Sedona, AZ
Sedona Arts Center, April 13-25
Donna Branson, Oil Tank at Sunset, pastel, 11 x 14.
This story was featured in the March 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art March 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
For over 20 years the Arizona Pastel Artists Association has endeavored to bring creativity and art appreciation to light through the historic medium of pastel. After hosting successful statewide shows, the organization decided to conquer a new challenge with its National Open Show. The show opens with up to 90 juried paintings on view beginning April 13 at the Sedona Arts Center. The public is invited to attend the Opening and Awards Reception on Saturday, April 15, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Sharon Frey, president of the association, says that interest and sales were strong during their statewide show, and organizers received many compliments on the quality of the work shown, which further convinced them to host a national show. “We feel that now we have an organization that is equivalent to some of the best pastel organizations in the country,” Frey says.
Submissions are juried by well-known pastelists Terri Ford and Lorenzo Chavez. “We’ve had both of these artists as workshop instructors for us in the past, so we highly respect their decisions,” Frey says. Landscape painter Kim Lordier judges the awards. (Works shown here are from previous shows.)
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- Kathy Howard, Marine Layer, pastel, 9 x 12.
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- Liz Kenyon, Citrus, pastel 12 x 16.
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- Jean Hildebrant, Prayer, pastel, 24 x 18.
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- Nori Thorne, Jamie in Fossil Creek, pastel, 9 x 12.
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- John Heckman, Celebration, pastel, 11 x 14.
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- Mary Fuscaldo, Torrent, pastel, 24 x 18.
Frey says the organization expects a wide range of styles, as well as a variety of subject matter including still life, animal portraits, figures, seascapes, landscapes, and more. Throughout the show, artists present demonstrations for visitors. Frey expects a high level of interest from both artists and collectors alike in attending the show.
“Pastels have been used since the Renaissance, but there was a quieting down after the Impressionist era,” Frey says. “It’s becoming quite a popular medium now because pastels can be very soft and subtle, or they can be very bold and realistic if you want them to be.” Frey says she hopes the location of the show will also attract interest. “People know this is an art town, and we have some wonderful art to show them.” —Mackenzie McCreary
contact information
520.609.7929
www.apaa.wildapricot.org
This story was featured in the March 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art March 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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