Events

A Season of Honors: Celebrating Milestones in My Pastel Journey

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I’m still in awe of all the incredible things that have unfolded during the Arkansas Pastel Society’s 11th National Juried Show Opening on November 21st.

To begin with, “Holmes 440 Wrecker” received an Honorable Mention, judged by the esteemed Colette Odya Smith—an honor that deeply encourages me in my artistic journey.

I’m also thrilled to share that I have earned Signature Status with the Ozark Pastel Society (OPS). This distinction is awarded by accumulating 12 points across several achievements, including:

  • Participation in a non-juried OPS exhibition
  • Receiving awards in juried OPS exhibitions
  • Acceptance into Regional, National, or International multiple-media juried exhibitions
  • Awards in National or International multiple-media juried exhibitions
  • Acceptance into Regional, National, or International soft pastel juried exhibitions
  • Earning Signature Status with the Pastel Society of America (PSA) or Master Circle Status with IAPS
  • Receiving awards in Regional, National, or International soft pastel exhibitions
  • Serving as an OPS Officer, Board Member, or Committee Chair

Another exciting milestone: “Hibernating” was selected for the Pastel Society of America’s Landscape Member Showcase, a recognition that means so much to me.

And the momentum for “Holmes 440 Wrecker” hasn’t slowed down. This piece continues to play a pivotal role in my artistic growth, having also earned:

Awards

  • Honorable Mention – Dakota Pastel 1st Quarter Online

Juried Show Acceptances

  • International Association of Pastel Societies 2025 Spring Web Show – Open Division
  • 14th Annual PleinAir Salon
  • Pastel Society of Southern California 7th Annual Make Your Mark

I am truly humbled and grateful for everyone who supports my work. Now, it’s back to the studio—where I’ll continue to experiment, learn, and create with renewed inspiration.

  • Holmes 440 Wrecker
  • Hibernating

A Wonderful Evening at the 2025 OPS Member’s Exhibition

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What a beautiful night at the 2025 Ozark Pastel Society Members’ Exhibition, hosted at ACHE in Fort Smith! The staff did a phenomenal job with every detail—hanging the artwork, arranging delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, setting the mood with music, and welcoming guests with the sparkle of Sissy’s Log Cabin Fine Jewelry.

The exhibition showcases 98 paintings by 26 talented OPS members, and I was honored to have four of my own pieces included.

It was also a wonderful surprise and a true honor to see paintings created during the Rust Workshop I taught for OPS artists now hanging in the exhibition. Watching those works come to life in class and then take their place in the gallery was deeply rewarding.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed watching live demos by Diana Harshbarger, Burneta Venosdel, and Susan Hurst, each creating beautiful pastel works while chatting with visitors. The hands-on pastel table, hosted by Jeanette Foreman and Julie Mayser, was a constant hub of creativity and fun. A big congratulations goes to our own Anne Parat, who won the $1,400 jewelry bracket from Sissy’s Log Cabin!

Special recognition also goes to our award winners:

  • People’s Choice Award: Randall Kronblad for On the Way to Evening
  • Julie Mayser’s Painting: Field of Dreams

If you haven’t seen the show yet, there’s still time! The exhibition will be open to the public through November 18 in the West Gallery at ACHE, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, AR (479-434-4400).

A heartfelt thank you to all the OPS members who worked so hard to make this event such a success.

  • Hands on Table
  • One of the paintings created in the workshop I taught.

Mark Your Calendar – I’m Showing at Arkansas College of Health Education

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I’m excited to share that I’ll be showing my work at the Arkansas College of Health and Education from September 11 through November 18. This is part of an exhibition by the Ozark Pastel Society.

Location: Arkansas College of Health Education (ACHE) Event Center 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, AR
Hours: Meet the artists, Opening Reception, on Thursday, September 11, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

This is a great chance to see four of my paintings — including a new piece, “Peace Maker”. I’ll be there to chat, answer questions, and connect with fellow art lovers. There is also an exclusive Trunk Show by Sissy’s Log Cabin.

