- Deadline
- 21 days left
- Entry fee
- $35
- Award
- Cash and merchandise
- Location
- Tucson Desert Art Museum
- Exhibition window
- Sep 30, 2026 → Oct 25, 2026
- Applicants notified
- Aug 17, 2026
- Size cap
- ≤ 14" max dimension
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About
Submit up to 3 pastel paintings for juried selection and potential exhibition and sale.
Overview
Pastel Expressions is a juried show hosted by the Tucson Pastel Society at Tucson Desert Art Museum. Membership with the Tucson Pastel Society is required to enter.
Key dates
- Submissions open: Monday, June 15, 2026
- Entry deadline: Monday, August 3, 2026, Midnight PST
- Acceptance notification: Monday, August 17, 2026
- Artwork delivery: September 28, 2026, 10am–12pm
- Show opens: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Reception and Awards Presentation: October 3, 2026, 2–4pm
- Show closes: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Artwork pick up: October 27, 2026, 10–12pm
Eligibility
Open to artists who have an up-to-date membership with the Tucson Pastel Society. Work completed in a class, workshop, or with artistic assistance is not eligible. All paintings must be original and 80% soft pastel minimum (oil pastel not permitted). No work based on internet images or publications, regardless of copyright status.
Media & size
Paintings must consist of at least 80% soft pastel. Underpaintings of various media and mixed media components are acceptable. No oil pastel. Size restriction: no larger than 11×14 unframed. All work must be appropriately pramed with wire and flat metal hangers (D-rings or Triangle hangers); no sawtooth hangers, damaged frames, or clip frames permitted.
Entry
- Members: $35 for up to 3 paintings
- Up to 3 artworks per artist may be submitted
- No more than 2 paintings per artist will be chosen for the show
- Entry fees are not refundable and must be paid by the entry deadline
Awards
Cash and merchandise awards will be judged by Christine DeBrosky, an internationally recognized pastel artist. Three jurors anonymously chosen from a committee of seven Tucson Pastel Established Members will select accepted works.
Sales & commission
All work must be for sale and appropriately priced. Commission to the gallery is 50% of the sale price. If purchased by a museum member, the member receives a 10% discount prior to gallery commission. Payment for sold paintings will be handled by the Gallery.
How to enter
Submit a high-quality JPEG image of each painting. Image must show only the artwork without matting, frames, or background. Ensure the image is oriented correctly. Accepted paintings must be identical to the submitted digital image; any changes made after submission may result in rejection at check-in.
Contact
For more information, contact Rita Anderson ([email protected]) or Becky Neideffer ([email protected]).
- Award
- Cash and merchandise
- Entries per artist
- Up to 3
- Sales commission
- Organizer retains 50% on sales
- Eligibility
- Open to artists who have an up-to-date membership with the Tucson Pastel Society.
- Audience
- Open to artists who have an up-to-date membership with the Tucson Pastel Society
- Size & format
- no larger than 11x14 unframed
- Also worth noting
- no larger than 11x14 unframed
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.