2026 North Carolina Statewide Pastel Exhibition

Overview

The North Carolina Statewide Pastel Juried Exhibition is a collaboration of the Appalachian Pastel Society (APS) and the Pastel Society of North Carolina (PSNC). The mission is to inspire artists, enhance public appreciation for soft pastels, and establish North Carolina as an emerging cultural market. The 2026 show is hosted by PSNC at The Makery in Wake Forest, NC. Membership in one of these North Carolina pastel societies is required at the time of entry; you do not have to be a North Carolina resident to join.

Key Dates

• Submissions Open: Monday, June 29, 2026
• Entry Deadline: Monday, August 24, 2026
• Acceptance Notification: Monday, September 14, 2026
• Artwork Delivery: October 2, 5, & 6, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: October 9 – November 1, 2026
• Opening Reception & Awards: Friday, October 9, 2026
• Work Pick Up: November 3–6, 2026

Entry Requirements & Eligibility

• Membership in Appalachian Pastel Society or Pastel Society of North Carolina required at time of entry
• 80% of exposed surface must be dry pastel; no oil pastels
• Work must be entirely the work of the artist and not copied from other artists' work, photos, or publications
• Permission must be granted from photographer if using a reference not taken by the artist
• Must not have been done under direct supervision of or specifically critiqued by an instructor
• No work significantly influenced by another artist's work is eligible
• Entries previously juried into PSNC or APS Statewide Shows are not eligible
• Entries that have received awards in any former PPS, PSNC, or APS society shows are not eligible
• Paintings must have been completed during 2020 or later
• Must not have been exhibited before or reworked from one exhibited before in a Statewide Show
• Must not be glazed with matte acrylic, resin, or solvent varnish
• Shipping address within continental United States required if winning product awards

Submission & Media

• Up to 5 artworks per artist may be submitted
• Entry is online only using ShowSubmit
• Images must not show mat, frame, etc., and must be accurate representation of artwork
• Juror will not see file names; unsigned work is best
• No size limitation

Fees

• $40 for up to two paintings
• $10 each additional painting for a maximum of five total
• Entry fees are non-refundable

Awards

• First Place – $1,000
• Second Place – $800
• Third Place – $650
• Herb Slapo Award – $250
• PPSCC Award – $175
• PSA, APS – $150
• PPS Legacy – $150
• Additional prizes provided by: Dakota, Richeson, Blick Art Supply, Terry Ludwig Pastels, Franken Frames, Canson Paper, J Luda Pastels
• From paintings submitted, one painting or possibly two may be selected at the discretion of the juror; however, an accepted artist may only be given one award.

Presentation & Delivery

Professionally framed under glass, ready to hang with flat hooks and strong wire. No saw-tooth hangers or clip frames. PSNC reserves the right to refuse any painting that does not meet professional gallery standards. Delivery and pickup instructions, packing suggestions, painting labeling, and other information will be sent to those accepted into the show.

Sales & Commission

All entries must have a sale price. The Venue will receive a 30% commission from sales. The Venue will administer the sales of paintings, collection of and payment of sales tax, and payment to the artist, including 1099 Forms if required by the IRS.

Contacts

• Kathy Pruett: [email protected]
• Bridgette Comellas: [email protected]
• PSNC Website and Prospectus available for download