2026 MEETINGs & WORKSHOPS
March 7, 2026- In person
- Demo & Workshop: 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX 77055
10:00 -10:30 Business Meeting
10:30-12:30 Demo
12:30- 3:30 Workshop
Betty James - “Springtime Bunny”
PastBetty James
“Springtime Bunny”
Create a charming bunny in the pastel medium following an easy demonstration focusing on basic shapes, simple color and creating a “fluffy texture”.
Betty James. Betty loved to draw as a child but was 28 when she began to pursue art. She began with oil painting and has studied with many accomplished artists. For many years oil was her only media, and she taught adult and children classes.
Betty now works in many mediums: oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture and the beautiful medium of soft pastels. Her focus over the past decade has been on large commissioned murals in acrylic. She recent;ly complied a series of paintings for Northland Christian School consisting of 11 48x60 inch and 15 36x48 inch wrapped canvases in oil, now hung as murals. Betty works on commissioned paintings and does demos and workshops.
Past President of PSST, Betty says, "Painting is a never ending process to learn and improve my skills and a way to express myself. I am thankful to have an art filled life working at something I love. It gives me a deeper appreciation for the beauty surrounding me daily."
“Springtime Bunny”
Create a charming bunny in the pastel medium following an easy demonstration focusing on basic shapes, simple color and creating a “fluffy texture”.
Betty James. Betty loved to draw as a child but was 28 when she began to pursue art. She began with oil painting and has studied with many accomplished artists. For many years oil was her only media, and she taught adult and children classes.
Betty now works in many mediums: oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture and the beautiful medium of soft pastels. Her focus over the past decade has been on large commissioned murals in acrylic. She recent;ly complied a series of paintings for Northland Christian School consisting of 11 48x60 inch and 15 36x48 inch wrapped canvases in oil, now hung as murals. Betty works on commissioned paintings and does demos and workshops.
Past President of PSST, Betty says, "Painting is a never ending process to learn and improve my skills and a way to express myself. I am thankful to have an art filled life working at something I love. It gives me a deeper appreciation for the beauty surrounding me daily."
register
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April 4, 2026- Virtual
10:30 Business Meeting
11:00 Lana Ballot Artist Demonstration & mini-workshop
" Mastering Summer Greens"
Your summer greens will never look dull or monotonous after you learn how light and atmosphere affect color in landscape! You will learn how to capture the glow of the sunlit foliage or cool greens in a shade, how to create rich complex greens by layering colors.
A special attention will be given to painting trees - how to simplify their shapes and include only necessary details that give them their character and tell their story.
Lana Ballot
PSA, IAPS/MC, Signature Member of ASMA
Lana Ballot is a professional artist and pastel painting instructor, living on Long Island,
NY.
Ocean and coastal landscape are the main subjects in Lana’s work.
Expressive use of color and painterly mark making are characteristic of her style.
Lana Ballot is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a member of the
IAPS Master Circle and a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists.
Lana has been exhibiting and won awards in National and International Juried
competitions, including the Pastel Society of America’s annual show Enduring
Brilliance and the prestigious Pastel Journal’s Pastel 100 competition.
Lana’s coastal work has been featured in articles and on the cover of in the Plein Air
Magazine, the Pastel Journal and French magazine Pratique des Arts.
To see Lana Ballot’s work and the current teaching schedule, please visit lanaballotart.com
PSA, IAPS/MC, Signature Member of ASMA
Lana Ballot is a professional artist and pastel painting instructor, living on Long Island,
NY.
Ocean and coastal landscape are the main subjects in Lana’s work.
Expressive use of color and painterly mark making are characteristic of her style.
Lana Ballot is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a member of the
IAPS Master Circle and a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists.
Lana has been exhibiting and won awards in National and International Juried
competitions, including the Pastel Society of America’s annual show Enduring
Brilliance and the prestigious Pastel Journal’s Pastel 100 competition.
Lana’s coastal work has been featured in articles and on the cover of in the Plein Air
Magazine, the Pastel Journal and French magazine Pratique des Arts.
