This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) convention in Albuquerque, NM. As a first-timer to both the event and New Mexico, I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I was blown away by the experience. With over 600 artists from around the globe and about 20 instructors, the convention was a vibrant celebration of pastel art.

The IAPS convention is a bi-annual gathering that transforms Albuquerque into a hub of artistic creativity. The sheer scale of the event was impressive, with artists of all skill levels and backgrounds coming together to learn, share, and celebrate their craft.

Every day was packed with activities designed to inspire and educate. The workshops and demos were the heart of the convention, offering hands-on learning experiences and live demonstrations from some of the best in the field. Evenings were equally engaging, with events that allowed for networking and socializing. These gatherings were perfect for meeting fellow artists, sharing experiences, and forging new friendships. Here are my key highlights from the event:

• One day workshop with Barbara Jaenicke: Strengthen your Landscape with Expressive Edges.
• Demo by Liz Haywood-Sullivan: Are you Done? (meaning if you go too far you may overwork your painting or loose the intent).
• Demo by Eve Miller: Emotional Landscapes
• Demo by Tony Allain: Reflections on Water
• The Candy Store: A room filled with vendors selling pastel supplies at good discounts. It was an opportunity to explore new items I’ve not tried, like metallic pastels and watercolors for my rusty vehicles.
• Fiesta Night: An opportunity to talk with other pastel societies. I belong to the Arkansas Pastel Society and The Ozark Pastel Society.
• Honors Banquet: Where those artists who earned points for being accepted to a juried show, receiving an award in the juried show. Those points go toward Master Circle or Eminent members of IAPS.
• I even ran into Julie from Mainstreet Art Center where I studied for years before moving to AR.

Attending the IAPS convention was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to any artist, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out. The wealth of knowledge, the vibrant community, and the inspiration found at this event are unparalleled. I’m already looking forward to the next convention and can’t wait to see what new experiences and learning opportunities it will bring. Thank you to everyone who made this event so special—IAPS 2024, here I come!