Art Matters
A
s the 2019 Annual Exhibition
wrapped up for The Pastel
Society UK (the society’s
120th), the growing strength of
entries became clear to President
Jeannette Hayes: “Submissions are
always strong, and this year’s were
particularly so. Selection is difficult,
and hopefully we get it right.” In the
end, 281 artworks were on display,
101 submitted by nonmembers, and
18 awards were given. Hayes says
there was representation from inter-
national artists, emerging artists and
artists doing large-scale works.
The exhibition took place at the
Watts Gallery Artists’ Village in
Surrey, England—a significant loca-
tion for the society, as G.F. Watts was
both the founder of the gallery and
one of the founding members of the
Pastel Society in 1898. The current
director, Alistair Burtenshaw gave
the exhibition’s opening speech.
One of the most beloved parts of
each year’s exhibition is the society’s
Art Event Evening. “The Pastel
Society’s strength is its ability to
inspire, teach and share through
workshops, demonstrations and
the Art Event Evening,” explains
Hayes. “It’s a charity after all. We
have free demonstrations and talks
throughout the show and at the Art
Event Evening, where the public
can work with and talk to members.The Pastel Society UK Holds
Its 120th Annual Exhibition
Awards, public demonstrations and a beautiful exhibition made
the society’s 120th one to remember.
By McKenzie Graham
Street in Ajmer, Rajasthan
(35½x28¹⁄3) by June Arnold4 Pastel Journal JUNE 2019