I am now a proud member of the PGE — the Pastel Guild of Europe. And I was upgraded from “Apprentice” to “Journeyer” status from the start.
The PGE was founded in 2009 by European pastel artists with the goal of strengthening connections and friendships among pastel artists from across Europe. The PGE currently has approximately 200 members from 38 countries. It regularly holds themed competitions for its members, which are judged by recognized professional artists. In addition, the PGE organizes painting workshops, most recently in Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands.
Through my membership in the PGE, I became automatically also a member of the IAPS, the International Association of Pastel Societies, which is particularly active in the U.S. and organizes exhibitions, among other activities.