The Power of Pastel

About the Exhibition

Where and When

Awards

Reception

Sales

Eligibility and Show Rules

• All are eligible, PSWNY Membership dues need to be paid in order to participate.
• Entries must be created within the last three years and not previously shown any other PSWNY exhibitions.
• Painting cannot exceed 60 inches on longest side before framing.
• All aspects of entry must be the artist’s original work including subject, photography, composition, drawing and painting. Using someone else’s photograph is not permissible.
• Work submitted must be at least 80% soft pastel.
• Entries may not be produced in any instructional class or workshop.
• Only Two-dimensional works will be accepted into this exhibition.
• No diptych or triptych paintings
• PSWNY does not anticipate damage or theft; however, neither Barnes & Noble, nor PSWNY is responsible for damage or loss of art works submitted for this exhibit.
• Saw-tooth hangers ARE NOT allowed. All paintings must be well framed and supported by picture wire only. Wire ends need to be covered with tape to prevent unforeseen injuries to the hanging committee.
• Dirty or damaged matboard or frames will not be hung.
• We reserve the right to refuse work not presented in such manner.

Entry and Fees

• PSWNY Members only: $10 per painting. Up to 3 paintings are allowed.
• Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
• Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Work Drop-off and Pick-up

• Artwork needs to be delivered to Barnes & Noble on Sunday, March 29, 2:00 – 3:00pm
• Pastel Society of Western New York cannot accept shipped work.
• Work entered into this show may not be picked up until the listed pick-up day, and only within the pick-up times.
• Please make arrangements to have your work dropped off and picked up if you will not be available. Notify Stacy Mayou ([email protected], 316-350-5180) of who that person will be.

Artwork Transportation

Questions

Image and Filename Specifications

• File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
• Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
• Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
• Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
• File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
• File Size: There is a 30mb maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.

Additional Entry Information

• You will pay for your entry by credit or debit card using our secure checkout system.
• After your entry is submitted and paid for, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (March 17, 2026.)
• Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
• Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Support

Questions about this exhibition?
Contact Stacy Mayou ([email protected]) for questions about the Prospectus, PSWNY, eligibility, artwork requirements, drop-off, pick-up, sales, etc.

Need help with ShowSubmit?
Visit our Help Center or Entry Guide for guidance on image uploads, payments, and managing your entry. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We respond Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Eastern.