News & Events
Next Member Meeting
Sept. 9, 2022
​12:30-2:30 pm
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Membership Renewal for 2022-2023
Annual Dues are due by 6/1/22
Get more information
Nancie King Mertz Workshop
Oct. 21-23, 2022
"Perspective & Plein Air"
​Registration opens 5/15
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Annual Judged Exhibition at The Center at Belvedere
Sept. 2 - Oct. 27, 2022
"Capturing the Color"
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Welcome to the MidAtlantic Pastel Society

The MidAtlantic Pastel Society (MAPS) is dedicated to the promotion and greater understanding of pastels as a fine art medium.  Open to adults from beginning student to professional, the society provides its members with fellowship, support and growth through bimonthly programs, by offering workshops, critiques and other educational training, and with opportunities to exhibit.  Our guiding principles of governance are to operate in a transparent, open manner, seeking ongoing discussion and input from our members.

Founded in mid-2015, MAPS has rapidly grown to include more than 100 members across the mid-Atlantic region.  Our membership spans all skill levels, from award-winning and nationally recognized pastellists to artists just getting started in our medium.  Plans for regional chapters are in the works.

​Click here for more information about MAPS.
Visit us on Facebook, Instagram or email if you have questions about the society!
Please visit our online Art Gallery
​for more beautiful pastel paintings!
Rita Kirkman
"Creating a Good Reference Photo"
March 12, 2022
Rita Kirkman shared her methods for creating good reference photos with an informative presentation on what to consider when taking photos and later modifying them for composition, light, and color.
Les Darlow
Pan Pastel Zoom Demo
May 13, 2022
At our first hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting, members were excited to learn more about Pan Pastels from Les Darlow in the UK, who painted two beautiful paintings for us.
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Tony Allain Workshop
"Mood and Atmosphere With a Fresh Eye"
Feb. 26-27, 2022 
 20 students learned to use a "fresh eye" to create landscapes with mood and atmosphere at our 2-day virtual workshop with Tony Allain.
Cuong Nguyen Workshop
"Pastel Portraits"
​Mar. 18-20, 2022
Students learned Cuong Nguyen's verdaccio technique for portraits with pastel pencils in a 3 day in-person workshop.