Shakespeare famously asked, “What’s in a name?” Recently, as some art organizations have reconsidered how they present themselves to the public, the Board of Wild Over Watercolor – Guild of Artists (WOW!) found itself asking a similar question: Should we remove the word “guild” from our name?
After all, several arts organizations have modernized their branding in recent years. The Oregon Society of Artists, for example, recently became the Oregon Art Center in an effort to appear more contemporary and inclusive. Whether such changes ultimately strengthen an organization’s identity remains a matter of opinion.
Before making any decisions, however, we took a closer look at the meaning of the word “guild.”
A guild is traditionally defined as an association of people who share a common craft, trade, or profession and who come together to support one another, develop their skills, uphold standards of excellence, and promote their work. In other words, a guild is a community built around learning, encouragement, and shared passion.
The more we reflected on that definition, the more we realized how perfectly it describes who we are. Rather than sounding outdated, the word “guild” captures our mission with remarkable clarity. The discussion ended there.
Wild Over Watercolor, or WOW! as we affectionately call ourselves, is a group of watercolor artists who meet regularly at the Tualatin Heritage Center and have done so for nearly twenty years. Today, nearly forty members bring a wide range of artistic backgrounds, experiences, and creative perspectives to the group. What unites them is a shared love of watercolor and a commitment to artistic growth.
Like the guilds of old, WOW! provides opportunities for learning, mentoring, and fellowship. Members share techniques, exchange ideas, encourage experimentation, and celebrate one another’s successes. The result is a vibrant, creative community where artists continue to challenge themselves while developing lasting friendships.
One of the highlights of each year is WOW!’s annual exhibition at the Keizer Art Association Gallery in Keizer, Oregon. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to see the remarkable range of expression possible in watercolor. This year’s show will feature approximately 20 artists exhibiting between 60 and 65 original works.
Visitors can expect a diverse collection of paintings that showcase both traditional and innovative approaches to watercolor. Landscapes, florals, portraits, abstracts, and imaginative works will demonstrate the versatility of the medium and the unique artistic voices within the guild. As in previous years, the exhibition promises to be rich in color, creativity, and technical excellence.
We are especially pleased that well-known Oregon artist and local favorite Liz Walker of Beaverton will serve as juror for this year’s exhibition, selecting award recipients and recognizing outstanding achievement among the participating artists.
The exhibition will be on display throughout the month of August at the Keizer Art Association Gallery, located on the second floor of the Keizer Art Center at 980 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer, Oregon. Convenient parking and elevator access make the gallery easy to visit.
An awards reception will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Guests will have an opportunity to meet artists, view the artwork, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the creativity of the region’s watercolor community. Admission is free, and the public is warmly invited to attend.
“If you plan to visit the show, gallery hours throughout August may vary but are generally Tuesdays from 3 pm – 7 pm, Wednesdays – Fridays from 1 pm – 5 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm. Visitors are encouraged to check the Keizer Art Association website before attending. Additional information about the exhibition, classes, workshops, and other events can also be found there.”
Additional information about the exhibition, the juror, and WOW! membership opportunities can be found at www.wowiswatercolor.org.
WOW! welcomes new members who are seeking artistic growth, constructive feedback, encouragement, and community. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Tualatin Heritage Center. The group also hosts a number of lively Zoom art sessions. Visitors are always welcome to attend a meeting, meet members, and learn more about the organization. Dates and times are listed on the website along with a way to RSVP your interest.
Whether you are an artist looking for community or an art lover looking for inspiration, we invite you to discover what a guild can still offer in the twenty-first century: connection, creativity, and the shared pursuit of excellence.
For more information, contact Angela Wrahtz, President of WOW!, at angela.wrahtz@comcast.net.
