This month, the Vermont Pastel Society’s SouthEast Hub will be showing a selection of their work at the Crowell Gallery from August 3-28. There will be a reception on Saturday, August 7 from 2-4 PM.

The artists are :Pat McPike, Lesley Heathcote, Monica Hastings, Deedee Jones, Carol Corliss, Carroll Durand, Cath Stockbridge, David Brown, Matt Peake and Maggie Smith.

These are folks who live and work in the area, may be your neighbors or friends, may be people you know on a professional level. All are experienced artists who enjoy working in pastel. Lesley Heathcote’s carefully observed pastels of birds and animals reflect her love of the natural world and the creatures we share the planet with. After more than 50 years in theatre, Carroll Durand has fallen in love with plein air painting in pastels. Matthew Peake, formerly a family physician, continues his interest in people in his art-making. After retiring from a mediation practice, Deedee Jones has more time to pursue the pastoral variety in landscape painting. Maggie Smith and Monica Hastings also have works in this show.

Pastels have been used by artists for centuries. When framed, they are highly archival and permanent. These paintings are all for sale. There will be opportunities to purchase paintings by contacting the artists directly. There will be a price list available with contact information.

The Vermont Pastel Society is an all volunteer organization founded in 1999 of currently about 100 members. The purpose of the VPS is to build and strengthen connections among pastel artists. The VPS hosts two large exhibits per year, numerous workshops statewide, and now has several regional hubs which promote their own exhibits and events as well.