SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT

BY GREG STONE

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society (CMPS), USA has continued successfully to grow while lifting members’ spirits and inspiring creativity. “I think early on that myself and the CMPS board recognized that many artists were being emotionally, mentally and, in some cases, physically and financially impacted, not only by the COVID-19 situation but by a tumultuous political climate as well,” said President Lisa Nugent. “The end result is that many artists were thrown into a major funk.” So the board made a concerted effort to provide as much fun and excitement as they could by offering major giveaways and free events. Since many artists were offering virtual workshops, pastel societies often were competing for attendees. CMPS instead hosted free demonstrations to members and artists accepted into the annual “Marks of Distinction” exhibition. Selection Jurors Lyn Diefenbach and Teresa Saia and Awards Judge Tony Allain each offered demos that helped fill the void of traditional in-person workshops. Giveaways also made an impact: prizes included pastel sets, paper packs, and a Dakota box. “What better way to get folks re-engaged than to offer everyone the possibility of winning and actually put some exciting new supplies in a few folks’ hands?” she added. Founded in January 2019, CMPS has continued to distinguish itself through innovative programs that support artists in both their creative and professional pursuits. Nugent said, as the pandemic was in full swing, she worked with board members to develop her idea that

quickly became “New England PastelFest.” Fellow Board Members Maryann Mullett, Christine Chisholm, Laurie Triba, and Cynthia Robinson helped pull together the inaugural event in 2020. “In the middle of the pandemic, we safely and successfully pulled off a fantastic event that included a pop-up show, panel of speakers, plein air painting and more!” Nugent said. “The feedback from attendees was extremely positive, so the takeaway was really not to change anything but just add more.” A unique feature of “New England PastelFest” is the professional development opportunity for artists. Nugent said this component of the event helps CMPS meet one of its main objectives: to promote pastel as a fine art. This year’s professional development sessions feature Liz Haywood-Sullivan and Jeanne Rosier Smith. Nugent said the professional track is expected to attract professional artists who may be new to pastel, and it will help painters better understand the business side of art, which can be challenging even without the pressures of a global pandemic and economic CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS PASTEL SOCIETY GET-TOGETHER downturn. The upcoming “New England PastelFest” will be held September 11, 2021 and is being co-sponsored by CMPS, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, Pastel Society of New Hampshire, Connecticut Pastel Society and the Pastel Society of Maine, all in the USA. For more information or to register, visit www.cmpastels.org. For a relatively new society, CMPS already has an established set of programs and developed some unconventional approaches. Nugent said the hardworking board and active members of CMPS will continue to innovate as she prepares to step down at the end of her three-year term. “As of now, we have one fantastic

nominee for president, Jane Robbins. Jane is a solid candidate that possesses what CMPS needs: someone with a passion for pastels coupled with sound business experience.” Nugent said two other board positions will see new faces in 2022. “There is currently one candidate, Diane L’Heureux, for the position of membership secretary and Alexis Rosoff has agreed to serve as Web Master, a new position recently created. We are excited to have these new additions. All of whom are folks who like to think outside the box, which will help to ensure that CPMS continues on in the innovative vein that it got started.” For more information email to president@ cmpastels.org.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS PASTEL SOCIETY GET-TOGETHER

About the Author Greg Stone is an active member of the Oklahoma Pastel Society and serves as their Membership Chair. He is also a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America. He is a former journalist and college English professor. When he’s not at the easel painting landscapes, he works as a higher education leader.

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