If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to stop by and say hello. Bring a friend or two — it’s a great event for discovering local art and creativity.

Thanks, as always, for being part of my art journey. Hope to see you there!

“Generations” A Mother and Daughter Exhibition – Take 2!

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If you missed the “Generations 2” opening, you still have another chance to “meet the artists” at the

2nd Reception on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm

Rialto Community Arts Center Gallery

215 E. Broadway Street

Morrilton, Arkansas

Some highlights from the May 16th Opening:

Evelyn, Bearrett and I would like to thank everyone who came out to the first opening night. We had a lovely time meeting all the guests and discussing our work. We appreciate the time you took to view our work and we hope it brought you joy, sparked a memory, or brought you to a place you might not have seen otherwise. Bearrett did a fabulous job describing the pieces he created.

People’s Choice Award for each artist:

Evelyn Laurence – Blue House

Caprise Cooper – Memories of the Past

Thank you again for the great community support and to the Rialto Community Arts Center/Arts Council of Conway County for hosting us. As well as, Main Street Morrilton and Morrilton Chamber of Commerce.

“Generations” A Mother and Daughter Exhibition – Take 2!

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Evelyn and I are excited to announce that “Generations” will be on display at the newly renovated Rialto Community Arts Center in Morrilton, AR. We are thrilled to be a part of bringing art back to the community where we live. We will be adding a few new pieces to the exhibit.

Opening Reception on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm

2nd Reception on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm

Rialto Community Arts Center Gallery

215 E. Broadway Street

Morrilton, Arkansas

Generations is an exhibition that celebrates art and the special bond between mother and daughter through their love of art.  Generations is about sharing the love of art, imagination, and creativity and how this passion has been passed down through the generations of our family. 

The exhibition is a collection of old structures that have stood for generations, some of which belonged to our family.  A series of old rusty vehicles which began with a 1951 Mercury converted truck bed we found on our homestead. The other pieces demonstrate a variety of art mediums and genres, such as oil, pastel, pencil, ink, and printing, reflecting the diversity and versatility of our art.

Photos of three murals we did together at the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain are included in the exhibition.  It was an honor to be asked to use our creative talents to create these pieces at such a special place.

At four years old, Bearrett, the third-generation descendant of the Cooper family, is stepping up to the easel with his first painting “The Black Hole”. 

We hope the artwork in this exhibit, and the generations that brought it to life, find you inspired, moved, and deeply touched. 

The exhibit will be on display from May 16, 2024 – July 12, 2024.

The Gallery is open Saturday’s from 10 am to 2 pm.

Contact the Gallery for hours during the week.

The First Combined Membership Show

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The atmosphere at the combined Member show hosted by the Arkansas Pastel Society and the OzarkPastel Society on Friday, July 21, 2023, was electric. Taking place at Thea Foundation Gallery in conjunction with the Argenta Arts District  3rd Friday Art Walk  event, the evening was filled with creativity and excitement.

A total of 40 talented artists participated in the show, showcasing a remarkable collection of 74 pieces of art. The variety of styles and subject matters represented the diverse range of talent within the pastel community.

The event was not just about showcasing finished works; it also aimed to educate and engage the audience. Live demonstrations were held throughout the evening, allowing attendees to witness the process of creating a pastel painting firsthand. It provided a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to gain insight and inspiration from the artists themselves.

To further enhance the visitor’s experience, display boards were strategically placed around the gallery. These boards explained the various techniques and materials used in creating pastel paintings. Guests could learn about the different types of pastels, papers, and surfaces.

In addition to the impressive artwork, this event marked the inaugural year of the “People’s Choice Award.” This award allowed guests to actively participate in the show by voting for their favorite piece. A total of 317 guests took part in this interactive element of the exhibition.

