8/1/26 - 9/12/26
VEFA Gallery presents “99 Voices,” a Pastel Society of the West Coast exhibition featuring expressive pastel works by 99 artists, celebrating diverse artistic perspectives.
Installation Shots
Exhibition Statement
The Pastel Society of the West Coast (PSWC) was founded in 1985 after pastelist Margot Schulzke and artist Albert Handell recognized the need for a pastel society in the western United States. With help from other dedicated artists, the first meeting was held in Folsom, California, with more than 50 attendees. Within months, membership grew to about 300 artists across more than 20 states.
Today, PSWC is one of the largest pastel societies in the United States, with nearly 700 members. Its mission is to promote pastel through education and competition. The society offers workshops, demonstrations, paint-outs, and three major annual competitions, along with scholarships for art students and members. PSWC also publishes a quarterly magazine featuring pastel artists, techniques, events, and society news.
