How It Began

Pastel Artists of Canada StoryThe Pastel Artists of Canada Story began with a shared vision to elevate and promote pastel painting as a respected medium in the art world. From its early days, the organization has been dedicated to fostering a community of artists who use pastels to create vibrant, painterly works. This vision has inspired countless artists and art lovers, shaping the legacy of pastel art in Canada.

In 1989 a small group of pastel artists living in the Burlington area banded together to support one another. They wanted locations to show their work and to present, to the public, the exciting use of pastel. They wanted an all-pastel venue. Previously thought to be only a drawing medium, the popularity of pastel has grown with artists and art enthusiasts. Attitudes have changed. The painterly use of pastel has arrived. This has happened in the main due to the vision and hard work of this early group of people.

You can’t talk about the founders without a bit of history creeping in. After more than 30 years the association continues to thrive, starting off as Pastel Artists of Ontario (PAO) and changing its name (2000) to Pastel Artists Canada (PAC) to reflect the growing, diverse membership that has spread well past the boundaries of Ontario. After incorporation a few years ago, the formal name is now Pastel Artists.CA

In the early days, Don Hamilton and Ursula a Reese worked together as co-chairs with Sue Rizvi acting as general factotum, looking after membership, money, minutes and newsletters. The lines were blurred and members took on more than one job. Connie James looked after workshops for many years. As the membership grew, paint-outs and workshops were offered. The group took every chance to inform the public and mentor fellow artists. The joy of the medium was infectious and still is.

PAC is all about helping fellow artists with information and locations to exhibit their work. As the group grew (200) it became national and then international. Art stores started to carry quality products as more artists began asking for the materials they needed. Today the tradition started by this small group of founders continues with paint-outs & workshops with local and international artists.

Our annual PAC Purely Pastel open juried and online members exhibitions encourage artists to compete and sometimes show for the first time. Since PAC membership now spreads across Canada, the newsletter, website and email keep the members connected.

The association has the founders to thank for their visionary guidance. Their enthusiasm encouraged more hands to join together over the years to share the work and continue the dream. Lillian, Ursula, Enid, Connie, Sue and Don gave tremendous gifts of time, talent and vision to the association. Without them PAC would not be the strong energetic society it is today.

Our Mission

Pastel Artists.CA’s aim is to promote public appreciation and knowledge of the soft pastel medium in Canada; to improve the growth and skills of Canadian artists working in this fine art medium, and to promote fellowship among pastel artists nationally and worldwide.

To accomplish that, we sponsor workshops led by Canadian and other internationally known instructors, host juried gallery and online exhibitions and maintain membership with the International Association of Pastel Societies.

Members also benefit from our quarterly “Purely Pastel” newsletter, in which they are encouraged to share their knowledge and successes; have access to a growing DVD learning library at a greatly reduced cost; as well as access to and listing on our website.