The Joy of Pastel MPS Signature Member Exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art January 29 – May 10, 2026 Biggs Museum of American Art 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901 www.theBiggsMuseum.org

1st Quarter

Signature Member Applications

Due February 28, 2026

Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

Guidelines and Standards

Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

Requirements for artwork:

By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

• Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
• Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
• Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
• Was completed within the past three years.

To complete this application, you will need: 

• a one-page resume.

• 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)

Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.

MEET THE ARTISTS RECEPTON March 19, 5:30-7:30 pm The Joy of Pastel MPS Signature Member Exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art January 29 – May 10, 2026 Biggs Museum of American Art 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901 www.theBiggsMuseum.org

Signature Member Exhibition April 2026 Art League of Ocean City 502 94th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842 artleagueofoceancity.org This exhibition will be open to signature members. Look for the call for entry in late January - early February.

Opening Reception Friday, April 3rd, 5-7pm Signature Member Exhibition April 2026 Art League of Ocean City 502 94th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842 artleagueofoceancity.org This exhibition will be open to signature members. Look for the call for entry in late January - early February.

One-Day Workshop

Exploring Pastel Papers with Laurie Basham

at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

Please check back later for details.

Improve Your Practice with Laurie Basham
3 Separate Workshops - Sign up for one or all three. Your choice!

Key Dates: 

• Workshops: April 8 - 10th, 2026 (3 days)
• 14 total registrants for each workshop
• MPS Member Registration Begins: February 8, 2026
• Non-Member Registration Opens: March 8, 2026

Workshop Descriptions:

Workshop 1 – Exploring Paper  $149.00 - 10 am to 4 pm

• Focus: Experiment with various pastel papers, underpaintings, and how different surfaces affect pastel application.

• Various papers and underpainting materials will be provided.  Students can bring any papers you already own. Bring your pastels and pan pastels. 

• Instructor will have some reference photos but bring your own also.

• Other supplies to bring:  A few large 1-2 in brushes for underpaintings as well as painters tape, gloves, paper towels, rags, and a drawing board.
  

Workshop 2 – Break Free from the Photo: Explore & Express in Pastels    $135.00 - 10 am to 4 pm, 

• Focus: Create representational paintings in both small and large formats, using photos and life as references.
• Approach: Work with time-limited exercises encouraging spontaneity, looseness, and intuitive responses. The emphasis is on painting fast and freely, capturing the essence and energy of the subject.
• Supplies: Bring your own paper and pastels, large 1-2 in brushes for underpaintings as well as painters tape, gloves, paper towels, rags, reference photos and a drawing board.

Workshop 3 – Using Apps for More Creative and Inspiring Reference Photos - $135.00 - 10 am to 1 pm 

• Focus: Learn how to use various apps to create improved reference photos for painting. Includes a live demonstration.

• Students will need an APPLE device.  An iPhone or iPad, specifically.  Both is best so you can see the difference in how the apps work on each device (it varies).

  Download the following Apps.  Purchase is not necessary but the first 2 are recommended. Become familiar with the apps before the class.

  1.Brushes Redux
  
  2. BeCasso

  3.Blur Photo Editor

  4. Notanizer

  
  

Artist Bio

Laurie Basham is a pastel artist who enjoys capturing the beauty of color found in light and shadow, whether it’s a landscape, figure or still-life. Laurie is always searching for new ways to view the world, constantly seeking interesting angles and patterns of shape and value. She is captivated by objects lit from behind, where the light creates a glowing halo effect. Her goal is to illuminate the beauty of everyday life through the medium of pastel.

A native of Rockville Maryland, Laurie received her Degree in Art Education from the University of Maryland in 1985. After an award winning career as an Art Educator in Howard County Maryland, she retired in 2019.  Since retirement, Laurie has been enjoying being a full time artist and has received awards in several plein-air competitions, as well as acceptance into several national and international shows. Laurie received the Portrait/Figure Award in The Pastel Society of the Southwest’s 39th National Juried Exhibition as well as a Member’s Choice Award at the Piedmont Pastel Society’s 2020 Member’s Show. In 2021 Laurie received the Pastel Painters of Cape Cod Award in the Maryland Pastel Society’s Symphony in Pastel Juried Members Show as well as a Juror’s Exceptional Merit Award in the Left Coast Pastel Painters Society’s International Show. 

