1st Floor, Founder’s Gallery
The Joy of Pastel: Maryland Pastel Society Signature Exhibition
January 29 – May 10, 2026
The Joy of Pastel is a vibrant and refined exhibition featuring works by Signature Members of the Maryland Pastel Society, artists who have been formally recognized for achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and the sophisticated application of design principles. Presented at the Biggs Museum of American Art, this special Signature Member Exhibition highlights the expressive range, technical mastery, and creative depth that define contemporary pastel practice in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Soft pastel is a demanding medium—requiring precision, confidence, and an intimate understanding of color, light, and surface. The 30 featured artists represented in The Joy of Pastel have demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating these challenges, producing works that range from luminous landscapes and compelling still lifes to evocative figurative and abstract compositions. Together, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience the versatility of pastel as both a drawing and painting medium, capable of remarkable subtlety as well as bold, immediate impact.
Signature Member status within the Maryland Pastel Society is a distinction earned through a rigorous review process and reflects a sustained commitment to artistic excellence. The Society itself, founded in 1977, holds a distinguished place in the history of American pastel art. It is the oldest state pastel society in the country and an active member of the International Association of Pastel Societies. While its roots are in the Baltimore region, the Society now includes more than 200 members from across the Mid-Atlantic, fostering a dynamic community of artists united by a shared dedication to the medium.
Beyond exhibitions, the Maryland Pastel Society is deeply invested in education and public engagement. Through lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and online resources, the Society supports both the creative and technical development of its members while expanding public appreciation for pastel art. The Joy of Pastel reflects this mission, presenting work that is both technically accomplished and accessible, inviting viewers to engage closely with the texture, color, and immediacy that define soft pastel.
By hosting this Signature Member Exhibition, the Biggs Museum of American Art continues its commitment to showcasing regional artistic excellence and strengthening connections between Delaware audiences and leading arts organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The Joy of Pastel celebrates not only the achievements of individual artists, but also the enduring vitality of pastel as a medium and the collaborative spirit that sustains it.