Our Annual Meeting was a lovely highlight this fall with a Zoom demo by well-known artist Robert Carsten, a resident of Springfield, Vermont.  He has taught locally for many years and currently teaches online through the Woodstock (NY) School of Art offering courses in pastel, watercolor and acrylics.  He has been featured on the cover of Pastel Journal and written for other art publications as well.  His focus for us was on the use of color – saturation, temperature, and values.  Robert uses a variety of papers and pastels: pencils and hard, medium, and soft pastels.  He demonstrated pushing the color which can later be added to or taken away but always keeping the correct values. Color excites in emotional ways.  There was opportunity for questions along the way as well.  Many thanks to Robert Carsten for his engaging presentation and painting!

Robert’s beginning design is above with the second painting being his almost completed work which was done on our Zoom meeting.  The following is his completed painting with the vibrancy of color he spoke about during our meeting.  Many thanks to all who watched.  We are trying to make the video of his Zoom presentation available online – stay posted – it’s a process!

Annual Business Meeting

Our business  meeting followed with Board reports and other business.  The issue of having flags or sandwich boards outside venues announcing our shows was not supported by the Board as venues seem to be luke warm on the subject or not want them at all. Following was a brief discussion regarding no alcohol being allowed at our VPS sponsored events.  The reason is our liability insurance is very clear that it will not cover VPS or its members should alcohol be available.  For venues which are businesses with liquor licenses, a ‘Certificate of Liability’ must be provided by the venue absolving VPS of any alcohol related issues.  No certificate…no venue…no exceptions.

IAPS/PSA Guidelines

The Board in September voted to follow these guidelines for Juried Shows:  a painting must be at least 80% dry pastel, framed with glass or acrylic, and reference material must be the artist’s original work as well.  Varnishes, which would result in a painting not being accepted, may not be used as the painting is reduced from being a pastel.  Detailed eligibility requirements are sent out with the show notices.

However, Member Shows will be encouraged to experiment with the use of mixed media.  Requirements will be looser and will allow varnished work not framed under glass or acrylic.  Venues and those who handle paintings during set-up and take down are not responsible for any damage to the paintings.  It is strongly suggested that paintings be framed with glass or acrylic or varnished to protect the paintings, clothing of handlers, and others in contact with the paintings.

2026 WORKSHOPS:  There are 2 workshops planned for 2026:

May 1-3: Lyn Asselta at the Meeting House, Colchester, Vt.  3 days – min. 10, max. 20; Cost TBD

Oct. 2-4:  Marlene Wiedenbaum at Monument Art & Cultural Center, Bennington, Vt, 3 days; Cost TBD

Our Liz Haywood-Sullivan workshops have just concluded and were very popular having had a waiting list of applicants!  At present there are no planned workshops for 2027.

EXHIBITIONS                                                                                                      The 2025 Juried Show hanging at Vt Artisan Designs in Brattleboro had 68 paintings by 38 artists submitted.  15 artists were accepted to show 23 paintings.  Jurors were Margaret Dyer and Dawn Emerson with the judge being Liz Haywood-Sullivan.  The show closes on Saturday, November 22.  Thank you Matt Peake and DeeDee Jones for organizing the event.

In 2026 the first show will be the Juried Show at the South Burlington Public Art Gallery hosted by the Champlain Hub from April 1 – May 15. Lisa Kent is the organizer. The Members’ Exhibition with be hosted by the Upper Valley Hub at Artistree in Pomfret from August 28-September 26.

In 2027 the Members’ Exhibition will return to Southern Vt Arts Center in August and September with the Juried Show sometime in the spring.

SCHOLARSHIPS

One scholarship was awarded for the Haywood-Sullivan workshop this year.  They are $250 scholarships, 2 per workshop, only 1 per person allowed each year.  Board members will now be able to apply but VPS nonboard members get first crack at the scholarships.  Those applying must be paid members of VPS BEFORE announcement of the workshops.  Please check the website for applications and requirements.

ELECTIONS                                                                                                       

Linda Masten is retiring as our Treasurer.  She has been in that position since 2017 and has done a phenomenal job.  John Landy was elected at the annual meeting to be our next Treasurer.  He comes with much experience so the transition will be a smooth one.  Kristen Varian was elected for a second term as a Member-at-Large and Judy Albright was elected as our other Member-at-Large.  Thank you all for stepping up for VPS!

We are still in need of a VP…soooooo time for someone to get their feet wet!! And it looks like we may have a good candidate for Webmaster shortly.  Meanwhile, John will wear 2 hats until the end of December when he will step down from the Webmaster role (unless that happens sooner)!

FINANCES                                                                                                          

Our finances will undergo a complete  financial evaluation with respect to present economic conditions.  We have had requests to increase Hub allotments which will go into the evaluation before making any decisions so stay tuned!

MEMBER GALLERY                                                                                           

It was mentioned at the annual meeting that only 34 artists have posted to our website Member Gallery!  One can put a short profile and post 2 paintings on it which are linked to the home screen for a slide show.  We are encouraged to go to the Member Gallery page and sign up!  Our art adds so much beauty to life!!  See you there!

Shirley Carlson

VPS President