We. Are. Connected.
Our goal is not only to promote the art of pastels through education and competition, but to make it easier to become a well-connected, well-informed pastel artist. We look forward to including you in all our society has to offer!
Workshops
We offer pastel painting workshops through several agreements with art centers, as well as virtual workshops and demonstrations via Zoom. Some of the finest artists in the world have taught workshops for PSWC.
Competitions
We offer three juried competitions per year. The Members Only Online Show (MOOS) allows members to submit and show their work in an online format—no framing or shipping! Our newest show, Out of Bounds! offers artists an opportunity to work outside the boundaries of traditional pastel competitions by requiring all entered works to be pastel plus at least one other medium. Our largest and longest established show is Pastels USA: 99 Voices in Pastel, which is usually held in a museum or high-end art center or gallery. This highly competitive exhibition is the crown jewel of our events and acceptance into the show is considered an honor.
We Talk Art
Bonnie Zahn Griffith conducts live interviews via Zoom with distinguished guests in the art world, and members are able to listen in and ask questions.
Demonstrations and Presentations
PSWC offers free bi-monthly demonstrations and presentations with live Q and A sessions by accomplished and renowned artists for members via Zoom. These sessions often preview upcoming PSWC-sponsored workshops.
Challenges
PSWC sponsors four painting challenges throughout the year to encourage daily painting practice, improved skill, and increased confidence. This is a low stakes opportunity to try new things! Participants post their daily paintings and encourage one another, Works from past challenges are often printed in the next magazine.
Recognition
Letters of Distinction
PSWC offers a comprehensive program of status levels designed to encourage and inspire artistic growth and reward talent and hard work. Members earn points when competing in our three annual PSWC competitions, PASTELS USA: 99 Voices, MOOS (Members Only Online Show), and Out of Bounds! Multi-Media Show. Any member receiving any status distinction must be a member in good standing with membership continuous since joining the society and dues paid and current.
Status levels (click here to display status level details)
Signature Member (PSWC)
There are two ways to achieve Signature status:
Option 1
- Member receives place award in Membership (MOOS) show, or Out of Bounds! show and
- Member receives acceptance into two Pastels USA: 99 Voices shows
Option 2
- Member is accepted into three Pastels USA: 99 Voices shows
Once the Signature status is earned, member may use the letters PSWC after his/her name.
Distinguished Pastelist (PSWC-DP)
- Member has achieved signature status in PSWC
- Member receives awards in three Pastel USA shows in five consecutive years.
- Member may use the letters PSWC-DP after his/her name
Elite Pastelist (PSWC-EP) NEW STATUS
- Member has achieved Distinguished Pastelist status in PSWC
- Member receives additional awards (separate from DP) in three Pastel USA shows in five consecutive years
- Member may use the letters PSWC – EP after his/her name
Pastel Laureate (PSWC-PL)
- Member may use the PSWC – PL after his/her name
- Pastel Laureate is determined by the PSWC Board based on protocol for this award such as:
- Member has achieved Elite Pastelist status
- Member receives additional awards (separate from EP) in multiple Pastel USA shows
- Member has taught the art of pastels for five or more years
- Member has published a book or has been included in a publication of merit related to pastels and pastel art
- Member has made a significant and lasting contribution to the art of pastel painting
A recognition for all members achieving new status levels is held during the final General Membership Meeting of each year, via Zoom in December.
Media Matters
SOCIAL MEDIA- PSWC has an active presence on Facebook and Instagram. We also send out weekly e-Blasts to keep members apprised of upcoming events.
PRINT MEDIA- The PSWC Magazine is offered free in digital form to all members and printed copies may be purchased. The Magazine is published 3-4 times per year. Each issue features artist interviews, news about the society and its members, art tips, and other news pertinent to the pastelist. Every member receives a complimentary printed copy of the Magazine’s annual issue featuring the PASTELS USA Catalogue.
Regional Representatives
These artists promote art and art education in their communities. They organize Paint-Outs, Paint-Ins and social events in their geographic areas.
Other Programs
IAPS MEMBERSHIP- You will automatically become a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies and be able to enter their web shows and exhibitions including the convention show.
ART SCHOLARSHIP- PSWC sponsors an Art Scholarship to be awarded to a current year graduating Senior in high school, Junior College or up to a Junior in a four year college or art school who is interested in the further study of art, and art as a career.