Renaissance in Pastel

Overview

The 33rd Annual National Exhibition of soft pastel works, held in-person at Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Open to all artists residing in the United States working in soft pastel medium.

Key Dates

• Submissions Open: Monday, June 15, 2026
• Entry Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
• Acceptance Notification: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
• Hand Delivery: Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 10am–5pm
• Shipped Work Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
• Judging: Thursday, November 12
• Show Opens: Friday, November 13, 2026
• Opening Reception & Awards: Sunday, November 22, 2–4pm
• Show Ends: Friday, January 1, 2027
• Pickup: Saturday & Sunday, January 2 & 3

Entry Requirements

Submit up to three digital images through ShowSubmit.com (only one artwork per artist may be accepted). Work must be soft pastel (at least 80% soft pastel, not oil pastels), completed within the past three years, and original. No AI-created or mechanical reproductions, collage, or cut pieces of pastel paper. Work cannot be copied from others or created in classroom/workshop settings. No varnish except traditional pastel fixative.

Size & Framing

Size limit is 28 inches in either direction, including frame. Artwork must be securely and professionally framed under glass or plexiglass with white or off-white mat only, ready to hang with screw eyes and wire (no sawtooth hangers).

Eligibility Restrictions

Open to artists residing in the United States only. Work cannot have won an award at IAPS, PSA, or other national/international open juried Pastel Society Exhibit, or been accepted into a national/international open juried Pastel Society Exhibit running concurrently with Renaissance. Work cannot have been exhibited in a former Connecticut Pastel Society Exhibit. Work may have won awards in Pastel Society Member Exhibits or all-medium exhibits (e.g., Allied Artists of America, Salmagundi).

Fees

• Non-members: $55 for up to 3 digital images
• Members: $45 for up to 3 digital images (2026 dues must be paid)
• Shipping & handling fee: $30.00 (if work is shipped)
• Entry fees are non-refundable and must be paid online by credit card at time of submission

Delivery

All accepted artists will receive notification by Wednesday, September 23, 2026 with exhibition label and shipping instructions. Hand-delivered work must be dropped off Saturday or Sunday, November 7 & 8, 2026, between 10am–5pm. Shipped work must arrive by October 30, 2026. One-year ban imposed if accepted image is not delivered as identical painting. Storage fee of $10 per week applies 30 days after exhibition end if work is not picked up.

Sales & Commission

All work must be for sale (no POR or NFS allowed). Lyme Art Association handles all sales transactions and retains 30% commission; artists receive 70% of sale price. LAA collects and pays Connecticut sales tax. Pickup is Saturday & Sunday, January 2 & 3, 2027.

Contact

Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371. Phone: 860-434-7802. Email: [email protected]. Visit lymeartassociation.org for gallery hours and entry page details.