The Northwest Pastel Society (NPS) is an association of artists who work in the pastel medium and are intent on increasing public awareness and acceptance of pastel as a serious artistic medium. NPS has grown from a small nucleus of Seattle area artists in 1981, to a large membership drawn from throughout the United States and Canada.

NPS is a nonprofit corporation registered with the State of Washington Secretary of State. NPS was the first art organization in the Pacific Northwest to sponsor national and local juried exhibitions and showcase exhibits exclusively for pastel artists.

NPS seeks to:

• Promote, encourage and foster creative painting with pastels.

• Promote and provide instructive activities and exhibiting opportunities for pastel artists.
• Encourage pastel artists in their artistic growth and success.
• Promote a fellowship of pastel artists.
• Promote public awareness about pastel.

The Northwest Pastel Society meets at least quarterly (except in summer). Meetings include art demonstrations, group critiques of member work in progress and occasional painting field trips. Tips on framing pastels, packing and shipping, photographing work, calendar of exhibits, planning for exhibits and other topics of interest to the membership are discussed.

NPS sponsors an international open juried "Pastels Only" exhibit in the greater Seattle area (at least BI-annually), with substantial cash awards given. Additionally, "members only" showcase exhibits with cash awards given are organized throughout the Pacific Northwest.

NPS exhibit, meeting activities and newsletter expenses are underwritten by membership dues, show fees, and by individual and corporate contributions which immeasurably help to further the goals of NPS.

MORE REASONS TO JOIN

• The Northwest Pastel Society newsletter. The newsletter has been hailed as an invaluable resource by pastelists from around the country and by other pastel societies. The NPS 'newsletter' is now provided online under 'news'. There is advice, exhibit opportunities, news items, members news, workshops available, entertaining articles about pastels, and much more.
• Internet resources. The Northwest Pastel Society has a "members only" page and links to pastel resources from around the world. This page provides a connection to many pastel artists who are available for advice and review.
• Updates on a rapidly changing medium. Over the last several years, pastels have experienced a renaissance. The development of new pastels, pigments, papers, display techniques, and styles makes the knowledge of these changes essential for the serious pastel artist if he or she is to be a part of this evolving medium. The Northwest Pastel Society provides its members with that up-to-date information.
• Opportunities for sales. It can be frustrating for a pastel artist who wants to find a market for his or her work. The Northwest Pastel Society can help bridge the gap between artist and gallery, matching a sometimes misunderstood medium with a satisfied buying public. The network of NPS members as well as its association with societies around the world gives members access to the world of art sales and profits.
• Workshops. The Northwest Pastel Society hosts various workshops each year. From shows at art exhibitions, to official workshops taught in conjunction with international shows, the Northwest Pastel Society provides ample opportunity for artistic growth. Soon these same educational opportunities will be available for members over the internet, through the "members only" link.
• Shows. The Northwest Pastel Society hosts both regional "members only" shows, and international open shows for artists from around the world. It is through these shows that an artist eventually becomes a signature member of the Northwest Pastel Society, an honor which is recognized by galleries and buyers.
• Fellowship. For fellowship with like-minded artists. With a passion for the brilliance of pastel colors caught in the texture of tinted paper, we have a special need to share our dreams. The Northwest Pastel Society gives the pastel artist such a forum.
• General Information. Finally, each member of the Northwest Pastel Society receives a packet with information on proper matting and care of your paintings. There are special techniques used in the framing of pastels. For preservation and proper presentation, these techniques should be followed. The Northwest Pastel Society will help you to make the best possible presentation of your work.

Join us today. Go to the application page, print it, fill in the blanks, and send to the address on the page. And welcome to the world of pastel art.