First Fridays at the Mill: Pastel Society of NC 2024 Statewide Art Exhibition

Pastel Society of NC
2024 Statewide Art Exhibition

OPENING FRIDAY, JUNE 7
FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE MILL | 6-9PM

Open artist studios with the Eno Arts Mill Studio Artists
Live Music: Triangle Jazz Orchestra
Local food truck: TBA
Beer from Red Oak, Ponysaurus Brewing, wine, and NA beer selections
Art Activity: Free gelli prints with Eno Mill Studio Artist Freddie Bell
Kids Activities

ABOUT THE SHOW

Artists from the three pastel societies in NC will compete in the On Common Ground: From the Mountain to the Sea statewide juried exhibition. Finalists’ work will be on display and for sale at the Orange County Arts Commission Eno Arts Mill Gallery – a vibrant artistic hub located in historic West Hillsborough, NC, from June 7- June 29, 2024.

The exhibition is a collaboration between The Pastel Society of North Carolina (PSNC), The Appalachian Pastel Society, and the Piedmont Pastel Society. According to PSNC president, Daphne Boder, the goal of the statewide competition is to collaborate with the other regional societies in promoting the beauty of the soft pastel medium. Artwork on display will showcase the talents of these member artists some of whom have earned “master “status both nationally and internationally.  Winners are awarded cash and art prizes sponsored by North Carolina merchants and member groups.

Soft pastel is a loved medium used by many modern artists such as Zaria Foreman and Deborah Stewart and classical greats including Vermeer, Degas and Renoir. Prized for its brilliant color, pastel was first used in the sixteenth century, notably by Leonardo da Vinci. It flourished in the eighteenth century, again in the late nineteenth century, and remains popular today.

About Pastel Society of North Carolina:

Founded in 1996, the goal of the society is to provide fellowship and encouragement, promote standards of excellence in the use of the medium and further the education of the general community to the intrinsic beauty and permanency of art created from soft pastels.

About the Live Music: Triangle Jazz Orchestra

The Triangle Jazz Orchestra is a big band composed of enthusiastic musicians from across the Triangle area of North Carolina. We perform the great American music of the jazz masters of the Swing Era, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and Benny Carter as well as more recent jazz and blues tunes. Our 20 musicians including a vocalist play in the traditional big band format with a full horn section for rich harmonies and a complete rhythm section for a driving, danceable beat.