The Pastel Guild of Europe (PGE) was formally founded May 3, 2009. A small group of European artists, scattered from east to west, has been working behind the scenes for several months to launch the group. "We met in the Soft Pastel forum at WetCanvas. We saw the activity among United States and Canadian pastelists and the great societies many belong to, and we wanted the same," says Swedish artist and PGE Board Chair Charlotte Herczfeld. Also serving on its board of directors are: George C. Martins, of Portugal; Dorte Krogh-Nielsen, from Denmark; Mary Brigid Mackey, of Ireland; and Mario Vukelic, from Croatia. The group chose to honor history with their name. "Traditionally, there was a St. Luke's Guild for artists in every town and city in Europe. Many of the old masters belonged to one. We want to both educate and produce masterpieces just like the painters of old," says Herczfeld.Members of all skill levels are welcome, thus three levels of membership are offered. "Our aim isn't exclusivity but the richness of variety," Herczfeld says. "The only requirement for an associate membership is agreement with our mission statement. The member level requires a good grasp of the medium and is for the pastelist who takes art seriously and professionally. Eventually, members will be able to achieve signature member status. Our thought is to inspire excellence in pastel."
The Internet has been a key component of the Guild from the start, and continues to be their virtual meeting place. Since its inception, the group has written bylaws and provided fiscal oversight, and has established a website (www.pastelguild.eu )The Pastel Scribbler, exists online, as does a monthly painting challenge, "Get Dusty".
The determination of the participating artists bodes well for the realization of PGE's goals. "We envision this to be a prestigious society, working in cooperation with other pastel societies," says Herczfeld. "We'll lecture, give workshops and demonstrations, perhaps see books published and videos made. We'll have kindled the blazing renaissance of pastel in Europe."
