The Watercolor Society of Alabama’s 69th Annual Exhibition which runs through July 17 at the Johnson Center for the Arts in Troy is proving to be one of the most popular exhibitions at the local arts center.

The exhibition features the 17 award winners who were selected from 101 works by artists from 22 states.

Wiley White, Center development director, said response to the exhibition has been very positive from all who have visited the Johnson Center for the Arts.

“The school groups that visited the watercolor exhibition have loved it,” White said. “It’s very colorful and the children could relate to the artwork. Susan Berry, a Johnson Center docent, led the school tours and the children were impressed by the fact that such incredible works of art could be produced using watercolors that are basically the same as those that come in the tin watercolor boxes they have at school and at home.”

While all young eyes were on the art, adults who have visited the Johnson Center for the Arts have been impressed with the facility as well as the quality of the artwork, White said.

Marilyn Phillis of Wheeling, West Virginia, was the juror for the exhibition, which was selected from more than 300 submissions to the annual competition.

“Marilyn Phillis said she was so excited about the facility that she could hardly sleep that first night she was here,” White said.

“She said she was amazed that a small town like Troy could have such an outstanding facility and such high quality exhibitions. She has a friend who works for American Artist Magazine and she was going to suggest that the magazine do an article about the Johnson Center for the Arts. She was blown away by our facility and it’s exciting to know that someone of her standing in the arts appreciates what we have.”

The Watercolor Society of Alabama’s exhibition features some of the most outstanding artwork by watercolor artists from across the nation.

“This is a national exhibit and it includes a large number of Alabama artists,” White said. “Seventeen awards were presented and the works are labeled as winners of the 69th annual Watercolor Society of Alabama’s exhibition,” White said.

Some of the artists have achieved Signature Status, which is awarded to those who have received awards at the required number of exhibitions.

“Signature Status is a big deal,” White said. “The Watercolor Society of Alabama’s exhibition is so varied that everyone should be able to find something that appeals to him or her. It is a wonderful exhibition and we invite everyone to visit the Johnson Center during this special exhibition.”

Hours for the Johnson Center for the Arts are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.

The Johnson Center for the Arts is located at 300 East Walnut Street in Troy in the former Troy Post Office building.