With 36 French and foreign exhibitors and more than 150 works to discover, visitors will be amazed during the second edition of the international pastel fair in Occitanie.
In May 2023, the first International Pastel Fair in Occitanie was an undeniable success with more than 2,200 visitors and 190 schoolchildren who were able to discover the fascinating world of pastel artists in Trèbes. Building on this enthusiasm, the second edition will be held from May 17 to June 1, 2025 at the House of Associations and Families (MAF).
A Talented Godmother
After Patrice Bourdin, sponsor of the first edition, it is the turn of Florence Penouty, recognized artist, to become the sponsor of the event. Residing in Limoux, Florence participated in the 2023 edition where she won the 4th Prize of the Salon for her work Plage de Hidell. “I paint landscapes as they are when we are not there, in their intimacy”, she confides. Since 2016, she has devoted herself fully to painting and seeks to capture the moment in its fleetingness, inviting the viewer on an inner journey.
Renowned speakers
The second edition of the show features an exceptional program of courses: Marjorie Martin Sisteron, president of the Société des Pastellistes de France, will lead a 5-day course; Lucy Michiels will offer a 3-day training course; Patrice Bourdin, sponsor of the first edition, will return for a course from May 19 to 21, 2025… courses which are practically already full.
An International Dimension
This year again, the event takes on an international scope with, alongside French pastellists, the participation of five foreign artists: Barbara Henkes (Netherlands), Elisabeth Hollings (England), Vlad Kwitkosky (Ukraine), Natalia Polikarpova (Russia ) and Dorothea Schultz (Belgium).
An event accessible to all
Entrance remains free, allowing as many people as possible to learn or marvel at the art of pastel, a precious and demanding technique which is experiencing a real revival in Occitania.
An unmissable event
For Bernard Jalabert, president of the organizing association, the show is much more than an artistic event: “We want to put Trèbes on the map of major pastel events, by perpetuating this great adventure.”
See you in May 2025 for a dive into the captivating world of pastellists.
