Ozark Pastel Society

An Inspiring Week at the 2026 IAPS PastelWorld Convention

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The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) PastelWorld Convention was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from June 16–21, and what an incredible week it was! More than 650 artists representing 12 countries and every U.S. state gathered to celebrate the beauty and versatility of pastel. It was an inspiring opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet artists from around the world, learn from exceptional instructors, and immerse ourselves in everything pastel. There were so many activities that it is hard to pare them down:

  • PastelWorld Exhibition – One of the week’s most prestigious events was the PastelWorld Exhibition, featuring 175 outstanding artists from around the globe. I was deeply honored that my work was accepted into this internationally juried exhibition. The PastelWorld Exhibition would not have been possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers. Nearly 60 volunteers gave their time and talents to help make the exhibition a success—from receiving and hanging artwork to greeting visitors, assisting artists, and helping with countless behind-the-scenes tasks.
  • Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony – The convention officially kicked off with the PastelWorld Opening Reception and Artist Awards Ceremony. Awards were presented in both the Open Division and the Master Circle Division, which recognizes artists who have earned Master Circle status through consistent acceptance into juried exhibitions and award recognition. Beyond Master Circle, artists may continue earning points toward the distinguished Eminent Pastelist designation.
  • Artist Autograph Book Signing – One of my favorite traditions is the Autograph Book Signing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet artists whose work you’ve admired for years and collect signatures. I was especially honored to be included in this year’s book.
  • The “Candy Store” – The vendor hall—affectionately known as the “Candy Store.” Filled with the latest pastel brands, premium papers, tools, and accessories, it offers artists the chance to try new products before purchasing them. Needless to say, I found plenty of treasures and definitely put a dent in my wallet!
  • Fiesta Night – Fiesta Night is always a favorite event, bringing together pastel societies from around the globe for an evening of fellowship, conversation, and celebration. Each group represents their state our country in a unique way. There is even a costume contest.
  • Honors Banquet – The convention concluded with the Honors Banquet, where we celebrated our volunteers, Master Circle and Eminent Pastelists, and recognized those whose dedication has helped grow and strengthen the pastel community around the world.
  • Arkansas Proud – We had a wonderful group of artists in attendance from both the Arkansas Pastel Society and the Ozark Pastel Society. Our state had much to celebrate, with two members from each society receiving Honors Awards in the PastelWorld Exhibition. In addition, two members of the Arkansas Pastel Society are now serving on the IAPS Board, continuing Arkansas’s strong presence and leadership within the international pastel community.
  • A New Chapter – One of the most memorable moments of the convention was the announcement of the newly elected IAPS Board of Directors. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected Vice President of the International Association of Pastel Societies.

This is an opportunity for me to combine my business experience with my passion for art. Serving IAPS allows me to support pastel societies around the world while helping create opportunities for artists to learn, exhibit, and grow. I look forward to working alongside an outstanding board and our many dedicated volunteers as we continue to strengthen our global pastel community.

Before I wrap up, I want to give a special shout-out to my daughter. I cannot thank her enough for the countless hours and incredible effort she put into curating the PastelWorld Exhibition. She has an exceptional eye for arranging paintings in a way that not only creates a beautiful exhibition but also complements and showcases the individuality of each artist’s work. Throughout the week, we heard over and over again how beautifully the exhibition was hung.

In the Love of Art – Caprise

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.

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!

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 and Ozark Pastel Society Non Juried Membership Show

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The Arkansas Pastel Society and the OzarkPastel Society is holding their first combined Non-Juried Member show! The show will be open to the public Tuesday, June 27 – Friday, July 21, 2023 at Thea Foundation Gallery.  You can visit the gallery Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. 501 Main Street, North Little Rock Opening Reception Pack up the family and friends and join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, July 21 at 5:00pm at Thea Foundation. We are going to pack the walls with art, live painting demos, story boards of the artist’s creative process, and the public will vote for their favorite painting! Light refreshments will be served. The reception is during the Argenta Arts District 3rd Friday Art Walk event. Check out the site for additional activities that evening. Hope to see you there! Photos will be posted after the event.

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!