Media Contact:
Pastel Society of North Carolina: Kathryn Olive (919-641-8904)
Orange County Arts Commission/Eno Arts Mill: Katie Murray (919-245-2335)
Artists from the three pastel societies in NC will compete in the On Common Ground: From the Mountain to the Sea statewide juried exhibition. Finalists’ work will be on display and for sale at the Orange County Arts Commission Eno Arts Mill Gallery – a vibrant artistic hub located in historic West Hillsborough, NC, from June 7- June 29, 2024.
The competition is hosted by the Pastel Society of North Carolina in partnership with the Orange County Arts Commission. The 2024 statewide event begins with a three-day pastel technique workshop followed by an opening celebration at the Eno Arts Mill on Friday, June 7th from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. An awards reception for participating artists will take place from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Eno Arts Mill Gallery. The Eno Arts Mill is located at 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd, Suite 17, Hillsborough, NC 27278. The gallery is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
The exhibition is a collaboration between The Pastel Society of North Carolina (PSNC), The Appalachian Pastel Society, and the Piedmont Pastel Society. According to PSNC president, Daphne Boder, the goal of the statewide competition is to collaborate with the other regional societies in promoting the beauty of the soft pastel medium. Artwork on display will showcase the talents of these member artists some of whom have earned “master “status both nationally and internationally. Winners are awarded cash and art prizes sponsored by North Carolina merchants and member groups.
Soft pastel is a loved medium used by many modern artists such as Zaria Foreman and Deborah Stewart and classical greats including Vermeer, Degas and Renoir. Prized for its brilliant color, pastel was first used in the sixteenth century, notably by Leonardo da Vinci. It flourished in the eighteenth century, again in the late nineteenth century, and remains popular today.
For more show and workshop information visit www.orangecountyarts.org/ or https://www.pastelsocietyofnc.com/
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About Pastel Society of North Carolina:
Founded in 1996, the goal of the society is to provide fellowship and encouragement, promote standards of excellence in the use of the medium and further the education of the general community to the intrinsic beauty and permanency of art created from soft pastels.
About the Orange County Arts Commission and Eno Arts Mill:
The Orange County Arts Commission is a unit of Orange County government and has served as Designated County Partner to the North Carolina Arts Council for Orange County since 1985. Our mission is to promote and strengthen the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina, by providing programs, promotional support, and resources to the arts community. Together with our nonprofit partner, the Orange County Arts Alliance, we operate and manage the Eno Arts Mill, an inclusive, multipurpose arts space located in Hillsborough.
