Our history
The Northwest Pastel Society (NPS) was incorporated on October 5, 1988 as a
nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting pastel as a fine art medium. Through NPS
open juried international exhibitions, juried members' exhibitions, workshops, and quarterly
newsletters and meetings (except in summer) members enjoy sharing knowledge, learning
new painting techniques, and passing on published information.
Membership has grown from a small nucleus of Seattle area artists, to a
membership drawn from throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. All officers on the
Board of Directors of NPS are strictly volunteer. Membership is open to all on a
"nonjuried" basis for a
non-prorated fee of $40 (US) due each January 1. Spousal memberships (for two)
are $50. Members are entitled to participate in member’s only juried shows, to
vote and to hold NPS offices, participate in NPS workshops and the annual NPS
National Open Juried Exhibit at a discounted member's fee, and "members only"
showcase exhibits.
Members are encouraged to work towards NPS Signature status. Signature
membership is granted to a member in good standing after he or she has had
paintings accepted in three (3) NPS International Juried Exhibits. This then entitles them to
affix the initials NPS after their name. Signature status shall be for as long
as the member is in good standing.
Distinguished Pastelist Status
designation shall be granted to the recipient of three (3)
of the top three awards: Best of Show, Presidents Award and NPS
Directors Award in an NPS International Juried Exhibition. This
designation shall be for as long as the member is in good
standing.
Individual and corporate contributions or services worth $100 or more qualifies
the donor as a Patron Member
Internet Access
In August 1996, the Northwest Pastel Society became the first
international art society to launch a fully interactive web page. Since then, membership has grown as artists discover what their membership in the NPS can mean to their development. Today the NPS online is able to provide resources to members
around the world. These resources include mentoring, workshop schedules,
exhibits, galleries, training, and information about pastel painting and
materials.
 Northwest Pastel Society Trish
Harding, President |
