IAPS is pleased to announce more details about the Enchanted Places 2027 Gathering.
Enchanted Places, hosted with the Pastel Society of New Mexico, runs October 19 to 24, 2027, and is based in Albuquerque. It is the first event in the new Gatherings model IAPS announced this summer: society-hosted, IAPS-supported, and built around the things pastel artists travel for: workshops, plein air events, exhibitions, and time with other people who work in the medium. Here is what is planned so far.
Six three-day workshops
The core of the week is six three-day workshops taught by nationally and internationally known pastel artists. At least one of these will be a plein air workshop. Each registrant may choose up to two workshops. The workshops will be split between two venues in Albuquerque: the Hispanic Arts Center at the state fairgrounds, which will host four, and Artisan ABQ Art Supplies, which will host two.
The instructors have been selected and contracts are being finalized. IAPS will announce their names later this fall.
Plein air events
Northern New Mexico has drawn painters for more than a century, and the Gathering puts you in front of it with a box of pastels. Plein air events are being planned, with details to follow.
An exhibition at Weems Gallery
Weems Gallery in Albuquerque will host the Gathering exhibition. Participation details will be shared as plans are finalized.
Day trips
For the days you are not at an easel, choose from scenic day trips. PSNM is planning excursions with maps and, in some cases, guides:
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- Chaco Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great pueblo complexes of the Southwest
- The High Road to Taos, through centuries-old villages and their adobe churches
- Santa Fe, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Artists may also visit these destinations independently.
Registration
Registration opens in spring 2027. The Pastel Society of New Mexico alone has about 160 members, and the Gathering is open to pastel artists everywhere, so plan to register early.
All activities originate in Albuquerque, which is easy to reach by air or road. Hotel information and additional details will be provided as the Gathering gets closer.
More to come
This is the first of several posts about Enchanted Places. Future posts will include instructor announcements, followed by registration information and more details about the workshops, exhibitions, plein air events, and day trips as PSNM finalizes plans.
If your society is interested in hosting a future Gathering, the Introducing IAPS Gatherings post explains how it works.