American Watercolor Society

Such membership in the society now is considered an indication of the painter having established a consistent style and to have demonstrated considerable skill in the medium.

The applicant usually must demonstrate a history of winning prizes in juried art shows with professional standing to gain admission.

This type of membership in the society, generally, is signalled by "AWS" following the painter's name in promotional materials and biographies.

[1] Initially, it was difficult to draw in new members, partially because some artists of the time opposed the society's policy of allowing women to join.

The New York Water Color Club (NYWC) was founded in 1890, accepting both men and women artists as members and officers, and held its first exhibition that year.