“Our goal back then was to promote professional watercolor in the community,” explained Kay Smith, a founding member of the Society. “Now we’re looking forward to our 10th anniversary.”

Saturday, “Arting Around,” a show comprised of artwork by the six members of the Caboose Watercolor Society, will debut at the Heritage Museum. A reception is planned from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The show will remain on display through Oct. 27.

“We invite everyone to come out Saturday. It’s a chance to view the art and meet some of the artists,” said Nancy Raney, museum director. “These ladies have such incredible talent.”

Three artists — Smith, Carole Berry and Linda Rupard — formed the painting group in 1997. Rupard and Smith had studios in Railroad Plaza area of downtown Big Spring, in the caboose and boxcar, respectively. Hence the name, the Caboose Watercolor Society.

The women wanted to promote the watercolor medium and desired a change from a structured art organization that required dues, monthly meets and required shows.

“At that time, oil was still king,” explained Smith. “Now, watercolor is the most popular medium in the world.”

The original group included Betty Conley and Judy Gibbs, both now deceased, and Becky Smiley, who left Big Spring. Current members are Smith, Rupard and Berry, who now resides in Atlanta, Texas, local residents Sue Bagwell and Estelle Howard, and Colorado City resident Leada Wood. They are all professional artists.

“We’ve always had an excellent turnout at our shows. Private sales remain strong, and we teach, too,” said Smith. “We try to have a show annually. They are not juried shows. We hold them to help make people award of the medium. We meet whenever we get around to it.”

The Caboose Watercolor Society has held shows in various West Texas communities.

The group will hold another show opening in November called “Dear Santa,” that will feature paintings of Santa Claus, said Smith.

Saturday’s reception is free to the public.