Join us on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10AM, for an incredible book signing experience.
Mary Whyte, the internationally recognized watercolor artist, will discuss her new book entitled An Artist’s Life: Unlocking Creative Expression.
Book will be available for purchase day of event.
Kris Peterson began her career as an Engineering manager at General Motors, but in 1994, tired of the corporate life, she did the improbable and embarked upon a fresh start in Venice, Italy. While there she commenced working as the director for a chain of European galleries and also began experimenting with various ideas and techniques in watercolor.
“I loved the free flow style of watercolor, but needed more precision” said Peterson. “I then discovered that using a variety of different mediums gave me the ability to be unrestrained yet detailed.”
My life careers were in teaching and industrial management. In 1996, wanting to satisfy my creative juices, I decided to try my hand working as a full-time artist. Art & art-related projects have always been a big part of my everyday existence for as long as I can remember. Encouraged by a mentor and friend, I have never looked back.
I love those happy accidents that I see every day in pursuing my passion. I look to the whimsical, contemporary & abstract for inspiration and then just let my thoughts guide my hands. God has truly blessed me.
“I loved the free flow style of watercolor, but needed more precision” said Peterson. “I then discovered that using a variety of different mediums gave me the ability to be unrestrained yet detailed.”
Her work can be found in private European and US collections and galleries.
March 9 – April 9, 2021
Kellogg Gallery
An Herrig Center for the Arts curated exhibition featuring master watercolor artists from around the world. The International Watercolor Society has chapters in over 110 countries, and gathers together one of the largest and most diverse group of watercolor artists and art lovers alike. Being of many nations, cultures, and backgrounds, it provides a platform for the continual development, learning, and sharing of the art of watercolor. In addition to the exchange of ideas between artists in the field and industry, it advocates and supports the next generation of artists with the events and exhibitions that are difficult to come by for many.
This is the inaugural exhibition of the recently formed IWS Florida USA Chapter at Herrig Center for the Arts.
Read: ACM Creates IWS Florida Chapter
Artists from the following countries are represented: Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Germany., India, Iran, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam
We offer a preview below:
Craftsman by Richard Tiegun Chao, Australia
Herrig Center for the Arts has partnered with the International Watercolor Society (IWS) a non-profit worldwide organization, to create a Florida Chapter, one of only five branches in the United States. We are part of their worldwide network of over 100 branches, galleries, and education centers.
The intent in forming a chapter in Florida is to promote the art of watercolor in our community and the state as a whole. The IWS, founded in 2012, is committed to bringing people together despite differences in race, religion, culture and distance. With over 100 branches worldwide, they promote love, peace and harmony around the world through art, the common language of people throughout the world. Education is of great importance to the IWS. Learning and sharing knowledge and experience of watercolor through exhibits, discussion, seminars, workshops and master classes.
As a new member of IWS, we hope to build a membership within Florida. A number of our members are members of The National Watercolor Society and the American Watercolor Society.
Herrig Center for the Arts has scheduled the first Florida International Exhibition, inviting international watercolor artists to display their work in the Kellogg Gallery, the largest of our three galleries. The Exhibit will be on display March 9 through April 9, 2021.
International Watercolor Society Florida USA Exhibit
IWSglobe.org for more information.
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