VIVID VISIONS
Celebrating New Mexico’s pastel heritage at ‘Enchanted Colors’
This spring, Taos becomes the epicenter of the pastel world with the Pastel Society of New Mexico’s heralded national exhibition “Enchanted Colors.” From March 30 to June 2, the Millicent Rogers Museum will not only host over 250 submissions from an international roster of artists but will also offer a virtual gallery, bridging geographical divides and inviting global audiences to partake in the beauty of pastel art.
Nicholas Tesluk, the seasoned chairperson of this year’s exhibition, shares his profound insights with the Taos News, drawing back the curtain on the intricate processes and passionate endeavors that make “Enchanted Colors” a landmark event. “After 30 years of holding National Pastel Painting Exhibitions, renaming it ‘Enchanted Colors’ felt like a homage to the distinctive allure of New Mexico,” Tesluk remarks. This rebranding, he believes, resonates with the essence of the state and the vibrant community the exhibition has nurtured over the decades.
The rigor behind the scenes
The journey from submission to exhibition is a tale of meticulous scrutiny and artistic judgment. This year’s avalanche of 255 entries was meticulously distilled to 99 inclusions, with 66 gracing the museum’s galleries and an additional 33 showcased online. This selection was entrusted to the critical eyes of three renowned jurors, each specializing in a unique artistic domain, ensuring a diverse and representative curation.
Tesluk elucidates the selection process with clarity: “Each painting is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, allowing for a perfect score of 30. Our aim is to judge each piece on its own merit— composition, values, color — without comparing it to others.” This approach ensures a fair and comprehensive evaluation, highlighting the individuality and excellence of each submission.
A catalyst for artists and the community
The impact of “Enchanted Colors” transcends the confines of the exhibition and ripples through the artistic community and beyond. Tesluk reflects that the society’s foundational goal is “to promote the fine art of pastel painting and to contribute to New Mexico’s arts community.” This mission has guided the society since its inception in 1989 and remains the beacon for its endeavors.
The exhibition serves as a vibrant platform for artists, offering them visibility and recognition. “Our exhibitions are a great showcase for New Mexico’s artists. Usually, about half of the accepted artists are local members,” Tesluk notes. This local and international participation is a testament to the exhibition’s prestige and the society’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive artistic community.
Demystifying pastel art
Tesluk takes particular pride in educating the public about the pastel medium, dispelling myths and illuminating its virtues. He distinguishes pastels from chalk, explaining, “A pastel stick is pure pigment, the same used in oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints, but without the liquid binder. This gives pastels their unparalleled vibrancy and longevity.” This educational aspect of the exhibition not only elevates the appreciation of pastel art but also enriches the viewers’ understanding of artistic mediums.
Envisioning the future
Looking ahead, Tesluk outlines ambitious plans to elevate the profile of pastel art further. The exhibition’s success has paved the way for additional showcases and educational initiatives, including the Signature Members Show and various workshops aimed at skill development. “We’re also offering skill builder workshops, covering a variety of subjects in the fundamentals of art creation,” he adds, highlighting the society’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a deeper appreciation for pastel art.
Through initiatives like “Enchanted Colors,” the Pastel Society of New Mexico continues to champion the pastel medium, bridging the gap between traditional appreciation and contemporary exploration. Tesluk’s leadership and vision for the society underscore a deep-seated passion for pastel art and a commitment to its growth and recognition.
As “Enchanted Colors” prepares to welcome visitors, it stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, a celebration of New Mexico’s rich artistic heritage and a testament to the enduring allure of pastel art. The exhibition invites everyone — artists, enthusiasts and the merely curious — to immerse themselves in the dazzling world of pastels, exploring its depths, nuances and indeed its enchanted colors.