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Maryland pastel society

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Our events

The Maryland Pastel Society hosts a variety of activities throughout the year to include quarterly meetings, workshops, and exhibitions.

Click on a title below to learn more and sign up:

    • 29 Jan 2026
    • 10 May 2026
    • Biggs Museum of American Art 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901

    The Joy of Pastel

    MPS Signature Member Exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art

    January 29 – May 10, 2026

    Biggs Museum of American Art

    406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901

    www.theBiggsMuseum.org



    • 28 Feb 2026

    1st Quarter

    Signature Member Applications

    Due February 28, 2026


    Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

    Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

    Guidelines and Standards

    Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

    When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

    Requirements for artwork:

    By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

    • Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
    • Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
    • Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
    • Was completed within the past three years.

    To complete this application, you will need: 

    • a one-page resume.
    • 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)
      Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

      Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

      Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.

      • 19 Mar 2026
      • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
      • Biggs Museum of American Art 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901

      MEET THE ARTISTS RECEPTON

      March 19, 5:30-7:30 pm

      The Joy of Pastel

      MPS Signature Member Exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art

      January 29 – May 10, 2026

      Biggs Museum of American Art

      406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901

      www.theBiggsMuseum.org



      • 1 Apr 2026
      • 25 Apr 2026
      • Art League of Ocean City,502 94th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

      Signature Member Exhibition

      April 2026

      Art League of Ocean City

      502 94th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

      This exhibition will be open to signature members. Look for the call for entry in late January - early February.


      • 3 Apr 2026
      • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
      • Art League of Ocean City,502 94th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

      Opening Reception

      Friday, April 3rd, 5-7pm

      Signature Member Exhibition

      April 2026

      Art League of Ocean City

      502 94th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

      This exhibition will be open to signature members. Look for the call for entry in late January - early February.


      • 8 Apr 2026
      • The Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

      One-Day Workshop

      Exploring Pastel Papers with Laurie Basham

      at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD


      Please check back later for details.

      • 9 Apr 2026
      • The Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

      One-Day Workshop

      Painting Freely and Quickly with Laurie Basham

      at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD


      Please check back later for details.

      • 10 Apr 2026
      • The Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

      Half-Day Workshop

      Using Free Apps to Create Better Reference Photos

      with Laurie Basham

      at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD


      Please check back later for details.

      • 11 Apr 2026
      • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
      • The Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

      Spring General Meeting

      at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD


      Mark your calendars now, and please note that we will be at a different location for this meeting.

      • 9 Jun 2026

      2nd Quarter

      Signature Member Applications

      Due June 9, 2026


      Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

      Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

      Guidelines and Standards

      Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

      When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

      Requirements for artwork:

      By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

      • Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
      • Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
      • Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
      • Was completed within the past three years.

      To complete this application, you will need: 

      • a one-page resume.
      • 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)
        Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

        Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

        Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.

        • 9 Jul 2026
        • 10 Jul 2026
        • 909 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325

        Two-Day Workshop

        with Stephie Clark

        at the YWCA, Gettysburg, PA


        Please check back later for details.

        • 11 Jul 2026
        • 909 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325

        One-Day Workshop

        with Stephie Clark

        at the YWCA, Gettysburg, PA


        Please check back later for details.

        • 18 Jul 2026
        • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

        Summer General Meeting


        Mark your calendars now. Check back later for details.

        • 21 Jul 2026
        • 30 Aug 2026
        • Carroll County Art Council’s Tevis Gallery 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157

        All Members Juried Exhibition

        July 21 – August 30, 2026

        Carroll County Art Council’s Tevis Gallery

        91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157

        carrollcountyartscouncil.org

        This exhibition will be open to ALL MPS members in good standing, both artist and signature level.  Artwork completed in 2024-2026, not previously entered in an MPS juried show, is eligible for entry. Look for the call for entry in April 2026.


        • 23 Jul 2026
        • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
        • Carroll County Art Council’s Tevis Gallery 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157

        Meet the Artists RECeption

        July 23rd, 5-7pm

        All Members Juried Exhibition

        July 21 – August 30, 2026

        Carroll County Art Council’s Tevis Gallery

        91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157

        carrollcountyartscouncil.org

        This exhibition will be open to ALL MPS members in good standing, both artist and signature level.  Artwork completed in 2024-2026, not previously entered in an MPS juried show, is eligible for entry. Look for the call for entry in April 2026.


        • 29 Aug 2026

        3rd Quarter

        Signature Member Applications

        Due August 29, 2026


        Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

        Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

        Guidelines and Standards

        Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

        When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

        Requirements for artwork:

        By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

        • Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
        • Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
        • Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
        • Was completed within the past three years.

        To complete this application, you will need: 

        • a one-page resume.
        • 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)
          Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

          Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

          Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.

          • 14 Oct 2026
          • 16 Oct 2026

          Three-Day Workshop

          with Kim Eschelman


          Please check back later for details.

          • 17 Oct 2026
          • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

          Fall General Meeting


          Mark your calendars now. Check back later for details.

          • 28 Nov 2026

           Quarter

          Signature Member Applications

          Due November 28, 2026


          Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

          Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

          Guidelines and Standards

          Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

          When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

          Requirements for artwork:

          By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

          • Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
          • Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
          • Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
          • Was completed within the past three years.

          To complete this application, you will need: 

          • a one-page resume.
          • 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)
          Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

          Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

          Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.

        Some of our past events


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        © 2024 Maryland Pastel Society Inc.
        PO Box 54, Riderwood, MD 21139
        contact@marylandpastelsociety.com
        Since 1977, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

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