February 5, 2023

The Power of Pastel in Ironwood Gallery
(Juried Exhibition & Art Sale 2023)

Was accepted into the show!

Pastels have been a long-established medium in art history since its beginning in 16th-century Europe. Even as trends and tastes ebb and flow with the times, pastels have remained a constant among artists of every age for their versatility of use and effects.

Pastel on sanded paper by Christy Olsen
Rush Hour in Caye Caulker. 9x12. Pastel on sanded paper by Christy Olsen.

Pastels are unique in that their matte finish, with its painterly quality, is combined with the immediacy of drawing. This powerful combination makes this medium a staple in the contemporary artist's toolbox.

Juried Exhibition & Art Sale

This event is open to the general public. Artist's reception is at no charge. Admission to the museum is required for other dates and times.

This juried exhibition showcases the unique characteristics of pastels, as each artist expresses their inspiration through landscapes, structures, still life, portraits, and abstractions. Some works are created en plein air, rendered quickly with their subjects in real-time, while others are painstakingly executed in the studio over considerably longer periods. This collection of works by members of the Tucson Pastel Society truly reveals "The Power of Pastels."

Sixty-six paintings were accepted out of the one hundred and five submissions from multiple art guilds. Subject matter genres include landscapes, culture, structures, still life, etc., not necessarily limited to the Sonoran Desert region. The exhibition showcases some of Arizona's most accomplished pastel artists.

Juror

Desmond O-Hagen
Fine artist and master pastelist.

Dates

March 11, 2023 - June 4, 2023

Artist's Reception

Friday, March 10, 2023 (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Refreshments will be served. Admission is free to the reception. If you go to the reception, enter through admissions and tell them you are there to see the show. They will admit you at no charge. You may also park in the side parking lot that is closer to the gallery. Directions are listed below.

About the Host

Tucson Pastel Society (TPS)

The Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established to advocate and promote the pastel medium, unite pastel artists, organize professional development and artistic growth opportunities, and increase awareness of the versatility and value of pastel fine art within the community.

About the Gallery

Ironwood Gallery is an upscale art gallery and beautiful space that is transformed for each unique exhibit. It is located on the grounds of the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, which includes live plants and animals to further the conservation message of its exhibits.


Inside Ironwood Gallery

Location

Ironwood Gallery
On the grounds of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona 85743

Ironwood Gallery

Available Parking

Parking for the artist's reception will be available.

Parking for the Artist's Reception
Friday, March 10, 2023 (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Gallery Hours

Daily (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

Sale

Artwork may be purchased during the show but must stay hung throughout the exhibition.

For Purchasing Information:
Phone +1 (520) 883-3024

Collaborative Challenge Piece

The challenge piece was accepted into the show!

One collaborative piece featuring nine different interpretations of a shared subject is featured. This final work is for sale during the show. Proceeds benefit ASDM and the TPS.

Pastel on paper by Christy Olsen
Art challenge. 8x8. Pastel on paper by Christy Olsen.


The Event

Image from the installation.

Opening Artist's Reception

Framed Collaborative Piece

Opening Artist's Reception

Opening Artist's Reception

Opening Artist's Reception

Rush Hour in Caye Caulker received an honorable mention award.