Show Preview | Pastel Society of Colorado

Denver, CO
Denver Central Library, July 10-September 8

Sarah St. George, Bridal Veil Falls, pastel, 16 x 12.

This story was featured in the August 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art August 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

On Sunday, July 10, art lovers have their first look at the 100 paintings in the Pastel Society of Colorado’s Mile High International Pastel Exhibition. On view in the Vida Ellison Gallery at the Denver Central Library in downtown Denver through September 8, the show presents the work of more than 90 artists from 17 states and includes myriad subject matter and artistic styles. “It was encouraging to see a variety of subjects,” says Kim Casebeer, who serves as this year’s juror and awards judge, “but what is most interesting to me are the variety of ways that pastel is applied to a surface. Some [works] seem detailed and crisp. Some are very soft, almost otherworldly. Some are loose and fun. Some are bold in color, and others are very tonal.” All works are available for purchase.

Indeed, visitors to this year’s show find a full spectrum of artistic styles, techniques, and subject matter. “The media is what ties the show together, but there are lots of landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and still lifes, and a broad variety of techniques,” says exhibition chair Virginia Unseld. Participating artists include Jackie Aves, Maureen Bader, Carole Buschmann, Diane Fechenbach, Loretta Foyle, Dawn Buckingham Goldsmith, Shelley Howard, Arlene Kunz, Sandy Marvin, Eve Miller, Jan Myers, Kahne Smith, Sabrina Stiles, Nancy Welter, and Tracy Wilson.

Susan McKelvy, Trail Ride, pastel, 18 x 24.

Throughout the exhibition, paticipating artists demonstrate pastel painting in front of the library, and the public is invited to watch. An updated schedule of dates, times and demonstrators can be found on the society’s website.

Unseld notes that she always visits the show at least twice, attending the gala opening where many of the artists are in attendance as well as at least one return visit. “It’s important to go back again to see the show when there aren’t hundreds of people there. I see a renaissance happening with pastels. There are so many approaches, surfaces, and techniques. I think people who see a pastel show like this are amazed at the variety of looks you get through the medium.” —Laura Rintala

contact information
www.pastelsocietyofcolorado.org