THE PASTEL PAINTERS OF MAINE
The Pastel Painters of Maine is an art association dedicated
to benefiting all soft pastelists in the Maine area. Its
goal is to promote the pastel medium by having pastel
painting exhibits, classes and workshops; newsletters;
outdoor painting trips; painting from models and sharing
general camaraderie. The group began in the spring, 1999,
when a few artists approached Tim Parks, PSA, for lessons
and, eventually, to start a pastel society. From an initial
membership of 10-15, it has grown to over 40 current members,
three of whom have been elected to membership in the Pastel
Society of America.
The PPoM held its first paint-out on a hot Saturday along
the Maine coast in July, 1999 and its first paint-in for
portraits in January, 2000. It holds several paint-outs
during the warm months, and the paint-in has become a
weekly portrait-painting session meeting every Friday.
The first annual, juried show was held in September, 2000,
with about 30 participants, and the second show had 50
participants. Many of the entries came from across the
United States, with several from the West and the South,
and the Best in Show from Long Island, New York.
The PPoM meets on the third Thursday of
every month at River Tree Arts, 12 Depot Road, Kennebunk,
Maine. At the meetings they:
Discuss ways
to promote pastels
Have demonstrations on materials
and techniques
Critique new paintings by
the members and
Sponsor a juried, national
show
