The Arkansas Pastel Society is a regional organization of artists who work in pastels. In 2004 we organized as a non-profit educational art association to promote these objectives.

• Provide networking opportunities for artists involved with pastels.
• Conduct exhibits and shows of pastel artwork.
• Sponsor workshops on the use of pastels.
• Earn a signature membership.
• Educate the general public about pastel painting.
  
  

Benefits of Membership

Every other year we hold a National Juried Show which brings in pastel artists from around the country, judged by a nationally-known juror. We have awarded prizes totaling up to $5,000 each year.

Every other year there is a Biennial Juried Show for members only, where prizes are awarded and members’ work is for sale.

There are several other opportunities each year for members to exhibit their work for sale. Our members may also participate in a signature membership program

There is at least one workshop by a nationally-known pastel artist each year, as well as workshops and demonstrations by local and regional artists. Past workshop instructors have included Doug Dawson, Albert Handell, Richard McKinley, Susan Ogilvie, Sally Strand and Maggie Price, co-founder of “The Pastel Journal”.

Low-cost mini-workshops throughout the year are offered for anyone interested in learning more about pastel. Also there is an active member Facebook group called APS Talk. Members can participate in monthly challenges, get pastel tips, request painting critiques and discuss pastel questions.

To help promote art education, we have also established an annual scholarship contribution to the THEA Foundation.

Membership Levels

Arkansas Pastel Society has three levels of membership, General, Gold, and Signature. Everyone becomes a general member by joining and paying dues each year. Gold Level is reached after being a member for one year and serving on a committee or on the APS board. Once the Gold level is reached a member can apply for Signature Level using a point system. When a member is awarded Signature status, the right is earned to use this honor for promotional purposes. Signature Membership is kept as long as the member keeps their general membership current and consecutive. 

How to Join Our Society

Fill out our membership form and mail the form and your dues to the Membership Chairman listed on the form.