OPS
History
OPS's rich and colorful history.
The Ozark Pastel Society was formed in the fall of 1987 in Neosho, MO with 7 Charter Members, Gary Warren, Mary Hunt, Mary Ellen Pitts, Billie Stewart, Martha Bagwell, Jack Hetterich and Bea Wood. From its beginnings, it has grown to serve pastel artists in AR, MO and OK.
Gary Warren, OPS’s first President, was the art teacher in Neosho HS and made it possible for the society to meet in his department and Big Spring Gallery was formed with exhibits held at Jon's Drug Store, in a space they repurposed as a gallery. Many activities were held in this new gallery space, including the OPS meetings, workshops, and exhibitions, often coupling OPS with civic groups and individual artists. One such notable event was the first Thomas Hart Benton Competition, celebrating the 100th birthday of this well-known local artist.
Since its inception, the OPS activities have included Main Programs, Demonstrations and “Bonus Programs” by highly recognized artists, plein air events, art competitions and Members’ Exhibits, visits to artists’ studios and art museums, workshops, “Shop-and-Swap” of artists’ materials and social events.
The society has exhibited at Crowder College (Neosho, MO), Walton Art Center (Fayetteville, AR), Spiva (Joplin, MO), Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, MO), Art Central (Carthage, MO), Morrison Woodward Gallery (Eureka Springs, AR), Art Center of the Ozarks (Springdale, AR), Crawford County Art Association (currenly known as Arts on Main, Van Buren, AR), Performing Arts Center (Alma, AR), Artists’ Retreat Center (Bella Vista, AR), Thea Foundation Gallery (No. Little Rock), John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AR) and Philbrook Museum (Tulsa, OK). Workshops were held with Ben Konis, Charles Peer, Mary Lou Stone, Haroldine Howell, Jerry McWilliams, Liz Haywood-Sullivan, Tom Christopher and Rita Kirkman.
OPS is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) and has had representation at each of the 15 biennial conventions, with members having paintings juried into many of their exhibitions and achieving Master Circle recognition.
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Presidents: Gary Warren, Wanda Roe, Mary Ellen Pitts, Cheryl Netherton, Cheryl Coen, Richard Fussell, Linda Stair, Julie Mayser, Julene Baker, Jack Hetterich, Jodie Taylor, Randy Ross, Sandra McClure, Joey Frisillo, Reba Cole, Marlene Murray, Cheryl Netherton, Randall Kronblad/Charles Peer (co-presidents) and Diana Harshbarger (current).
