All About the Vermont Pastel Society

The Vermont Pastel Society (VPS) is an all volunteer organization, founded in 1999. The purpose of VPS is to build and strengthen connections among pastel artists. VPS has about 100 members and is open to beginning as well as experienced artists. All interested parties are welcome and encouraged to join whether they work with oil or soft pastels.

The Exhibition Committee works on organizing two Vermont exhibits per year. The Workshop Committee organizes workshops of varying duration with teachers of national and regional renown. General membership meetings are usually twice per year and typically include: critiques, demonstrations of techniques, exhibit-related activities and guest speakers as part of the program. Generally, a part of each meeting is devoted to business and organizational matters. Location varies, but Montpelier has proved to be a convenient central meeting location. Notification of events is by email and is also posted on the web site. Only those members who do not have email receive information via postal mail.

A sample of some VPS activities

Open member exhibit at the spacious Wood Gallery in Montpelier
Member Robert K. Carsten, PSA presented a workshop on Expressive Color/The Autumnal Landscape
Sergeu Oussik came all the way from Russia to present a week long workshop
Portrait demonstration by Jeneanne Lunn at general meeting
Demonstration on how to prepare images of your work for the web
Juried exhibit at the prestigious Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, Vt
Regional paint-outs in different Vermont locations
Workshop with world renowned pastelist, Doug Dawson

With a membership scattered across several states, VPS uses its web site to help members stay in touch. Members are encouraged to post a few of their paintings on the VPS web site. Those with their own web sites are encouraged to link to the VPS site. VPS is one of approximately 50 members of The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). Our membership entitles all VPS members to enter the IAPS shows and competitions and take advantage of IAPS Slide Exchange.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE FUN AT VPS HERE'S HOW TO . . .

Become a Member:

It's easy to join! At this time, there are no requirements for membership in the Vermont Pastel Society other than an interest in pastel painting. Print and fill out our simple one page application form. Mail (along with your check) to:

Rene Schall, VPS Membership
Vermont Pastel Society
P.O. Box 33
Essex Junction, VT 05453-0033

E-mail Rene Schall at: reneschall@comcast.net with questions. Annual dues: $30 per year. Dues year runs from August 1st through July 31st of the following year. For new members only, dues are prorated at $2.50 per month. For instance, if you join in April count 4 months through July so your first dues check should be 4 x $2.50 = $10. Everyone should complete the entire membership form including the section on "Privacy Issues", so we don't compromise anyone's privacy. If your contact information or your needs change it is up to you to let us know.

Be Included in the Gallery:

Submit on or two images plus supporting text. Before sending material, please take time to review the existing Gallery pages for editorial format. The more closely you follow the format the more likely your page will appear as you expect.

Images should be jpg format, around 100K in size. Embeding color management info (an ICC Profile) is helpful but not necessary.

You must include your last name within any file name(s) i.e. "smith_sunset.jpg".

Put text information in the body of your e-mail. No attachments please. Give title, medium and size for each piece. If you wish, include a couple of brief paragraphs about yourself along with any contact info you want published: land address, web site, e-mail, phone number and gallery affiliations are all appropriate.

You must use the word gallery in the subject line of your email.

Send to gallery@vermontpastelsociety.com. We do not publish prices but will forward any purchase inquires. The gallery is updated twice a year. Deadlines for submitting are April 1st and October 1st.

Submit a News Item:

If there is something going on in your pastel world you feel would be of interest to the general membership please let us know. Be sure to visit the News & Events page to see the types of things we publish; subject, format, length etc. Note our editorial format. The more closely your follow the format in preparing material the more likely your article will appear as you expect. Write your piece - word for word exactly as you want it to appear. Be sure to include all relevant facts: names, dates, times, places etc. Put all information in the body of your e-mail. No attachments please.

You must use the word news in the subject line of your e-mail.

Send to news@vermontpastelsociety.com.

The Vermont Pastel Society, Board of Directors reserves the right to edit all submissions. The Board of Directors reserves the right not to publish material of poor quality or inappropriate subjects.