Our History

The Northwest Pastel Society (NPS) was incorporated on October 5, 1988 as a nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting pastel as a fine art medium. Through NPS open juried international exhibitions, juried members' exhibitions, workshops, and quarterly newsletters and meetings (except in summer) members enjoy sharing knowledge, learning new painting techniques, and passing on published information.

Membership has grown from a small nucleus of Seattle area artists, to a membership drawn from throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. All officers on the Board of Directors of NPS are strictly volunteer. Membership is open to all on a "nonjuried" basis for a non-prorated fee of $40 (US) due each January 1. Spousal memberships (for two) are $50. Members are entitled to participate in member’s only juried shows, to vote and to hold NPS offices, participate in NPS workshops and the annual NPS National Open Juried Exhibit at a discounted member's fee, and "members only" showcase exhibits.

Members are encouraged to work towards NPS Signature status. Signature membership is granted to a member in good standing after he or she has had paintings accepted in three (3) NPS International  Juried Exhibits. This then entitles them to affix the initials NPS after their name. Signature status shall be for as long as the member is in good standing.

Distinguished Pastelist Status designation shall be granted to the recipient of three (3) of the top three awards: Best of Show, Presidents Award and NPS Directors Award in an NPS International Juried Exhibition. This designation shall be for as long as the member is in good standing.

Individual and corporate contributions or services worth $100 or more qualifies the donor as a Patron Member

Internet Access
In August 1996, the Northwest Pastel Society became the first international art society to launch a fully interactive web page. Over the past few years, the website has become our means of communication, allowing the membership to access up-to-the-minute information about meetings, call to artists, workshops and other NPS activities. The switch from print to digital communication helps to conserves our planet's (and the NPS bankbook's) precious resources.