3/15/2026 Artist Reception for WATERCOLOR 2026 at The Norris Gallery in St. Charles, IL...Sneak Peek Here of Winners and Others...

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: "Temple Gate" by Daniel Danielson; Judge Megan Ripke states: "this piece has a very Impressionistic feel to it...I love the imaginative quality of it as well as the uncontrolled drips and unfinished area at the bottom. You're not given all the information which keeps the viewer engaged." Scroll down to view more winners and others...

On display through April 2, 2026, this show features 97 pieces with the ARTIST RECEPTION on March 15 from 2-4 PM. The Norris Gallery is located on the campus of St. Charles East High School at 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles, IL. The show is exceptional -- Judge Megan Ripke obviously faced a very challenging job! Be sure to stop by and admire all the talent that's jam-packed into this exhibit. All pieces are for sale, and trust me, you'll be tempted!

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: "Forgotten i time" by Fatima Figueiredo. Judge Megan's comments: "The composition is very strong, and the painting is very well executed. There is a good balance of warm and cool colors. The autumn trees are conveyed without over-working them. It's very clear that the focus is on the barn."

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: "Ends of the Earth" by Laurel McGuire. Judge Megan states: "This painting is technically very well done. The greens are handled very nicely. I love the creative narrative. It leads you to wonder about the story behind the painting."

THERE ARE SIX HONORABLE MENTION WINNERS -- Congratulations!

Jacqueline DeClute: Autumn Chroma

Deborah Freerkson: Winter Holiday

Mary Elly Segraves: Northwoods Morning

Pattie Linden Seifrid" Ephram Crossing

Thomas Trausch: Walter and Martha

Rosalie White: Upstream

"Prismatic Pansies" by the show's judge, MEGAN RIPKE

"Wandering About" by Randy Craig -- although not an award winner, it offers a very interesting composition and when you see it in person, it is unframed with the watercolor paper showing a deckled edge and adhered to a canvas backing -- very unique way of finishing the piece.

"Fall Harvest" by Gary R. Wigman, Sr....not an award winner but I LOVE the lighting in this piece -- almost magical. The reflections on the apples make them look robust, juicy, tempting! And the contrast of the green towel -- really offsets the piece well.

"Idaho Hike" by Eric Ashenhurst... not an award winner but it conveys a hiking day so well -- the mood is contagious to the viewer -- a celebration of nature and the day ahead to bask in it.

"Flamingo Squared" by Wendi Lam Thourson...not an award winner but I really like the rainy night, moody urban view not to mention all the work of painting the lit-up windows! It has a realistic feel and the reflections are wonderful.