In 2023 APS applied for a grant from IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies).

The grant application instructions required that proposed projects fall within the framework of certain parameters. The Arkansas Pastel Society (APS) immediately formed a committee to investigate the feasibility for applying for the grant and came up with a project that would satisfy three of the four perimeters: Community outreach with a focus on the appreciation of the pastel medium; outreach to an underserved community; and provide a program or resource to your society that would not otherwise be possible without funding from the grant.

During August of 2023 the Arkansas Pastel Society learned that they had been approved to receive one of three global grants awarded by the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).

The chosen project was to work with Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach, a non-profit organization in North Little Rock. APS members taught weekly beginning pastel classes to a women’s group served at the Seis Puentes facility beginning in mid-September and concluding the last day of October. 

APS advertised 12 spots in the Pastel Class and registered 15. There were nine students who continued all the way through the classes, two of them attending the Arkansas Pastel Society fall mini-workshop. The group really came together as classes progressed. In fact, APS classes sparked participating students to form the Seis Puentes Art Club. One of the students responded to the scholarship offer and registered for the APS national workshop with Tom Christopher. 

On October 31^st students met for their last class where each had framed artwork displayed and refreshments were brought and enjoyed to celebrate their graduation day which was complete with diplomas!