To see Lana Ballot’s work and the current teaching schedule, please visit lanaballotart.com
Register
May 9, 2026- In Person
10:30 Business Meeting- In Person -1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX 77055
11:00 Dr Day DEga- Lecture : Art As a Business
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Daria Penionzhkevich Dega Ph.D., MD, MAA Dr. Daria Dega is an accomplished gallery director, award-winning artist, curator, educator, community leader, and healthcare professional with 20 years of experience in Art, management, and medicine. She has made significant contributions to the international art community as the Owner, Director, and Curator of Degallery (2016 – present), an award-winning global art gallery and studio in Bryan, Texas. Under her leadership, Degallery has become a renowned hub for art education, exhibitions, and creative workshops for all ages and skill levels. Daria has excellent knowledge of collections databases, fundraising programs, and federal and local government grants. Daria's commitment to art education is evident in her role as the Founder and President of the nonprofit 501 (c) 3 DEGA International Art Association Inc. (2019—present). She has established several notable annual art events for kids and professional artists around the globe. These programs foster global artistic exchange, showcase diverse talents, and promote art education among all age groups. |
Art As a Business
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Daria's academic background is robust and multidisciplinary. Daria holds a Medical Doctor Degree from the Moscow Institute for Medical and Social Rehabilitation in 1999 and a Doctor of Philosophy of Medical Sciences from the Russian Scientific Center for Rehabilitation and Resort Medicine in 2003, where she also served as a Senior Research Scientist, Group Leader for rehabilitation research, and Associate Professor. Before she transitioned into the arts, Daria had a distinguished career in the medical field. She was the Head of the Department of Public Health in the Odintsovo district of Moscow (2011-2013). Daria held various leadership positions at the National Research Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and Health Resorts in Moscow, where she specialized in rehabilitation medicine and healthcare management. During the transition to Art, she earned her Master of Art in Arts degree from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 2023. Her graduate school research focused on an Art History project that included European and American Art during Centuries XVII - XXI, as well as studio projects with painting, drawing, and ceramics.
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Her educational Solo Exhibition was marked with the highest grade, showcasing her scholarly and artistic prowess. Daria's artwork has been widely recognized and exhibited across numerous group and solo exhibitions in the United States.
Her work has garnered many awards, including first place in various categories such as Oil Painting, Mixed Media, and Sculpture at prestigious art competitions. Daria's contributions to the art world extend beyond her own creative practice, as she has also won accolades for her role in promoting art education and community involvement through Degallery's programs and events. In addition to her professional roles, Daria is deeply involved in various community and cultural organizations. She has served as President of the Texas A&M University Women's Club, a board member for several art societies, and a member of multiple professional and community organizations, including the BCS Visual Art Society, the Portrait Society of America, Professional Artists of Central Texas, Chamber of Commerce and the American Business Women's Association. |
September 5, 2026- virtual
10:30 Business Meeting
11:00 Emma Colbert - zoom Artist Demonstration & mini-workshop
“Painting Animals”
Bio
Emma Colbert is an Irish pastel artist and painting instructor living in the South of Spain. Having used soft pastel since the age of 13 she has worked as a professional artist for over 17 years.
Although animals are her main passion she also enjoys painting a variety of subject matter including landscape and still life. Emma always aims to tell a story through her animal portraits and quite often the background is as important as the main subject. Endorsed by Unison Color Pastels, she has created several color selections of soft pastels for them including their ‘Animal Set’ which has introduced many artists tothe medium.
Emma’s work has become recognized worldwide. But these days her attention is driven towards creating a library of information all about soft pastel to help the medium grow and to help fellow pastel artists on their own progression.
www.Youtube.com/emmacolbertart
www.patreon.com/emmacolbertart
Emma Colbert is an Irish pastel artist and painting instructor living in the South of Spain. Having used soft pastel since the age of 13 she has worked as a professional artist for over 17 years.
Although animals are her main passion she also enjoys painting a variety of subject matter including landscape and still life. Emma always aims to tell a story through her animal portraits and quite often the background is as important as the main subject. Endorsed by Unison Color Pastels, she has created several color selections of soft pastels for them including their ‘Animal Set’ which has introduced many artists tothe medium.
Emma’s work has become recognized worldwide. But these days her attention is driven towards creating a library of information all about soft pastel to help the medium grow and to help fellow pastel artists on their own progression.
www.Youtube.com/emmacolbertart
www.patreon.com/emmacolbertart
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Painting Animals in Soft Pastel - Demo and Workshop
I plan to demo a dog portrait during the first hour of the day. I’ll be able to show you the main techniques I use to build up the textures of the animal and create the lighting to make it look convincingly real.
