Artist of the Year

This award is a once in a lifetime honor which is awarded to a member of JWS who has contributed their time and energy to keep the organization going and growing, as well as entering JWS juried shows and winning awards. This is not a monetary award. The candidates must be good artists who have donated their time to help the board by accepting a position on the board, chairing shows, chairing committees or other service to JWS.

The Artist of the Year Award consists of a special show of the artist's work, a plaque expressing the gratitude of JWS, and a unique lapel pin. In 2016, the Board of Directors reviewed the original guidelines and processes for AOTY which were in place from 1997 through 2003, updated and approved them for AOTY for 2016 and later years. Click here for guidelines and information form for potential AOTY candidates.

The Artist of the Year honor was awarded to 15 JWS members from 1997 to 2003 and 21 from 2008 to 2022. It was reinstated in 2008 to recognize outstanding service to JWS as well as outstanding art work. Additional information about honorees is available by clicking on the name below.

Congratulations to Geri Groenert
Artist of the Year - 2022

Geri is being honored for her many roles in JWS since 2013 and awards won since 2015.

Although Geri has no formal art education, she's had an interest in art from an early age. However, it wasn't until 2012 when she took a neighborhood class taught by JWS member Babs Lutton, that her fascination with watercolors began. Babs encouraged her to join the Jacksonville Watercolor Society and through it's workshops and programs, Geri was exposed to the fabulous world of watercolor. She will tell you that she is a " home grown product" of this amazing non-profit organization.

Geri immediately became a part of JWS signing up to be on the phone committee, and attending meetings early to help with set up. She volunteered as a door greeter and raffle person at the monthly meetings. Geri, as Treasurer, for 4 years, attended every show take-in, (pre PayPal), kept the JWS books balanced and was an active member of the Board. She also served on the AOTY committee for 2 yrs as the Board representative. In 2022, Geri stepped in to become VP of Programs and additionally added Co-VP of workshops to her list of volunteer positions for JWS in 2023.

Geri's first show award came in 2015, and 4 more have been added to her accomplishments. The inspiration for her paintings comes from nature, flowers, birds and dogs. All things she loves.

Geri was born in Abergavenny, a small village in southeastern Wales UK. She was raised in a USAF family and married a Naval pilot. She moved frequently and has lived throughout Europe, North Africa, the Caribbean and the United States. Geri's home has been in St Augustine for the past 16 years. Other life accomplishments include raising identical twin sons and being a 5 yr master gardener with St Johns county. Her great uncle is Welsh Watercolorist William Seale circa 1930 -1960.

Congratulations to Geri on her accomplishments, and earning the honor of being the Artist of the Year for 2022.

Artist of the Year 1997 - 2003, 2008 - 2021

This page is still a work in process --with miscellaneous images in place of Show cards available and links to information about each honoree.

The Artist of the Year honor was awarded to JWS members from 1997 to 2003 and from 2008 to 2022. It was reinstated in 2008 to recognize outstanding service to JWS as well as outstanding art work. Additional information about honorees is available by clicking on the image and/or name below.

1997

Becky Woodward
Gloria Patterson
Marie Shell

1998

Joan Wellings
Leigh Murphy

1999

Margie Campbell
Toni Charneco

2000

Mary Borshard & Martha Finger

2001

Rosamond Parrish
Neil Kelsey

2002

Judy Lavoie
Charles Stratmann