The Prestigious Pastel Society of America’s Founders Award

“I learned this week that one of my paintings is the recipient of the top prize at the annual Pastel Society of America exhibition.  The exhibition is normally hung at the National Arts Club in NYC every year, but is online this year because of Covid.  It’s an extraordinary show and I am grateful beyond measure to be a part of it. Hope all is well in Florida~ I miss you all!” – Lyn Asselta

Pastel artist, Lyn Asselta, has been awarded the prestigious Pastel Society of America’s Founders Award sponsored by the Flora B. Giffuni Foundation for her painting, Outstretched. This award also earns her the status of PSA Master Pastelist. Founded in 1972 by Flora B. Giffuni, Pastel Society of America – the oldest pastel society in America- is largely responsible for the current renaissance of pastel in American art. The society’s annual exhibition at the National Arts Club in New York City is the premier event for pastel artists worldwide.

The Pastel Society of America has over 1000 artist members worldwide. Its primary mandate is to provide a forum for the exhibition of works by the most accomplished pastel artists in the United States and abroad. Since 1972 the PSA Annual Exhibition, Enduring Brilliance, has been held during the month of September in the Grand Gallery of the National Arts Club. Due to Covid-19, the year’s exhibition will be online and may be viewed on the society’s website at http://www.pastelsocietyofamerica.org/48th-annual-pastel-exhibition/ This year’s Juror of Awards is Margorie Shelley, a leading authority on pastel and the Sherman Fairchild Conservator in Charge, Sherman Fairchild Center for Works on Paper and Photograph Conservation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Lyn Asselta is represented by  Cutter and Cutter Fine Art, St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, Florida.