It is an honor to serve as the juror of selection and awards for the 2026 Ohio Watercolor Society exhibition. The experience has been both humbling and rewarding.

This year's entries reflected the strength and vitality of watercolor, offering diverse themes, unique artistic voices, and expressive use of the medium. After carefully reviewing the submissions many times, I selected a collection that I believe forms a compelling and engaging exhibition.

No jury process is entirely free from personal response. While I sought to be as objective as possible, certain paintings drew me back repeatedly. In the end, it was their unmistakable "magnetic quality"—their ability to move, surprise, and linger in the mind—that earned them a place in the exhibition. They may not have been perfect, but they were memorable, authentic,

and emotionally resonant.

I thank every artist who shared their work and congratulate both those selected and those who participated. My sincere appreciation also goes to the Ohio Watercolor Society board, members, and volunteers whose dedication made this exhibition possible.

I hope you enjoy the exhibition as much as I did.

Ratindra Das

AWS (DF), NWS (GM), TWSA Distinguished Master