The purpose of the Mississippi Watercolor Society (MSWS) since its founding is to:

• Promote the artists of the State of Mississippi by hosting exhibits to display their art,
• Advance the standards of the arts by hosting art exhibits that include major artists from other states,
• Advance the skills and achievements of artists by hosting workshops led by nationally known artists,
• Raise the interest of the general public in the arts by offering quality exhibitions,
• Recognize achievements of artists in Mississippi and other states by the bestowing of awards, and
• Recognize individuals whose dedication to the arts has benefited the state.
  

To accomplish the above purpose, the MSWS hosts an annual juried membership show as well as the Grand National Exhibition.  The artists' achievements are recognized at these events through various awards including monetary awards at the annual Grand National.

In addition, the MSWS hosts a major workshop and several smaller ones to enable our members to continue to advance their art.  Workshops have been taught by artists that are recognized both nationally and internationally.  In 2010, Judi Coffey taught our major workshop and judged the Grand National Exhibition.  Other workshop teachers have included Don Andrews, Cheng-Khee Chee, Ratindra Das, Alvaro Casagnet, Frank Francese, Jean Gastorf, Polly Hammett, George James, Carla O'Connor,  and Stephen Quiller.