Organizer Information
The Austin Pastel Society (APS) is a vibrant non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of soft pastels as a fine art medium. Founded in 1998, the society provides a supportive community for artists through workshops, demonstrations, and high-profile exhibitions. APS is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) and serves as a vital resource for both emerging and professional artists in the Southwest region, fostering artistic growth and public awareness of the pastel medium's unique luminosity and versatility.
Title & Description
Celebrating Pastels! 2026 All Member Juried Exhibition
This annual flagship exhibition is a curated showcase designed to celebrate the mastery and creative potential of dry media. The 2026 edition, hosted at the prestigious AO5 Gallery, aims to highlight the diverse styles, techniques, and subjects that APS members explore within the pastel medium. Whether through traditional landscapes or contemporary abstraction, the exhibition provides a professional platform for artists to display their work, compete for significant awards, and connect with collectors in one of Austin's premier contemporary art spaces.
Categories
- Visual Art: Specifically limited to soft pastel works (mixed media is acceptable if soft pastel is the primary medium).
- Techniques: Landscapes, Portraits, Still Life, and Abstraction.
Eligibility
- Membership: Open exclusively to current members of the Austin Pastel Society. (New members may join the society prior to applying to gain eligibility).
- Medium Restriction: Submissions must be primarily soft pastel. Oil pastels are generally not accepted for this specific call.
- Originality: Works must be original creations of the artist and not produced under the direct supervision of an instructor in a workshop or class.
Program Benefits & Awards
Participating artists gain exposure in a high-traffic professional gallery and the opportunity to sell their work to a diverse audience of art enthusiasts.
- Awards: Over $3,000 in combined Cash and Merchandise awards will be presented.
- Exhibition: Selection for a physical gallery showing at AO5 Gallery.
- Recognition: Award winners will be celebrated during an exclusive opening reception and through society publicity.
Application Fee
$50 per artist.
Application Requirements
- Digital Images: High-quality JPEG files (cropped to show only the artwork, excluding frames).
- Artwork Details: Title, dimensions (unframed), and price for each submission.
- Membership Status: Valid APS membership through the exhibition period.
- Presentation: Accepted works must be professionally framed, glazed with glass or plexiglass, and ready to hang with secure wire.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
- Exhibition Dates: February 6 – February 25, 2026
- Award Reception: February 6, 2026
Location
Austin, United States
Additional Details
All work submitted must be for sale. The gallery and APS typically retain a commission on sales (verify the specific split in the official prospectus on ShowSubmit). Shipping of accepted artwork is the responsibility of the artist; however, local drop-off dates are usually provided for members in the Austin area.