Show Preview | Mile High Pastel Exhibition

Denver, CO
Denver Public Library, July 14-August 30

Tim Solliday, Desert Wind, pastel, 14x15 (2013 First place).

Tim Solliday, Desert Wind, pastel, 14×15 (2013 First place).

This story was featured in the July 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

This month the Pastel Society of Colorado presents its 10th annual Mile High International Pastel Exhibition at the Denver Public Library from July 14  to August 30. The event showcases 100 artworks created by nearly 50 pastel artists and features members and nonmembers alike.

Since 1994 the Pastel Society of Colorado has focused on the pastel medium, bringing together likeminded artists in an effort to create a pastel community. The group started with just 10 members but grew through the years to include international as well as nonmember pastel artists. “In the beginning there was only a member show, but we thought it was time to do something bigger to bring in other people outside our own organization,” says exhibition chair Ivadell Marie.

The event, which was created by Diane Fechenbach, a master signature member of the society, opens with a reception on July 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It includes an awards ceremony during which this year’s juror, award-winning pastel artist Albert Handell, hands out prizes in 11 categories, including first through third place, People’s Choice, five honorable mentions, and two new awards—the Elizabeth Mowry Award for a Poetic Landscape and the Ginger Lecher Memorial Award. As Handell announces each award he talks with the crowd about his reasons for selecting each painting.

The exhibition is free and open to the public during normal Denver Public Library business hours through August 30. Three artists’ demonstrations take place during the event. The show also features a special display of artwork from Handell and the 10 previous jurors—all of whom are award-winning pastel artists— including Lorenzo Chavez, Doug Dawson, Colleen Howe Bleinberger, Ramon Kelley, Richard McKinley, Elizabeth Mowry, Susan Ogilvie, Bob Rohm, Sally Strand, and Duane Wakeham. “We’re excited because these are renowned pastel artists who’ve been in the business for a long time, and it’s very cool that they are all participating,” Marie says. —Joe Kovack

contact information
www.pastelsocietyofcolorado.org

Featured in the July 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art July 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!