Rosemary Simpson of Pastel Artists.Ca (PAC) informs me that the PAC spring symposium “Its Not Chalk!” will take place in April (11-13) at the Burlington Art Centre in Burlington, Ontario. Starting things off is a pre-symposium workshop conducted by landscape artist and Pastel Journal contributing writer Michael Chesley Johnson, April 7 through 10 (see his plein air pastel here).
 
According to Simpson, events will include full- and half-day workshops; seminars on critique, portfolio building, composition, color and design; a mini tradeshow, showcasing the latest in pastel supplies; and a luncheon featuring Berni Ward, representative for PanPastel artists' pastels. The PAC Members show will also be held the same weekend in the main public gallery of the center.

Pastel Artists.Ca, previously known as Pastel Artists Canada, is part of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). It was founded in 1989 by a small group of artists in the Golden Horseshoe area of southern Ontario, but its membership of approximately 200 artists extends beyond Ontario's borders to include Canadian pastel artists from coast to coast. To find out more about PAC or the "It's Not Chalk" symposium, visit their website. 

Head Harbour Light Rock (above; pastel, 9x12) by Michael Chesley Johnson