During the workshop I encourage you to use an image of your own pet, it doesn’t have to be a dog. I will also provide a selection of references for you to choose from if you prefer, or you can work on the image that I demo at the beginning of the day. I’ll be able to guide you through the process of capturing a beloved pet. Ideally you would have the animal sketched onto your chosen pastel paper so that we can make full use of the time using the pastels. It’s fine to work on any type of pastel paper, but ideally it would be one of the coated papers which can handle multiple layers of pastel. One example is Pastelmat. I will use a variety of soft pastel sticks, along with a small number of pastel pencils. But the majority of my work is achieved using the pastel sticks. The focus of the workshop will be to capture the character of an animal and to transform a photograph into a portrait that is much more alive than the reference.
I plan to demo a dog portrait during the first hour of the day. I’ll be able to show you the main techniques I use to build up the textures of the animal and create the lighting to make it look convincingly real.
During the workshop I encourage you to use an image of your own pet, it doesn’t have to be a dog. I will also provide a selection of references for you to choose from if you prefer, or you can work on the image that I demo at the beginning of the day. I’ll be able to guide you through the process of capturing a beloved pet. Ideally you would have the animal sketched onto your chosen pastel paper so that we can make full use of the time using the pastels. It’s fine to work on any type of pastel paper, but ideally it would be one of the coated papers which can handle multiple layers of pastel. One example is Pastelmat. I will use a variety of soft pastel sticks, along with a small number of pastel pencils. But the majority of my work is achieved using the pastel sticks. The focus of the workshop will be to capture the character of an animal and to transform a photograph into a portrait that is much more alive than the reference.
Register
OCTOBER 3, 2026 - In person
Jody Martin- Demo and miniworkshop-1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX 77055 -
“Painting the Figure in Your Artwork”
We will be doing a painting from your own reference photographs. Please bring two or three photos that you
took yourself. The photos need to have a figure in an outdoor setting. Be dure that it is well focused, and for the
time consideration, keep your photographs simple.
If you don’t have a good picture, don’t worry. I will also bring some that you can use.
We will be focusing on the following:
Toning your board for future paintings (In this workshop you’ll bring a commercially toned board)
Planning your design for balance and center of interest
Anatomy and proportions
The Element of Space
Color harmony
Use of darks and lights
Simplifying your subject
Edges
Pastel techniques
I will do a demonstration at the beginning of the first day. The rest of the time you will have to paint with my
assistance. If time allows, we will have a critique at the end of day 2.
I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Jody Martin
Jodymartinstudio.com
[email protected]
Register
November 6–7, 2026- In person
Karen Vernon — 2‑Day In‑Person Pastel Workshop
1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX 77055
Illuminated Paths: Light, Shape, and Story
Workshop Description
Join renowned artist and instructor Karen Vernon for an inspiring pastel workshop focused on light, composition, and artistic expression.
This workshop is designed for artists who want to strengthen their fundamentals while learning how to create paintings that feel
intentional, luminous, and cohesive and is open to artists at all levels.
Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual feedback, Karen will help students:
- Understand strong composition and design
- Capture believable, compelling light
- Develop confident color relationships
- Simplify complex scenes for greater impact
- Use pastel with purpose and control
This is more than a workshop—it’s an opportunity to grow as an artist.
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About Karen Vernon
Karen Vernon is an internationally recognized American artist with a distinguished career spanning more than five decades. Working in pastel, watercolor, oil, and acrylic, she is celebrated for her luminous use of color, strong compositional design, and her ability to convey atmosphere and emotion through light. Her work has been exhibited widely across the United States and internationally and is included in museum, corporate, and private collections. She has also served as a juror for major art exhibitions and is listed in Who’s Who in American Art and Who’s Who in America.
As an instructor, Karen brings both technical mastery and a thoughtful, supportive teaching style. She has taught workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe for more than thirty years, helping artists strengthen their visual language, paint with intention, and develop a personal artistic voice. Her teaching emphasizes clarity, strong design, expressive mark‑making, and the power of light—guiding artists at every stage of their creative journey.
