Each painting accepted into a juried WSO exhibition earns Merit Points. When a member has accumulated ten points, they receive the Bronze Award and Signature Status. After that, the member will continue to accumulate points, working toward higher awards.
Merit Awards receive recognition at conventions. Additionally, logo pins are awarded at some levels. For example, at 25 points, members will receive a silver pin, and at 50 points, a gold pin.
Merit Award Level
Member’s Cumulative Merit Points
Celestial Award
100+ points
Comet Award
75-99 points
Diamond Award
50-74 points
Platinum Award
25-49 points
Gold Award
20-24 points
Silver Award
15-19 points
Bronze Award and Signature Status
10-14 points
Earning Merit Points
Points are earned by having a painting accepted into a WSO exhibition. Additional points are earned by winning awards at a WSO exhibition.
Start now and keep a list of the WSO exhibitions you have been accepted into and the awards received. Download a copy of the Merit Award Worksheet and keep track of your points. When you have earned 10 points, send the form to the Merit Award Chairperson at awards@watercolorsocietyoforegon.com. After you’ve tracked your first 10 points, WSO will keep track of all future points.
Award points for exhibitions from Spring 2009 to present
Exhibition Award
Merit Points Earned
Best of Show (1st Place)
5 points
2nd Place, 3rd Place, or 4th Place Award
4 points
5th Place, 6th Place, and Awards of Distinction
3 points
Accepted into the exhibition but did not earn an Exhibition Award
1 point
Award points for exhibitions Fall 2008 and previous
Exhibition Award
Merit Points Earned
Sweepstakes
5 points
1st Place, 2nd Place, or 3rd Place Award
3 points
Accepted into the exhibition but did not earn an Exhibition Award
