We. Are. Pastelists.
The Pastel Society of the West Coast is proud to offer its members exemplary opportunities for education, competition and community.
Top News
Congratulations to our award winners!
View the awarded winners and all accepted works here.
40th Annual International Open Juried Exhibition
Visual Experience Fine Art Gallery (VEFA), Torrance, CA
August 1 – September 12, 2026
Special One-Day Workshop with Otto Stürcke
August 22nd
Spend the day at the VEFA Gallery: enjoy a hands‑on workshop, then dive into the 99 Voices exhibition for twice the creative spark!
Black & White Pastel Workshop: Techniques to Elevate Your Monochromatic Painting
Otto will guide participants in creating expressive monochromatic artwork using only black and white charcoal and pastel. You’ll learn how to blend two hues into a rich range of grays that enhance form and mood, beginning with a short introduction to materials and techniques.
One Day In-Person:
$125 for PSWC Members
$150 for Non-members
We. Love. To. Learn.
Upcoming Fall Workshops
Kim Lordier
Simplifying for Strength
Sept 30th – Oct 2nd
3 Day – In person – Boise, Idaho
Ready to strengthen your compositions and stop getting lost in the details? This three‑day oil/pastel workshop dives into value structure, design, and confident mark making—plus demos, exercises, and a personal critique to help you grow.
Christine Obers
All the Gusto without the Dusto:
Intro to Pastel Pencils
Nov 7th – 8th
2 Day – Online via Zoom
Learn the power of form and value through a focused grisaille. In this three‑day workshop, you’ll work with just a few pastel pencils on grey paper, starting with a morning demo and moving into your own project. Share works‑in‑progress anytime for feedback, and get practical guidance on fixing problem areas.
2026 Regional Events
Connect Locally, Create Together
Thanks to the dedication of our regional volunteers, PSWC members now enjoy an expanding lineup of in‑person events—from relaxed meetups to creative excursions. Although our community stretches across many regions, these local gatherings offer meaningful opportunities to connect, share inspiration, and experience art together.
We. Are. Active.
PSWC provides excellent opportunities for our members to be actively involved in the pastel art community. See a highlight of our activities on the membership benefits page.