About the Festival
International Watercolour Festival – Calgary 2026
August 15–23, 2026 • Calgary & Banff, Alberta, Canada
Welcome to the first-ever International Watercolour Festival in Western Canada — a global celebration of watercolour art, set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
From August 15–23, 2026, artists and art lovers from around the world will gather in Calgary and Banff to experience 9 days of inspiration, connection, and creativity. The festival will feature world-class exhibitions, live demonstrations, plein air sessions, immersive workshops, and community art events — all dedicated to the beauty and diversity of watercolour painting.
Our Mission
The International Watercolour Festival aims to:
Celebrate excellence in watercolour on a global scale
Provide a platform for emerging and established artists
Connect local and international art communities
Promote Calgary and Banff as cultural and creative destinations
Inspire the public through accessible, inclusive art events
We believe in the transformative power of art — and that watercolour, in its fluidity and unpredictability, reflects both nature and the human spirit.
Invited Artists
Our 2026 festival will feature an extraordinary lineup of internationally acclaimed watercolour masters, including:
Andy Evansen (USA)
Fabio Cembranelli (Brazil)
Prafull Sawant (India)
Nicolas Lopez (Peru)
Eudes Correia (Brazil/Portugal)
Patricia Guzman (Mexico)
Julia Barminova (Portugal)
Michael Solovyev (Canada)
These artists will lead demonstrations, workshops, and interactive sessions, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from global leaders in the medium.
Festival Features
A juried international exhibition of 100 artworks
Categories: Landscape, Seascape, Cityscape, Figure & Portrait
Live artist demos and talks
Studio and plein air workshops
A vibrant art marketplace and artwork sales
Community events, youth programming, and family-friendly experiences
All set in the beautiful urban & natural spaces of Calgary and Banff
Our Sponsors
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners:
Daniel Smith, Silver Brush Limited, IN ART Studio, Jackson’s Art, Kensington Art Supply, Marriott Bonvoy, cSpace, Sunshine Village, and Artemiranda.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a practicing artist, an educator, a collector, a local resident, or just someone who loves art — we invite you to be part of this exciting journey.
Follow us on social media, subscribe to updates, and join us in making history with the very first International Watercolour Festival in Calgary.
Calgary & Banff | August 15–23, 2026
Questions? Contact us at watercolourcalgary@gmail.com