The PSA School for Pastels
The Pastel Society of America was founded in 1972 with a mission to set standards of excellence in pastel and to educate artists and the public about the beauty and permanence of the medium. For more than fifty years, PSA has nurtured the pastel community through exhibitions, instruction, and shared artistic exploration, helping to fuel a renaissance of pastel in American art.
Today, PSA Education honors that legacy while expanding access, depth, and creative opportunity across a range of modern formats. Whether you are just beginning with pastel or seeking sustained mentorship and critique, PSA offers programs designed to strengthen technical foundations, foster critical thinking, and support artistic growth.
The PSA School of Pastels brings these offerings together into a cohesive learning ecosystem. Through immersive in person Workshops, extended online Academy classes, dedicated studio practice, personalized critique through Pastel Perspectives, recorded insights in PSA Spotlight, and future scholarship opportunities, artists can find learning pathways that resonate with their interests, goals, and schedules.
PSA Education reflects the Society’s belief that excellence in art comes from a combination of craft, intention, and community. Our programs aim to connect artists to teachers, peers, and resources that inspire deeper engagement with pastel painting and encourage lifelong creative development.
Our programs are listed below; click the images to learn more.
