Button Factory on Regina St. in Waterloo. 

We have shown our works at a number of other venues, such as the Kitchener City Hall and Libraries, Cafes and Office buildings where our members, as a cooperative effort, arrange art shows around the Waterloo region. Other exhibits are announced as information is available. Follow KWSA on Facebook or on the KWSA blog to find out all the latest news. 
OUR MEMBERS
If you are looking for a unique shopping experience, you will enjoy browsing through our Artists pages where you will find examples of art work and direct links to many of our members websites. You might find a new painting, a fabric bag or scarf, some jewellery items or a sculpture for your home or garden.  Many of our members have an online website presence where you can purchase art directly from the artist. Enjoy a virtual studio tour at any time of the day or night! Use the contact information on each artist's page to contact the artist concerning questions or purchase information.
  
JOIN KWSA
Learn how you can become a member of KWSA. KWSA members have many opportunities to exhibit and sell their work at local venues as well as online. We relay locally relevant calls-for-entry to our members so no one misses an opportunity to exhibit their work. Our meetings inspire creativity, motivate you and train you to upgrade your art skills and business practices. You will also receive discounts at local stores when purchasing art supplies. Besides all that, you will make new friends who share your passion for creating and make connections with people who can help you further your art career.
Membership Benefits
- Opportunity to enter your artwork into our annual exhibits.
- 10% off with membership card at Curry's and State of the Art stores.
- Attend monthly meetings - demonstrations of techniques, professional business discussions etc.
- Notice of Calls for Artists opportunities via membership emails each month 
- Networking with and learning from other Artists in the KW area
- Website presence. Each member is able to have their own member's page on our website to showcase examples of their art and provide a link to your website or contact information. This is a free service for our members
- Access to the members only area of the website where we share further discussions in the Forum, a member's only blog, and various archived helpful articles for learning and professional development.
Monthly Meetings
Our monthly meetings generally run from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the first floor of the Button Factory. We have a short business meeting, refreshments and mingling time. Then we usually have a speaker or demonstration at each meeting.  Some of the topics covered in 2016 were: 
- Sharing our Passion for Art within the Community - Jennifer Gough
- Art Therapy - Heidi Argyle
- the work of Robert Achtemichuk - painting
- Overcoming Creativity Blocks - Johanna Wrobleska
- Nicole Waddick's Work - Ceramic Sculpture
- Portrait Demonstration - Andrew Sookrah
- Fabio Gasbarri's Work - Drawing
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We also hold a Christmas party in December and a summer potluck reception for the June meeting.
What's Happening in our Region?
We share information on the KWSA Arts Blog and on our Facebook page about Visual Arts News and Events that are happening in Waterloo region. KWSA Arts Blog will be the GO-TO place to find out about KWSA events and artists as well as your visual arts community news.
Donations and Sponsorship 
Learn how you can become a financial supporter of the Arts in your community. We are looking for businesses and individuals who would like to support our Community Arts Projects. From providing locations and communicating about opportunities for shows and exhibits, to advertising on our printed materials, to funding our website, to donating to a specific KWSA project that would be of benefit to our community, we would love to hear how you or your business would like to get involved in the Arts Community in the KW area.
Opportunities for Commissions
If you are interested in commissioning an artist to create something special for you, feel free to send a note to the group using our Contact Form. We will email our members and they will contact you if their schedule is currently open for accepting commissions. We connect you with our artists, and you can take it from there.
Follow us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter and post using the tag @KWSocietyArtist
Art Appraisals
Sorry, but we are not equipped to provide art appraisals. The Professional Art Dealers Association of Canada can provide contact information for commercial galleries which offer this service. Professional Art Dealers Association of Canada

111 Peter Street, Suite 501
Toronto, Ontario  
M5V 2H1  Canada  
Tel: 416 934 1583  
Toll-free number: 1 866 435 ADAC (2322)
Fax: 416 934 1584
Email: info@ad-ac.ca  Web site: www.ad-ac.ca