Two Vancouver artists are set to be featured in the Northwest Watercolor Society’s 76th annual International Open Exhibition at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center from April 18 through June 3.
Bev Jozwiak and Lynda Raven Brake join 54 other artists from 17 states and four countries in having their paintings shown at the event. The paintings were chosen out of 400 submissions.
“The accepted paintings reflect the immense talent, thoughtfulness and skill of artists dedicated to watercolor, including many pieces from well-known, award-winning national and international artists,” said Debbie Roskopf, co-chair of the watercolor society, in a press release. “This exhibition will celebrate the versatility of the medium and inspire everyone who visits.”
Jozwiak is no stranger to the art world of the Pacific Northwest. Born in Vancouver, she continues to reside here with her husband of 30 years.
If You Go
• What: Northwest Watercolor Society’s 76th Annual International Open.
• Where: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040.
• When: April 18-June 3. The public and media are invited to the artists’ reception and awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28 at the Mercer Island Community Center.
• Information: www.nwws.org; Paula Wickersham, NWWS publicity chair, at paulawickersham@gmail.com or 425-281-2392; or Charlette Haugen, NWWS president, 206-282-1813 or chhaugen@aol.com.
She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Washington University, and her work is hanging in seven galleries across Washington and Oregon. She has had showings throughout the world, including the Shenzhen Watercolour Biennial China show from 2013 to 2014.
She is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and the Northwest Watercolor Society, among others. Additionally, she is the winner of numerous awards, has been featured in multiple magazines and books, including 11 “Best of Watercolor” books.
She is also the author of “Painting Life With Life,” a 164-page hardbound book focusing on painting people and animals. When not in Vancouver, she teaches at various institutions across the country.
Her painting titled “Attitude” will be on display on Mercer Island. The painting is of her granddaughter, a professional ballerina. Throughout her career, Jozwiak has featured images of her daughters and grandchildren in her work. Her genres include animals, birds and people.
Lynda Raven Brake’s painting “Tulips and Crystal” also will also be on display in the Mercer Island show. Brake has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from Texas State University and a Master of Arts in art therapy from Southwestern College.
She lived in New Mexico after graduation, focusing her work on the landscapes and people of the region, and was a signature member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society, as well as its exhibit chair for two years.
Brake moved to Vancouver 11 years ago and is a member of the Northwest Watercolor Society, Southwest Washington Watercolor Society and the Oregon Society of Artists. This is Brake’s second acceptance into the NWWS Open International Exhibition since joining the society in 2013.
When asked about her work, Brake takes a philosophical approach: “My goal with art is to help the viewer see what is missed in their everyday busy lives,” she said.