Laurie is a signature member of the Pastel Society of North Carolina, a Juried Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America and a signature member of the Maryland Pastel Society. She is past President of the Piedmont Pastel Society. She is also an active member of the Associated Artists of Winston Salem and the Carolina Painters’ Guild.  

Laurie’s style has changed a bit over the years. At the beginning of her career in pastel painting, she worked very detailed, taking days to complete a piece. Now, after being inspired by the MPS guest demonstrations by Tony Allain and Gail Piazza, her works are completed in just a few hours. Using Tony’s quick sharpie sketch technique, then an under-painting using pan pastels, her work has become more spontaneous. Sometimes the under-paintings just need a few touches of pastel sticks for her to feel the piece is complete. She has been experimenting with various surfaces to see which surface works best for her new technique, with favorites being Uart (dark) and Sennelier La Carte, and Canson Velvet!.

lauriebashamfineart.com

301-514-0915

Details: 

• Cost: See detail in each workshop description above
• Dates: April 8-10, 2026
• Location: beachKraft Gallery, 18200 Georgia Ave. Unit O+N (second level, elevator available), Olney, MD 20832
• Registration opens for Members 4 weeks before non-members.
• 
  

Registration:

• Class size is limited to 14 and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis with priority given to Maryland Pastel Society members.  
• Accommodations, meals, and supplies not included unless stated otherwise.  Tables, chairs, and desktop easels will be provided.  There are only 3 stand-up easels available so bring your own if you really need one.
• Full payment is required at the time of registration. Multiple payment options are available: credit card or check.   

IMPORTANT NOTE: Completion of the registration form AND receipt of full payment will place you on the roster.  A confirmation email will be sent to you after your full payment is received.  

One-Day Workshop

Painting Freely and Quickly with Laurie Basham

at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

Please check back later for details.

Half-Day Workshop

Using Free Apps to Create Better Reference Photos

with Laurie Basham

at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

Please check back later for details.

Spring General Meeting

at the Beachkraft Gallery, Olney, MD

Mark your calendars now, and please note that we will be at a different location for this meeting.

2nd Quarter

Signature Member Applications

Due June 9, 2026

Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

Guidelines and Standards

Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

Requirements for artwork:

By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

• Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
• Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
• Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
• Was completed within the past three years.

To complete this application, you will need: 

• a one-page resume.

• 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)

Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.

Two-Day Workshop

with Stephie Clark

at the YWCA, Gettysburg, PA

Please check back later for details.

One-Day Workshop

with Stephie Clark

at the YWCA, Gettysburg, PA

Please check back later for details.

Summer General Meeting

Mark your calendars now. Check back later for details.

All Members Juried Exhibition July 21 – August 30, 2026 Carroll County Art Council’s Tevis Gallery 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 carrollcountyartscouncil.org This exhibition will be open to ALL MPS members in good standing, both artist and signature level.  Artwork completed in 2024-2026, not previously entered in an MPS juried show, is eligible for entry. Look for the call for entry in April 2026.

Meet the Artists RECeption July 23rd, 5-7pm All Members Juried Exhibition July 21 – August 30, 2026 Carroll County Art Council’s Tevis Gallery 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 carrollcountyartscouncil.org This exhibition will be open to ALL MPS members in good standing, both artist and signature level.  Artwork completed in 2024-2026, not previously entered in an MPS juried show, is eligible for entry. Look for the call for entry in April 2026.

3rd Quarter

Signature Member Applications

Due August 29, 2026

Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

Guidelines and Standards

Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

Requirements for artwork:

By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

• Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
• Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
• Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
• Was completed within the past three years.

To complete this application, you will need: 

• a one-page resume.

• 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)

Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.

Three-Day Workshop

with Kim Eschelman

Please check back later for details.

Fall General Meeting

Mark your calendars now. Check back later for details.

 Quarter

Signature Member Applications

Due November 28, 2026

Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

Guidelines and Standards

Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

Requirements for artwork:

By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

• Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
• Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
• Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
• Was completed within the past three years.

To complete this application, you will need: 

• a one-page resume.

• 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)

Once you have reviewed the MPS Principles of Design and the requirements to complete the application process, email your images and resume to signature@ marylandpastelsociety.org

Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.