Why Join?
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.
Reasons to Join:
- 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.
Membership in NPS is open to all either as a Member or as a Patron Member
Anyone is eligible to become a member upon submitting a membership application and payment of dues. Members need not be artists to belong as long as they support the goals of the society.
Membership is subject to annual dues of $40 paid January 1st of each year. Spousal memberships (for two) are $50. Membership that is started after October 15th will be credited for the remainder of the calendar year plus the the following year. 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 toward 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.
