The Pastel Society of the West Coast (PSWC) was effectively “born” in 1984, when Margot Schulzke, a well-known pastelist and author, attended a workshop by fellow pastelist Albert Handell in the San Francisco Bay Area. Smitten by the medium, she suggested to him that there should be a society for pastel artists in the western United States.

He replied that if Margot were to get the ball rolling, he would help in any way he could. With the help of other dedicated artists, they did — and he was good for his word. By fall of 1985, PSWC was underway. The society’s first meeting was held at the studio of Sally Lyon Smith in Folsom, California. More than 50 people attended. Soon after that, the group received some publicity in American Artist magazine, and membership applications began to roll in. Within a few months, the society’s membership soared to about 300, with members in more than 20 states. Growth continues. Despite the development of many other pastel societies in the years since, the West Coast group is now the second-largest pastel society in the United States, with nearly 700 members. The society’s mission is to provide opportunities to encourage the use of pastel through education and competition. The group offers workshops, demonstrations, and regional paint-outs and paint-ins throughout the country. PSWC also holds three major competitions each year, awarding thousands of dollars to outstanding artists. In addition, the society gives two college scholarships to deserving art students, as well as workshop scholarships for members. PSWC also publishes a magazine four times a year with information about the society, pastel artists, art techniques, and local, regional and national events in the pastel world.

More Information: https://pswc.ws