Karen Vernon is an internationally recognized American artist with a distinguished career spanning more than five decades. Working in pastel, watercolor, oil, and acrylic, she is celebrated for her luminous use of color, strong compositional design, and her ability to convey atmosphere and emotion through light. Her work has been exhibited widely across the United States and internationally and is included in museum, corporate, and private collections. She has also served as a juror for major art exhibitions and is listed in Who’s Who in American Art and Who’s Who in America.
As an instructor, Karen brings both technical mastery and a thoughtful, supportive teaching style. She has taught workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe for more than thirty years, helping artists strengthen their visual language, paint with intention, and develop a personal artistic voice. Her teaching emphasizes clarity, strong design, expressive mark‑making, and the power of light—guiding artists at every stage of their creative journey.
Past meetings
January 3, 2026
2026 ART OF THE PASTEL INTERNATIONAL JURIED SHOW
$2,000 in Cash and Merchandise Awards
Best of Show $1,000
2nd Place $500
3rd Place $250
Honorable Mentions Merchandise Awards
Best of Show $1,000
2nd Place $500
3rd Place $250
Honorable Mentions Merchandise Awards
IMPORTANT DATES AND LOCATION:
Entry Opening October 15, 2025
Entry Deadline December 1, 2025
Notice of Acceptance December 9, 2025
Delivery of Artwork January 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Show Opens January 3, 2026
Reception and Awards January 3, 2026, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Show Closes January 31, 2026
Pickup of Paintings February 2 & 3, 2026, 10:00-4:00 p.m
Location : Degallery 970 N. Rosemary Dr, Bryan, TX979-704-3090
IMPORTANT DATES AND LOCATION:
Entry Opening October 15, 2025
Entry Deadline December 1, 2025
Notice of Acceptance December 9, 2025
Delivery of Artwork January 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Show Opens January 3, 2026
Reception and Awards January 3, 2026, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Show Closes January 31, 2026
Pickup of Paintings February 2 & 3, 2026, 10:00-4:00 p.m
Location : Degallery 970 N. Rosemary Dr, Bryan, TX979-704-3090
February 7, 2026- Virtual
Lynn ASSelta Demo and Workshop Via Zoom
“Making the Most of a Photo Reference”
10:30 -11:00 Business Meeting
11:00-12:30 Demo
1:00-4:00 Workshop
Workshop is Sold out!
Demo and Workshop:
“Making the Most of a Not-So-Fabulous Photo Reference”
We’ve all taken photos that might not seem as interesting as we had hoped they would. But, having a photo that still leaves something to be desired can free us up to be more inventive and to be more interpretive than we might have been otherwise!
In this demo and workshop, we’ll explore ways to make the most of just about any photo reference.
Biography:
Lyn Asselta’s award winning pastel paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and have been included in invitational exhibitions in France, England, and China. She is an IAPS Eminent Pastelist, a PSA Master Pastelist, a member of the Salmagundi Club of New York City, a Master Pastelist with the Southeastern Pastel Society, and is the founder and past president of the First Coast Pastel Society in northeast Florida. In 2009, Lyn was selected to be an Artist in Residence at Acadia National Park in Maine. Her work has been featured in art publications including Pastel Journal, Plein Air Magazine, and Pratique des Arts magazine (France). Her landscape paintings and process have been included in several books and blogs on the pastel medium and Plein air painting. Lyn writes a weekly newsletter with a focus on prose, poetry and painting, and she is the author of Seeing the Landscape and Saturdays ~ Observations at the Intersection of Life & Art.
Lyn Asselta’s award winning pastel paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and have been included in invitational exhibitions in France, England, and China. She is an IAPS Eminent Pastelist, a PSA Master Pastelist, a member of the Salmagundi Club of New York City, a Master Pastelist with the Southeastern Pastel Society, and is the founder and past president of the First Coast Pastel Society in northeast Florida. In 2009, Lyn was selected to be an Artist in Residence at Acadia National Park in Maine. Her work has been featured in art publications including Pastel Journal, Plein Air Magazine, and Pratique des Arts magazine (France). Her landscape paintings and process have been included in several books and blogs on the pastel medium and Plein air painting. Lyn writes a weekly newsletter with a focus on prose, poetry and painting, and she is the author of Seeing the Landscape and Saturdays ~ Observations at the Intersection of Life & Art.