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About The Pastel Society of America
Founded in 1972 by Flora B. Giffuni, The Pastel Society of America (PSA) – the oldest pastel society in America – is largely responsible for the current renaissance of pastels in American art. The society’s annual exhibitions at The National Arts Club in New York are the premier event for pastel artists in this country and abroad. PSA encourages artistic advancement through prestigious awards distributed during its annual exhibitions. Pastelists showing technical acumen and creative use of pastel techniques are awarded prizes for their achievements. Members winning three cumulative awards are named PSA Master Pastelists. Each year one noted artist is elected into PSA’s Hall of Fame.
Winner of the 53rd Annual Prix de Pastel – Fall of 2025
JZ Zu, Fishing Boats, 20×26
Membership
The Pastel Society of America has over 1,800 artist members throughout the US and abroad. There are three levels of juried membership: Associate, Signature, and Master Pastelist. The membership committee confers either Associate or Signature status to accepted applications. At any time during membership, an Associate Member may apply for Signature status through the jurying system. In an alternative route, an Associate Member in good standing automatically receives Signature status after being accepted in three PSA annual exhibitions, which need not be consecutive. As a non-member accepted to the Annual for the first time, your acceptance counts toward your elevation to Signature status, provided you apply for Associate Membership. Master Pastelist status is conferred when a member in good standing accumulates three PSA annual exhibition awards. PSA annual exhibition awards are juried by a New York or national art professional, such as a curator or museum director.
Emphasizing Excellence
An ever-changing display of paintings by PSA members, showcasing the high standards and artistic excellence that define our Society.
