gallery show

The Biggest Pastel Party On The Planet!

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In 17 days The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) is hosting the biggest pastel party on the planet in Albuquerque, NM from June 16th – 21st.

If you are in the area, the PastelWorld Exhibit is open to the public. This exhibit will showcase nearly 170 artist from across the globe! It is held at the Hotel Albuquerque on June 18th 9-9, June 19th 9-9, June 20th 9-6.

The exhibition showcases an incredible range of artwork, reflecting both the remarkable quality and the impressive diversity of the pieces selected for this show. It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Exhibition Chair for this event.

The event kicks off with the Convention Opening Reception and Artist Award Ceremony on June 17th.

There is so much happening at this event:

  • Dueling Artist Demos – is four sets of two artists painting from a shared
    reference. The audience can walk around each pair, watch them demonstrate and engage with the artists.
  • Artist Workshops and Demos
  • Autograph Book Signing- meet with and get autographs from your artist friends and hero’s!
  • The “Candy Store” – a vendor hall featuring world-class pastel
    brands, premium papers, tools, and accessories, many available to try before you buy. Enjoy live demos, product launches, artist meet-and-greets, and exclusive convention-only
    specials.
  • Fiesta Night – mix and mingle with pastel societies across the globe. Societies bring their A game with elaborate set ups and costumes.
  • Society Grants – IAPS is committed to promoting pastel and honoring those who have achieved notable accomplishments in the pastel medium. Every two years at the IAPS Biennial Convention, the final grant projects are presented at the Friday Night Fiesta.
  • The Honors Banquet – This is a chance to give special recognition to our legends, volunteers, Master Circle and Eminent Pastelists honorees. With a glimpse into the future.

Can you tell I’m excited about this event! I’m counting my sleeps until the day I leave. It will be a family event as my daughter will be coming as well!

A little about The International Association of Pastel Societies – The cornerstone of IAPS is our commitment to fostering connections and facilitating the exchange of ideas. We believe that by coming together, we can elevate the art of pastel and support each other in our artistic journeys. We are s dedicated to fostering a global community of pastel artists and advocating for this unique art form.

Three Exhibitions, Countless Memories

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The past few months have been filled with creativity, connection, and several wonderful opportunities to share artwork with the community. I had the privilege of participating in three gallery exhibitions, each offering a unique experience and reminding me why I love being part of the art world. Two of those shows I experienced the joy of sharing the experiences alongside my daughter and fellow artist, Evelyn Laurence. Here are a few highlights from each event.

Architecture – Rust – Treasures: Rialto Gallery, Morrilton AR for the Month of May

It was truly an honor to bring Architecture – Rust – Treasures (ART) to the town we call home. Sharing this exhibition in Morrilton made the experience especially meaningful, allowing friends, family, and local supporters to experience the work firsthand.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was seeing visitors connect so personally with the artwork. Guests were invited to vote for a People’s Choice favorite. Evelyn’s “Oh Moo” and my “Nothing Runs Like a Deere” were selected.

A shout out to Mainstreet Morrilton for assisting us during this event!

Here are photos from the event.

In Full Color: Arts on Main, VanVuren, AR from May 5 through June 27

This exhibition showcases works by members of the Ozark Pastel Society (OPS) and Arkansas Pastel Society (APS), featuring work by artists ranging from those new to the pastel medium to those who have earned the highest honors from the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) and the Pastel Society of America.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the exhibit was the sense of community and encouragement shared among the artists. My friend and fellow artist Charles Peer expressed it beautifully:

“Each painting added to the beauty of the exhibit. One of the things I loved about our collection of work is that all the paintings, no matter if this is the artist’s first time to exhibit or their 500th, were proudly hung next to each other. This is such a beautiful visual expression of what friends’ support, encouragement, camaraderie, respect and growth looks like!”

Here are photos from the event.

Architecture – Rust – Treasures: Argent Library Gallery from March 20 through April 3, 2026

Architecture, Rust, Treasures (ART) is an exhibition that explores the wonders of nature and the hidden treasures found within the landscapes that connect us. This collection reflects a shared passion for discovering lost, weathered, reclaimed subjects and reimagining them as something new.

ART is a mother-and-daughter exhibition that celebrates the beauty hidden in our world, from forest finds to overlooked architectural details. Through a variety of compositions and subjects, the artists express a deep appreciation for history, transformation, and the stories objects and places hold over time.

Here are photos from the event.

Architecture • Rust • Treasures

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Caprise Cooper and Evelyn Laurence

(A mother and daughter exhibition.)

Rialto Community Art Center Gallery, 215 E. Broadway St., Morrilton, AR

May 4, 2026 – May 31st, 2026

Two Opportunities to Meet the Artists:

May 7, 2026, at 6:00 – 7:00 pm before the Bryan White Show

May 21, 2026, at 4:00 – 8:00 pm during the Farmer’s Market

Architecture, Rust, Treasures (ART) is an exhibition that explores the wonders of nature and the hidden treasures found within the landscapes that connect us. This collection reflects a shared passion for discovering lost, weathered, reclaimed subjects and reimagining them as something new.

ART is a mother-and-daughter exhibition that celebrates the beauty hidden in our world, from forest finds to overlooked architectural details. Through a variety of compositions and subjects, the artists express a deep appreciation for history, transformation, and the stories objects and places hold over time.

The exhibition features imagery of old structures that have existed for generations, some of which once belonged to our own family. A series of works inspired by rusted vehicles began with a 1951 Mercury converted truck bed discovered on our homestead. The collection moves across pastel, pencil, ink, and acrylic, reflecting the richness and versatility of our artistic voices.

Representing the next generation is seven-year-old Bearrett Laurence, the third-generation descendant of the Cooper family.  He will be exhibiting in this show with his third painting, marking the continuation of a family tradition rooted in creativity.

ART is a celebration of imagination, craftsmanship, and the special bond between mother, daughter, and grandson, illustrating how a love of art is passed down through generations. We hope this exhibition—and the stories behind it—leave you inspired, moved, and deeply touched.

The Gallery is open on Saturdays 10 – 2 (call in advance).