I A PS MAGAZINE
SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS PASTEL SOCIETY BY GREG STONE
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quickly became “New England PastelFest.” Fellow Board espite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Members Maryann Mullett, Christine Chisholm, Laurie the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society Triba, and Cynthia Robinson helped pull together the (CMPS), USA has continued successfully inaugural event in 2020. “In the middle of the pandemic, to grow while lifting members’ spirits and we safely and successfully pulled off a fantastic event inspiring creativity. that included a pop-up show, panel of speakers, plein “I think early on that myself and the CMPS board air painting and more!” Nugent said. “The feedback from recognized that many artists were being emotionally, attendees was extremely positive, so the takeaway was mentally and, in some cases, physically and financially really not to change anything but just add more.” impacted, not only by the COVID-19 situation but by a A unique feature of “New England PastelFest” tumultuous political climate as well,” said President Lisa is the professional development opportunity for artists. Nugent. “The end result is that many artists were thrown Nugent said this component of the event helps CMPS into a major funk.” meet one of its main objectives: to promote pastel as a So the board made a concerted effort to provide fine art. This year’s professional development sessions as much fun and excitement as they could by offering feature Liz Haywood-Sullivan and Jeanne Rosier Smith. major giveaways and free events. Since many artists Nugent said the professional track is expected to attract were offering virtual workshops, pastel societies often professional artists were competing for who may be new attendees. CMPS to pastel, and it instead hosted free will help painters demonstrations better understand to members and the business side artists accepted into of art, which can the annual “Marks be challenging of Distinction” even without the exhibition. pressures of a Selection Jurors global pandemic Lyn Diefenbach and economic and Teresa Saia downturn. and Awards Judge C E N TR AL M ASS AC HU S E T T S PA S T E L S O C IE T Y G E T - T O G E T HE R The upcoming Tony Allain each “New England PastelFest” will be held September 11, offered demos that helped fill the void of traditional 2021 and is being co-sponsored by CMPS, Pastel Painters in-person workshops. Giveaways also made an impact: Society of Cape Cod, Pastel Society of New Hampshire, prizes included pastel sets, paper packs, and a Dakota Connecticut Pastel Society and the Pastel Society of box. “What better way to get folks re-engaged than to Maine, all in the USA. For more information or to register, offer everyone the possibility of winning and actually put visit www.cmpastels.org. some exciting new supplies in a few folks’ hands?” she For a relatively new society, CMPS already has added. an established set of programs and developed some Founded in January 2019, CMPS has continued unconventional approaches. Nugent said the hardto distinguish itself through innovative programs that working board and active members of CMPS will continue support artists in both their creative and professional to innovate as she prepares to step down at the end of pursuits. Nugent said, as the pandemic was in full swing, her three-year term. “As of now, we have one fantastic she worked with board members to develop her idea that
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