Arkansas Pastel Society
Arkansas Pastel Society
Arkansas Pastel Society Juried Membership Show
Dates: November 20, 2026 - December 11, 2026
Location: Gallery at the Argenta Public Library, 420 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114
Brief Opening Statement
This show is open to members of APS with dues in good standing.
To enter, log in above and click Enter This Show
Dates at a Glance
Digital Entries Open: Sept. 1 at 12:00 am PST
Entry Deadline: Oct. 4 by 11:59 pm PST
Acceptance Notifications sent out: Oct. 25
Deadline for receipt of shipped entries: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Receipt of hand-delivered entries: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Opening Reception and Award Ceremony: Friday November 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. (Juror will be present)
Show Opens: Friday, November 20, 2026
Show Closes: Friday, December 11, 2026
Pick up hand-delivered entries: Friday, Dec 11, 2026 between 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Shipped entries returned: Friday, December 11, 2026, if not sold
Awards
Best in Show – $400
First Place – $300
Second Place – $200
Third Place - $100
Awards of Merit – Certificate of Recognition
Eligibility
Please read carefully to make sure your work meets the following entry criteria.
• Open to all paid members of the Arkansas Pastel Society. Dues must have been paid by April 1, 2026, to be considered a member of this juried show.
• Mixed media may be used for the underpainting.
• The top layer of the painting should be at least 80% dry pastel.
• Work must be done within the last three years.
• Entries must be original, unpublished (i.e., paintings that have been included in articles within publications such as the Pastel Journal or Artists Magazine and executed within the last three years.)
• Work must be original, not copied from other artists or published materials, and from your own reference. Any reference provided by an instructor is not eligible, including an instructor-provided photo, still life setup, or model setup. Reference photos cannot be generated by AI, pulled from the internet, or copyrighted material.
• Work that was done in a classroom or workshop scenario is not eligible for entry.
• All artwork must be originally drawn and not created on top of any type of photographic image or AI generation.
• Paintings of nudes must be submitted in good taste to be considered for acceptance.
• Accepted works may be refused if the digital image does not accurately represent the work.
• APS reserves the right to refuse any work submitted.
• Entries must be properly framed under glass or plexiglass and ready to hang with wire (sawtooth hangers are not permitted). All artworks should have written information included on the back with Title and Artist listed.
• All accepted paintings must be displayed in the show and remain hanging for the duration of the exhibition. Failure to do so will result in a two-year ban from APS Shows.
• All artists accepted into the show must sign an Art Exhibit Release of Liability Form from the Gallery.
Entry
• Entry fee is $35 for up to two (2) entries per artist.
• To enter, log in above and click Enter This Show
• If you would like to join the Arkansas Pastel Society, our membership form can be found here https://arkansaspastelsociety.org/aps-membership-form-2/
• Entry fees are not refundable and must be paid by the entry deadline.
• Images must be jpg and under 4 mb. For best results, images should be 1920 pixels on the longest side @ 72 dpi. For help with your entries, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351.
Notifications
• Notifications will be emailed when the results have been posted in your OnlineJuriedShows account by the end of the day on Oct. 25.
• If your painting is accepted into the show, permission to reproduce the artist’s work for publicity purposes is assumed with acceptance.
Sales
• Art can be listed as NFS (not for sale)
• All sales will be made directly with the artist. The Argenta Library is unable to sell any artwork, but will provide your contact information to interested buyers. No commission will be taken by the library on the work. You are welcome to bring business cards, postcards, or other self-promoting items to be displayed in the gallery during the show.
Delivery and Return of Accepted Entries
Labeling your Work - adhere the following information to the back of your paintings:
• Your name
• Your phone number
• Painting title
• Year it was made (optional)
• Materials (optional)
• Contact Information (email, website, QR code, etc.) (optional)
• Price or NFS
Hand Delivery
• Drop off Work: Argenta Public Library, Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026, 11 a.m - 2 p.m.
• Address: North Little Rock Public Library System, Argenta Public Library Gallery, 420 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114
• Special Instructions: Artists take your work to the front desk in the library or make arrangements with the gallery coordinator to take your work directly to the gallery to await installation. Artists are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the installation of the work.
• For further questions, please contact:
Carol McCreight, Gallery Manager
Work: 501-687-1061
Cell: 501-251-5395
Email: cmccreight@nlrlibrary.org
• Pick Up Work: Friday, December 11, 2026, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Shipping
• Send using prepaid reusable crates with a PREPAID RETURN shipping label and HANDLING FEE of $20.00 per carton/crate to be sent with the artwork.
• Do not use foam peanuts for packing.
• Insure for your own protection.
• Artists should arrange for the shipping provider to do an indoor delivery. Library hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., closed Saturdays and Sundays, and closed November 26, November 27, 2026.
• Address: North Little Rock Public Library System, Argenta Public Library Gallery, 420 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114
• Shipped Entries Returned: Paintings will be packaged and returned no later than December 11, 2026.
• For further questions on shipping or delivery, please contact:
Carol McCreight, Gallery Manager
Work: 501-687-1061
Cell: 501-251-5395
Email: cmccreight@nlrlibrary.org
Juror
Aaron Schuerr has embarked on solo plein air painting treks across the Grand Canyon and deep into the mountains of the American West. His art has landed him as a guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show, and his work has been featured in numerous publications, including Southwest Art, Art of the West, Plein Air Magazine, and the Times of London.
Limitations of Liability
The North Little Rock Public Library and the event organizers are not responsible for damage that may occur during the show, or any work that could be stolen. The gallery may be locked during non-library hours, and the gallery does have a video security
system. If you would like insurance, it is recommended that a policy be taken out by the individual artist(s). Artists accepted into the show will receive the North Little Rock Public Library System’s “Art Exhibit Release of Liability Form” to read and sign and include with their work.
APS recommends that plexiglass be used, especially for works that will be shipped. Glass is used at the artist’s risk. Artists will be responsible for repairs to artwork damage in shipping (e.c., broken glass, scratched plexiglass, excessive pastel dust, or dirty mat). If the painting is damaged, the artist will be contacted. If the artist does not wish to arrange to repair the painting, it may be withdrawn from the show. Entry fee will not be returned. Entering this exhibition shall constitute understanding and agreement on the part of the artist with the conditions stated. APS suggests that artists carry separate insurance.
Note: Permission to reproduce artist’s work for publicity purposes is assumed with acceptance.
Our website is www.arkansaspastelsociety.org The prospectus may be downloaded from the website.