About OPS

The Oil Pastel Society's web site opened in October, 2004, with seven members.  The aim of this new 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 Clements 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 inception of the Society, and the following month was filled with work, both online and offline, for Pat Isaac, Pat Gillin, Rebecca McConnell, Eileen Claire, Kathryn Wilson and Sue Choppers-Wife.

Without the input from the Oil Pastel Studio at WetCanvas!, the group would not have been able to identify and set priorities for the society so quickly and without the 'web', the  work of the group could not have been accomplished.

The OPS Mission Statement

The Oil Pastel Society was formed on September 1, 2004, as a non-profit organization, 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.

Information about Dues and Staff

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.

None of those serving behind the scenes as volunteers to carry on the business of the Oil Pastel Society are paid for that service, including the Coordinator, Committee Chairpersons, the Webmasters, or any other volunteers.