The Mobile Arts Council will spotlight two of Alabama’s oldest arts organizations this October, hosting exhibitions by the Watercolor Society of Alabama and the Watercolor & Graphic Arts Society of Mobile.

The shows will open during LoDa ArtWalk on Friday, Oct. 10, with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mobile Arts Council Gallery @ Room 1927. Together, the exhibitions highlight more than eight decades of watercolor and design traditions in the state.

The Watercolor & Graphic Arts Society of Mobile traces its roots to 1948, when it was founded as the Watercolor Society of Mobile. Emerging from the Bayou Painters group, the organization is among Alabama’s oldest art institutions. Founding members included Genevieve Southerland, Edmond deCelle, William Bush and Bea Q. Tucker. The group expanded in 1954 to embrace graphic arts, and its membership now approaches 100.

A nonprofit, the society continues its mission to cultivate appreciation of watercolor and graphic arts through education and exhibitions. It holds at least two shows annually, continuing a legacy of spotlighting Alabama artists.

The Watercolor Society of Alabama predates it by nearly a decade. Established in 1939, the group has promoted watercolor artistry both in the state and across the nation. Its calendar includes juried competitions such as the Annual National Exhibition, the Alabama Members Showcase and an Online Showcase.

In addition to exhibitions, the society supports education with workshops taught by nationally and internationally recognized instructors. It also publishes a quarterly newsletter and organizes traveling exhibitions, ensuring watercolor remains a vital part of Alabama’s cultural landscape.