MTWS Mission Statement
MTWS Mission Statement
To encourage the advancement, study, appreciation, and creation of works in watercolor
and other watermedia in Montana and elsewhere.
Embedded Files
Who are we?
Who are we?
In 1983, a small group of watercolorists met in Missoula and asked each other why Montana did not have an
organization just for watermedia artists. Out of that meeting came the Montana Watercolor Society.
Click on the Contact tab for our current Board and Chairpersons' contact info.
What is our story?
What is our story?
The MTWS Story by Founding Member Marjorie Harper
Back in the 1970's there were occasional painting workshops in Missoula given by local artists. Don Emblem, an accountant who regularly attended these workshops, kept after me about getting a watercolor society going. (He actually ended up being the MTWS treasurer for years.) Margaret Mudd and I were friends and we both were acquainted with Lee Morrison. Lee was the matriarch of the art world in Missoula, she was the glue that held the art community together and she had so many contacts. Margaret and I approached her with the idea, and before we knew it she had Jim Haughey of Billings doing the legal set up for the organization and Jean Halverson hired as our first judge. We paid these wonderful people with a Signature Membership. There obviously was a need because the organization grew and has flourished. We started the practice of having our judge for the Water Media show give a workshop as a way to get quality instruction here in Montana. There were lots of members who needed an avenue for showing their work, so we came up with the idea of a Members Show, and Lewistown graciously agreed to host this show. Getting the MTWS started and meeting the artists from all over the State was an incredible experience. Margaret Mudd has moved out of state and Lee has left us to paint flowers that we can only imagine. The friendship Lee and I developed went way beyond art and I'm eternally grateful for the time we had. Those who have taken over the jobs we once did have done a wonderful job. I can't believe all the great presidents this organization has had. I hope everyone appreciates the hard work these people put into this organization, so that we can all take up our paint brushes and put our heart & souls in full color on paper.
MTWS is offering a way to pay online by scanning the QR code below
MTWS is now accepting payments through the secure, point-of-sale platform, Clover®.
Scan the QR code to the right with your smartphone camera and click on the link to the payment window. Fill in the amount and other info, and be sure to add on the “Note” line what you are paying for.
Montana Watercolor Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We welcome donations to support our mission! If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation using the QR code, please include 'Donation' in the note area, as well as your mailing address if you would like a donation receipt. If you would like to send a donation by check, email MTWS Treasurer Jo Kopp at jokopp100@live.com for the mailing address. Make the check out to Montana Watercolor Society, and note that it is a 'Donation' on the memo line.
501(c)(3) non-profit
© 2026 Montana Watercolor Society Copyright Policy.
© 2026 Montana Watercolor Society Copyright Policy.
All artwork presented on this website is covered under copyright. Any copying, downloading, or attempting to recreate any of the artwork presented on this website is strictly prohibited by law. All designs, whether final or preliminary, remain the property of the members of the Montana Watercolor Society and cannot be transmitted, redistributed, copied, shared, or otherwise in any form without prior written consent of the artist.
Page updated
Report abuse