2027 Celebrating Pastels!

"Where I Find Myself" by Gareth Jones

This exhibition is the perfect opportunity for our members to share their talents and be a part of what makes our society sing. What we do best at APS is when we come together and lift each other up. Win, lose or draw the point is that we are engaged and together we are a formidable group of artists. Now is not the time to be shy and doubt your abilities. If you've never entered a competition before, you couldn't pick a better opportunity to start. The Ao5 Gallery staff is first class and always take good care of us. 2027 Celebrating Pastels! returns for the third year in a row. You never know what can happen. With all the support that our families give us they love hearing you say, "I'm in a show!" We have structured the exhibition in such a way that all members that enter will at a minimum exhibit one piece. The jurying kicks in when a member enters more than one. You can enter up to 3. The gallery has limited us to 50 works. It is at this point that Gareth will have his work cut out for him...that's when the jurying begins.

After 28 years of conducting this member only annual exhibition, it was decided to broaden our scope. At this year's APS Board Meeting the groundwork was set to move away from a single slate of submissions to providing two categories: Open and Master. Each with its own parameters and rewards. All is spelled out in the Prospectus found here on ShowSubmit

Juror, Gareth Jones - PSA  IAPS/MC

Today with the use of technology, we aren't limited to US based Jurors. This year APS is bringing you Gareth Jones from North Wales, UK. Gareth has emerged as an internationally acclaimed pastel artist in recent years. Art school-trained and formerly a graphic designer, he switched to the world of fine art in 2010. His early works were painted in acrylic, but nine years ago, Gareth discovered the medium of soft pastels, and his career hasn't looked back.

In 2021, he became an Associate Artist of Unison Colour, the world-renowned manufacturer of soft pastels. Later the same year, he was elected as a Signature Member of The Pastel Society of America, and in 2024, he achieved Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies.

Winner of several international awards, he has exhibited at the Mall Galleries, London, with both the Royal Society of Marine Artists and The Pastel Society. Working now exclusively in soft pastel, he has become a passionate advocate of his chosen medium, demonstrating and teaching workshops across the UK and Europe. His main inspirations are the sea and coastal environs, but he is increasingly drawn to landscapes.

Gareth has a great understanding of colour and composition, his works are filled with energy and passion. Above all, he appreciates the beauty of nature and the importance of light.

The Austin Pastel Society is honored to have the opportunity to introduce Gareth Jones to the Texas pastel community. We are planning on a special appearance by Gareth, streamed live or by prerecorded file, at our Award Ceremony in February 2027.

Judge of Awards, Todd Gresley

Many of our past exhibitors have already met Todd Gresley. Todd is the Gallery Director for Ao5 Gallery. He has served in this position for nearly 30 years and brings a wealth of knowledge about fine art and the marketing and sales ability that comes with it. Todd will be curating the show and "getting to know" each piece as he places them on the walls. Over this period of time, he will have absorbed every detail of the paintings and have more than just a "quick review" before judging.

Todd has been on many art panels, conferences, and judged contests throughout his career. This is his first pastel contest to judge, and he is really anticipating the challenge and excitement of an often misunderstood medium.

Click HERE to enter this exciting exhibtion!