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
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
99 Voices in Pastel is PSWC’s major international exhibition, showcasing 99 standout pastel paintings selected for their excellence, range, and expressive power. The show highlights how diverse the pastel medium can be — from bold contemporary work to delicate realism.
There will be an estimated $15,000 in awards, including cash awards for Best of Show, First, Second, and Third place.
Judge of Awards: Clark Mitchell
Out of Bounds: Where Pastel Breaks the Rules in Morro Bay
Join us on April 12th for the awards reception!
Travel’s gone wild—so we’re taking the party online!
Dawn Emerson’s workshops will now be held online via Zoom, please note the reduced cost and updated dates.
PASTEL INNOVATIONS (ONLINE)
April 6th – 8th
9:00am – 4:00pm PT
3 Day Workshop: $350
This workshop turns PanPastels into your creative co‑conspirators as you mix them with inks, oils, crayons, and other unexpected media. With playful layering and surprising tools, you’ll discover fresh approaches to drawing inspired by Dawn’s Pastel Innovations 2017 book and expanded with brand‑new processes.
PASTEL INNOVATIONS PLUS (ONLINE)
April 10th – 11th
9:00am – 4:00pm PT
2 Day Workshop: $250
Designed for artists who have taken a Pastel Innovations session at some time, this workshop focuses on refining and reimagining a subject for greater expressive impact. Through daily explorations of design elements using mixed media and pastel, participants will be encouraged to challenge traditional expectations of the medium and approach their work with a spirit of inquiry and possibility.
Discover new ways to think about surfaces, layering, and inclusion of the pastel medium with mixed media.
No face painting required! 😊
~Dawn
April Guest Blog
In this thoughtful blog, an instructor reflects on the unexpected joy of teaching and the business practices that make pastel education truly effective. From iterative demos to scholarships and community partnerships, it’s a fresh look at what elevates an art program beyond technique.
2026 Regional Events
Connect Locally, Create Together
Thanks to our dedicated regional volunteers, PSWC members can enjoy a growing calendar of in-person events—from casual meetups to creative outings. While our community spans far and wide, these local gatherings offer a chance to share inspiration, build friendships, 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.