The Pastel Society

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Pastel Society | Annual Exhibition 2025

Artists are invited to submit work in pastel and dry media for the Pastel Society’s 126th Annual Exhibition, BENCHMARK, sponsored by Caran d'Ache.

Calling all artists working with pastel, pencil, charcoal, crayon, chalk, and more…

This is your chance to take part in a contemporary, adventurous and creative show, presenting a positive challenge to those with pre-conceived ideas about pastel and dry media. The exhibition is a benchmark for skill, inspiration and enthusiasm.

Successful applicants can expect:

• To have their work included in the exhibition at Mall Galleries and online

• Eligibility to win prizes and awards

• An invitation to the Private View

• The chance to sell work to new collectors

• To be part of a network of exhibiting artists dating back to 1898, when the Society was founded

• The possibility of election to membership

Prizes & Awards

Cash Prizes:

NEW Caran d'Ache Prize
£1,000 for the best work in the exhibition as selected by Caran d’Ache

NEW Pastel Society Prize
£1,000 for the best work in the exhibition selected by the Pastel Society Council

The Yoshimoto Prize
£1,000 for an outstanding work in any dry medium by a non-member

The President's Prize
£500 for the best work by an artist aged 35 or under

The Bob Last Prize
£400 for a work that celebrates the spirit of Bob Last (1932-2020), a member of the Pastel Society who was known for his imaginative use of dry media, excellent drawing skills, and passion to present work that was different and innovative. With thanks to his daughters, Joanne Last and Jackie Jones, who will select the prize winner.

The Anthony J Lester Art Critic Award
A certificate and cheque for £50

Product Prizes:

Caran d'Ache Product Prize

Frank Herring Award

Henri Roche Award

Mamut Award

Pith Sketchbook Award

Schmincke Award

UART Award

Unison Member Award

Unison Non-member Award

Unison Young Artist Award

West Design Award

Publication Prizes:

The Artist Magazine Award
A feature article in The Artist magazine

Pastel Society Catalogue Awards | First and Second Prize
The winning works featured in the exhibition catalogue

Plus:

Visitors' Choice Award
A set of Caran d'Ache pastel pencils

Subject to final confirmation

Talented artists are vital to the growth and longevity of the Society. This talent can be from any background; what we want to see is enthusiasm, technical skill, originality and innovation in submissions.

Richard Rees - President

Key Dates

Submissions open: Monday 12 August 2024, 12 noon

Submissions close: Friday 15 November, 12 noon

Notification of selection: Friday 29 November, 12 noon

Receiving Day (if selected): Saturday 11 January 2025, 10am to 5pm

Private View (invite only): Tuesday 21 January, 5pm to 9pm, official opening at 7pm

Exhibition opens: Wednesday 22 January, 10am to 5pm daily*

*Closed on Tuesday 4 February for a private event

Exhibition closes: Saturday 8 February, 5pm

Collection of unsold work: Thursday 13 February, 10am to 5pm

PS 040 jpg

How to Submit

A single-stage online judging of all submitted works will take place, after which selected works should be delivered to Mall Galleries, London, for inclusion in the exhibition:

• Upload your work to our Open Exhibition Submission System (OESS) between 12 noon on Monday 12 August and Friday 15 November 2024

Images must be in JPEG or PNG format and under 5MB. The judges will make their decision based on these images, so please submit good quality photographs. 

• Log in to the OESS from 12 noon on Friday 29 November to see if your work has been selected

• If selected, deliver your work on Saturday 11 January 2025, 10am to 5pm, to Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

Works should be delivered unwrapped with the relevant form and labels, which are downloadable upon notification of selection.

Important Information for Artists

Looking for Inspiration?

Explore the Pastel Society Annual Exhibition 2024

Tony Allain, New Dawn

Calendar

Today: 4 Apr - We are OPEN

Open next: 5 Apr 2025

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