Maggie Price, president of the International Association for Pastel Societies (IAPS), informs me that results of the 2009 IAPS Web Show have been posted on the IAPS web site. Check out all the accepted entries as well as the award-winning pastels by Joan Dromey, Ray Hassard (whose pastel, In Light of India, left, took second place), Vianna Szabo, Lyn Diefenbach, Melanie Watrous, and Susan Grinels.

Maggie also had news about plans for next year's 15th juried exhibition, which will be shown at the beautiful Brea Gallery in the city of Brea, Calif., to be on view from January 23 to March 5, 2010. "This is an exceptional venue for our exhibition," she says, "and we are quite excited about the opportunity." Learn more about the gallery here, and download the prospectus from the IAPS web site.

Keep in mind that acceptance into an IAPS juried exhibition gives you a point toward IAPS Master Circle status. Award winners receive a second point. New recipients of Master Circle status are presetned with gold medallions at the IAPS biennial conventions. Maybe IAPS 2011 is the convention where you'll get yours?!

---

MORE RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

* Online Seminars for Fine Artists
* Instantly download fine art magazines, books & video workshops
* Sign up for your Artist's Network email newsletter & receive free fine art tips & demos

 

Sadly, I learned on Friday that Flora B. Giffuni, pastel artist, teacher and founder of The Pastel Society of America (PSA), had passed away at the age of 89. The PSA, which held its annual awards ceremony for the 37th Annual "Pastels Only" exhibition yesterday at the National Arts Club in New York City, took the opportunity to pay tribute to Flora. Here are some of the remarks made by PSA President, Rae Smith:

"We certainly would not be gathered together today if it had not been for Flora’s spirit and fortitude in forging ahead to create the Pastel Society of America. Her entire life was dedicated to promoting the pastel medium and pastel artists. Flora’s generosity and the generosity of the Giffuni family over the years funded awards and scholarships for many pastelists and students of this medium.

"She was a little lady but a giant in the world of art. How will we do without her? Flora will never really be gone. Her presence will remain with us in our studios, at our board meetings and in our hearts forever."

The obituary, as it appeared in The New York Times reads: Giffuni -- Flora Baldini. On September 10, 2009. Founder of the Pastel Society of America. Wife of the late Joseph V. Giffuni. Survived by her children JoAnn (Kenneth Wellner), Vincent J. (Barbara) and Cathe Giffuni. Her lifelong passion for painting was an inspiration to many. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 2-6 and 7-9pm at Frank E. Campbell, 1076 Madison Avenue at 81st St. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Pastel Society of America, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003.

Here at the magazine, we'll be working on a special tribute for an upcoming issue of The Pastel Journal. If you knew Flora personally and would like to share a remembrance, please send us an email at pjedit@fwmedia.com.

[pictured above] Flora B. Giffuni upon receiving the Medal of Honor from the Salmagundi Club last spring.