About The Oil Pastel Society

The Oil Pastel Society's web site opened in October, 2004, with seven members.  The aim of the society is to offer oil pastelists an opportunity to band together, focusing on oil pastels as a serious fine art medium, and providing a viable tool through which members can interact with one another.

The launching for the Oil Pastel Society actually took place several weeks earlier during a discussion by forum members at the WetCanvas! web site.  Several voiced their desire and need for an organization which would be at the forefront of bringing oil pastels into the limelight.  After an extensive search, in hopes of finding an already established active group, Carly Hardy purchased a web domain and recruited six other artists to work together in the formation of a new society.  September 1, 2004, marked the date for the opening of the OPS website, and the following months were filled with work, both online and offline, for Pat Isaac, Pat Gillin, Rebecca McConnell, Eileen Claire, Kathryn Wilson and Sue Choppers-Wife.

With input from the Oil Pastel Studio at WetCanvas.com!, the group was able to identify and set priorities for the organization and without the 'web', the  work of the group could not have been accomplished.

The Oil Pastel Society is a private internet organization and is not listed as non-profit. It's sole purpose and charter is stated below.

The OPS Mission Statement

The Oil Pastel Society was formed on September 1, 2004, to promote the knowledge and understanding of oil pastel as a fine art medium and to expand the awareness of oil pastel to other artists, galleries, the media, and the general public. Thru the internet, the Society reaches an international community of artists who share their art and inspire one another in furthering oil pastel as a fine art medium.

Information about Dues

One hundred percent (100%) of the dues paid by OPS members is used for the ongoing business of the Society, including but not limited to postage, advertising, web hosting services, additional juror fees, show promotion, and any other costs involved in the daily business of the Society.