Twenty Years of Recognizing Pastel
For more than twenty years, IAPS has recognized artists whose work rises to the top of its juried exhibitions. Two designations mark that recognition. If you are partway to either honor, every point you have earned still counts, and the path to earning the rest is still open.
The Master Circle (IAPS/MC) was established in 2004 to honor artists whose work has been accepted into, or given awards in, IAPS juried exhibitions. Artists who earn it may use “IAPS/MC” on their websites, resumes, brochures, and published work.
The Eminent Pastelist designation (IAPS/EP) was created in 2012 for artists who have continued to have work accepted or awarded after reaching Master Circle.
Each Master Circle recipient receives a three-inch medallion engraved with their name and the year the honor was given. The design came from IAPS founder and President Emerita Urania Christy Tarbet: a rose with a pastel stick beside it. In her words, “The rose represents the resurgence of spring, as pastel is in its Renaissance period, and is now being recognized as a wonderful medium after being in the dark for so long. I wanted something very special that had never been done in the art world before, to honor pastel artists whose work was accepted in our exhibitions or awarded prizes.”
Eminent Pastelists receive a new ribbon for that medallion and a golden lapel pin set with a ruby.
How the Point System Works
The system we use for artists to accrue points has not changed.
- One point for acceptance into any IAPS juried exhibition, no matter how many of your paintings are accepted.
- One point for any award given by the judge in any IAPS juried exhibition.
- Five points earns Master Circle.
- Ten more, fifteen total, earns Eminent Pastelist.
Points you have already earned still count toward those same totals. The bar has not moved, either. Points still come only from acceptance and awards in IAPS designated juried exhibitions, judged the same way they have always been.
Online and In-Person Exhibitions
IAPS will continue to sponsor two online exhibitions annually, granting one point to all accepted artists and an extra point to award winners.
Both online exhibitions remain IAPS juried exhibitions, and acceptance or an award in either still earns a point toward Master Circle and Eminent Pastelist. For many members this has always been the most accessible path to IAPS honors, because it never required travel. That has not changed.
As IAPS moves from a single biennial convention to a calendar of Gatherings hosted with member societies around the world, the rest of the honors program moves with it.
Physical exhibitions continue at Gatherings
Physical pastel exhibitions featuring selected works from both US and international artists will continue, now held in connection with IAPS Gatherings.
Earning points at a Gathering exhibition
Honors points for Gathering exhibitions will be awarded based on agreements between the host society and IAPS.
When honors are conferred
Honors are conferred every two years. IAPS recognition ceremonies will take place during the Gathering Reception, celebrating artists who have achieved Master Circle status and other notable distinctions.
Artists earning Master Circle or Eminent Pastelist status from the 2026 PastelWorld Exhibition will receive their medallion or pin in 2028.
What Stays the Same
The Code of Ethics adopted by the board in 2012 still stands behind both honors. These designations carry an expectation of professional conduct, and that does not change with the format of the events.
What is changing is where the pastel world gathers, not what it recognizes. Urania Christy Tarbet designed the medallion to honor artists whose work earned its place in IAPS exhibitions. Twenty years later, that is still what it does, and wherever IAPS gathers next, the medallion will still be there.