PSWC is proud to offer many opportunities to socialize, volunteer, blog, and learn. We also have a wonderful scholarship program for high school seniors and college students enrolled in an art program. Here are some of our favorite programs. Check out our Event Calendar here!
Art Scholarship
The Pastel Society of the West Coast is pleased to offer Art Scholarships to be awarded to current year graduating seniors 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 pursuing art as a career.
Please forward the link to the PSWC Scholarship Page (https://pswc.ws/art-scholarship/) to any interested students so that they may prepare to submit the form and pictures of their art work by the deadline of April 15. PSWC will recognize the scholarship recipients on this website, on social media, in our magazine, and if possible, at our annual Pastels USA Show. Scholarship Competition Annual Deadline: APRIL 15.
Who is eligible: Any graduating senior in high school, Junior College student, or up to a junior in a four year college or art school that is interested in the further study of art, and pursuing art as a career.
What: Any subject matter, any painted medium, no photography or electronic/digital art. While we are a representational society, we are open to receive more abstract work of high quality. Photos of your work should be uploaded along with the necessary letters of recommendation as required in our application.
Judging: Work will be judged by the PSWC Board members and the winners will be announced before the end of the school term.
For further questions, please email the PSWC Scholarship Chair: Pamela Comfort
Regional Representative Program
Sharing our passion for pastels is why we exist! The Regional Representative Program was developed to encourage social and artist gatherings in all regions where PSWC members reside. We have members all over the world, and we encourage them to get together and paint. If you are interested in getting together, see the Regional Rep Page for more information. Interested in BECOMING a Regional Rep? Contact Pamela Comfort
Painting Challenges
Multiple day painting challenges are popular among PSWC members. A series of quarterly challenges has been established for the year. Three (3) $100 prizes will be awarded at random from the pool of artists who enter a painting every day of the challenge. Read more on our Challenges page here.
WeTalkArt!
We Talk Art is the new quarterly Zoom presentation for members of the PSWC. Bonnie Zahn Griffith will be chatting with well known artists in an informal virtual setting. These distinguished guests will be sharing their stories, processes, tips and more. To learn more and see dates/artists for 2023 visit our WeTalkArt page here.
Membership Meetings and Demonstrations
PSWC holds quarterly General Membership Meetings in March, June, September and December. Each meeting includes brief announcements and event reminders, and is followed by a demonstration and Q&A session with an esteemed artist. Additional demonstration sessions are occasionally added, without the preceding General Meeting. Meeting dates and times are found on our Event Calendar.
Publishing
The PSWC publishes 3-4 magazines per year. Check out our issues here. Digital versions of the magazine are available to our members, print copies may be ordered. There are opportunities to write for and appear in the Magazine. Please Contact Sabrina Hill if you are interested in either.
Volunteering
There are many volunteer opportunities at PSWC from working on the Magazine to assuming a Board position. Contact Sabrina Hill or Pamela Comfort for more information about where you might fit in!
Guest Blogger Program
Our blog is written by members. Blogs must be related to making art with pastels, and should avoid direct selling or soliciting sales. Instructional blogs with photos are encouraged. Please contact Pamela Comfort if you are interested in finding out more.