This week, IAPS emailed a message regarding the Future of IAPS to everyone on the IAPS email list: It included an overview of where the organization is headed, and the five commitments behind it.
This letter builds on our recent post after the 2026 Convention.
If you are not on our email list, or did not see the email, you can view it at the link below:
During the 2026 IAPS Convention in Albuquerque, a newly elected board was installed. We would like to introduce ourselves and share our vision for the future of IAPS, including expanded grants, a growing honors program, online learning, WebShows, and new ways for societies to gather and connect. Meet the new board and see where we are headed.
IAPS is committed to promoting pastel and honoring those who have achieved notable accomplishments in the pastel medium. Every two years at the IAPS Biennial Convention an awards ceremony is held during the Saturday Night Banquet to honor those artists and volunteers who have achieved award status.
The Master Circle was established in 2004 to honor those artists whose work has been accepted and/or given awards in specific IAPS Exhibitions. Qualifying exhibitions are the annual juried online exhibition and the annual juried physical exhibition.
In 2013, a new award level was created for artists who have already achieved the Master Circle status. The Eminent Pastelist designation (IAPS/EP) requires considerably more points to be accrued through acceptance and/or awards in IAPS exhibitions.
IAPS is committed to promoting pastel and honoring those who have achieved notable accomplishments in the pastel medium. Every two years at the IAPS Biennial Convention an awards ceremony is held to honor those artists and volunteers who have achieved award status
The IAPS Global Society Grant provides the opportunity for IAPS Member Societies around the world to advance the knowledge of pastel to their members and/or spread the appreciation of the pastel medium to the public.
International Association of Pastel Societies is dedicated to fostering a global community of pastel artists and advocating for this unique art form.
We bring together pastel societies from around the world, creating a network of shared knowledge, resources, and opportunities.
We showcase the highest standards of pastel artistry through exhibitions and our biennial convention.
We work tirelessly to increase the visibility and recognition of pastel art in globally.
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The cornerstone of IAPS is our commitment to fostering connections and facilitating the exchange of ideas. We believe that by coming together, we can elevate the art of pastel and support each other in our artistic journeys.
Uniting Pastel Societies around the world in support of the fine art of pastel.