Uniting Pastel Societies Around The World In Support Of The Fine Art Of Pastel
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PASTEL SOCIETIES
News & Updates
Celebrating the 2026 IAPS Fall Online Exhibition Award Winners
The 2026 Fall Online Exhibition is open. This fall’s show brought together the 49th Open Division and the 17th Master Circle Division, and the work is now on view at the links below. 49th Open Division 17th Master Circle Division Congratulations to every artist whose work was accepted, and thank…
How Your Society Can Host an IAPS Gathering
Gatherings are IAPS’s new in-person events: annual events hosted by member societies and supported by IAPS. We recently released details around the first two Gatherings. Enchanted Places, hosted by the Pastel Society of New Mexico, comes to Albuquerque in October 2027. Golden Spirit, the 2028 West…
Enchanted Places 2027: The First IAPS Gathering
IAPS is pleased to announce more details about the Enchanted Places 2027 Gathering. Enchanted Places, hosted with the Pastel Society of New Mexico[(https://www.pastelsnm.com), runs October 19 to 24, 2027, and is based in Albuquerque. It is the first event in the [new Gatherings model IAPS announced…
How to Stay Connected With IAPS
IAPS exists because of its member societies. The work you’re doing locally such as the exhibitions, workshops, paint-outs, and programs, is what makes this organization worth being part of. We want to hear about it and help you share it. Here’s how to stay connected and make sure your society’s…
Frequently Asked Questions About the Future of IAPS Programming
Earlier this month, we shared a letter about where IAPS is headed: annual Gatherings hosted by member societies, an expanding grants program, a growing library of educational content, online exhibitions that continue twice a year, and our ongoing honors program. If you missed it, the full letter is…
The Future of IAPS: Year-Round Learning
IAPS’s commitment to expanded educational programming for 2027 and beyond builds on resources already available on the IAPS YouTube channel. The channel features demonstrations, interviews, presentations, and instructional programs. Artists can access these programs from anywhere, at any time.
Uniting Pastel Societies Around The World In Support Of The Fine Art Of Pastel
IAPS Honors
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 an awards ceremony is held during the Saturday Night Banquet to honor those artists and volunteers who have achieved award status.
THE MASTER CIRCLE
The Master Circle was established in 2004 to honor those artists whose work has been accepted and/or given awards in specific IAPS Exhibitions. Qualifying exhibitions are the annual juried online exhibition and the annual juried physical exhibition.
EMINENT PASTELIST
In 2013, a new award level was created for artists who have already achieved the Master Circle status. The Eminent Pastelist designation (IAPS/EP) requires considerably more points to be accrued through acceptance and/or awards in IAPS exhibitions.
IAPS 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 an awards ceremony is held to honor those artists and volunteers who have achieved award status.
IAPS Global Society Grant
The IAPS Global Society Grant provides the opportunity for IAPS Member Societies around the world to advance the knowledge of pastel to their members and/or spread the appreciation of the pastel medium to the public.
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International Association of Pastel Societies is dedicated to fostering a global community of pastel artists and advocating for this unique art form.
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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.