It was fascinating to observe the guests as they studied each artwork, carefully making notes and engaging in discussions about the pieces with fellow attendees. The level of enthusiasm and interest shown by the guests was inspiring.

The opportunity to vote for their favorite piece was truly appreciated by the attendees. It provided them with a sense of ownership and involvement in the art community. The act of voting allowed each guest to have a voice and express their personal preferences.

The winner of the “People’s Choice Award” is:

Margi Tucker

Ozark Pastel Society

Raven Feather

I was honored that “Glisten” (snow/pines) received votes from the public that put it in their 4th place choice. It’s a great achievement to have your work recognized and appreciated by the viewers.

The show is now closed; however, I hope you enjoy this slide show of the day we hung the show and the reception.

Arkansas Pastel Society Non-Juried Member Show

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We have been invited again to exhibit our work at the Thea Foundation Gallery. If you are not familiar with the Thea Foundation and their work, please visit their website theafoundation.org for more information. 

We are excited to announce we have invited the Ozark Pastel Society to join us for this show.

The Arkansas Pastel Society in conjunction with the Ozark Pastel Society will be on display at the Thea Foundation in North Little Rock from Tuesday, June 27 through Friday, July 21, 2023. You can visit the gallery Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Thea Foundation

401 Main Street

North Little Rock

Please join us at the Opening Reception and Art Walk

The Opening Reception is Friday, July 21 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The reception will coincide with the 3rd Friday Argenta Art Walk featuring walkable galleries, restaurants, and shops in downtown North Little Rock in the Argenta Arts District.

I hope to see you there!

Arkansas Pastel Society Juried Member Show

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Argenta Public Library Gallery, North Little Rock Arkansas

The Arkansas Pastel Society Juried show will be on display at that Argenta Public Library in North Little Rock from November 18, 2022 thru December 9, 2022.  If you are unable to attend, you can view the show at OnlineJuriedShows.

There were 53 entries by 28 artists submitted to be juried into the show by Charles Peer. Of those entries, 30 paintings were selected to hang in the show.

Please join us at the Opening Reception and Art Walk

The Opening Reception is Friday, November 18 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The reception will coincide with the Argenta Art Walk featuring walkable galleries on the 3rd Friday downtown North Little Rock in the Argenta Arts District.

During the Opening Reception, Charles Peer will present the Awards for Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Honorable Mentions.

Argenta Public Library Gallery 

North Little Rock Public Library System

420 Main Street

North Little Rock, AR 72114

 A Little about our Juror

             Charles Peer has worked as a professional artist for over 45 years and has over 40 years of teaching experience to individuals, small groups, workshops (local, regional and national) and 36 years at the college level. He earned his MFA in
painting and drawing from the University of Arkansas and is a signature member of the Ozark Pastel Society (OPS) and the Pastel Society of America (PSA) as well as having been awarded the Master Circle designation from the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). Peer has been recognized with prizes in regional, national, and international exhibits, including the
Best of Show award in both the 2018 and 2021 APS exhibits, and his work has appeared in Pastel Journal, PSA’s Pastelagram, the Colored Pencil Magazine and Pratique de Arts (published in France). Additionally, he has served as a Juror and/or Judge of Awards for IAPS, Pastel Society of Oklahoma, and the Pastel Society of Eastern Canada.

This is the first “Juried” show that I fully organized, and I must say, it was fun! I will post photos after the reception.

Hope to see you there!

Arkansas Pastel Society Member Show

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Thea Foundation Gallery

During the month of July 2022, 24 members of the Arkansas Pastel Society showcased their work at the Thea Foundation in North Little Rock, Arkansas. There were 68 paintings on display during the 3rd Friday Argenta Art Walk.

This is the first show that I fully organized, and I must say, it was fun! I think the best part of the show was to watch the guests try painting with pastels. See the photos of the still life of bottles on the table.

p.s. I’m in the floral dress standing next to Awaken, Memories of the Past, and Weathered Seasons.