Pastel Society of NC

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Search Results for: chris kanoy

Christianna Kanoy

Carrboro, NC
email: ckanoy@nc.rr.com

Christianna Kanoy is a self-taught pastel artist. She is a native North Carolinian and currently lives in Carrboro.

Artist’s Statement

I feel compelled to document the architectural history found in the small towns of North Carolina because so many of these places are rapidly disappearing. I personally photograph these scenes, return to the studio and use my photos to create and compose paintings I feel may speak to others. I approach an architectural painting as if I were painting a portrait of a place and hope to create a feeling of the “soul” of this place. Interestingly, during the process of observing and studying the many details as I paint, I come to know each place intimately and each becomes a part of my own history.

News items for Christianna Kanoy

click on the thumbnail pictures below to see the full painting

PSNC Annual Christmas party!

December 10, 2008

Today is the deadline to RSVP for the PSNC Annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 20 from 2-4pm at Chris Kanoy’s house in Carrboro. Please contact Chris for directions and to let her know you are coming. Significant others are always welcome. Hope to see everyone there!

Filed Under: member news archive

Herb Slapo Memorial

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Herb Slapo on April 21, 2020 at the age of 93.

Many of us in the PSNC have fond memories of Herb’s leadership, artistic skills, and friendly, outgoing nature.

In 1993, Herb moved from New York to North Carolina after his retirement in 1990. He became involved in the Pastel Society of North Carolina, bringing his New York experience to the fledgling group, and teaching students in his many classes over the years. Herb aimed to have his students get into the feel of their subjects, to “wallow in the happiness of painting.” He was intrigued by the thought of the art experience “creating 3-dimensional feelings.” He said, “If you can look at it all day and all night and enjoy it, that’s a painting.” He had loved being in the art world, and appreciated every day, observing people and what was going on around him, reading, and teaching. His favorite subjects were cloudscapes, portraits, horses, landscapes, and florals. His work is in several public and private collections in the United States and Canada.

His daughter, Roni, took this photo of him on her last visit before the corona virus hit. The painting was a work in progress on his easel when he became ill.

My husband and I helped Herb and his daughter Roni pack up for his move to New York in September 2014. A steady stream of people came by to help and share memories. Every inch of wall space in his apartment was covered with his paintings and a lifetime of memories. We made a farewell visit to the K & W Cafeteria, his favorite. It seemed like each staff person knew him personally! PSNC hosted a farewell member’s meeting on September 20, 2014 at the NC Botanical Garden.

My husband and I visited Herb three years later in October, 2017. We were lucky to have two visits with him and Roni at his assisted living retirement home on Long Island, and to see his current exhibit at a local gallery. His new living space was also filling up with his paintings, and a photo below shows his latest work then in progress. At the time, he was 91 and still painting on a regular basis, and that continued until his passing at age 93. He was such an inspiration, and his work is a testament to how much he loved life and people.
~ Chris Berndt

Moving Week 9.2014 reading Winslow Homer
PSNC Meeting 9.20.14 with Helen
Farewell PSNC Meeting 9.20.14
Roni and Herb PSNC Meeting 9.20.14
Moving Week 9.2014
Visit with Herb 10.1.2017
PSNC Meeting 9.20.14 with Hunter

We (Toni Lindahl and Hunter Taylor) joined the Pastel Society of North Carolina years ago, when Chris Kanoy and Herb were co-presidents. We remember meeting Herb because he always greeted everyone with his big smile; he was so active in the organization, always working on some task. For example, during one of our exhibitions Herb demonstrated with a cloud painting which was fascinating and we realized then how talented an artist he was.

As time went on we both had the opportunity to see more and more of Herb. We enjoyed picking him up at his apartment and taking him to lunch or he would treat us as well. We began to regularly take him to the meetings and arm in arm we would walk in with Herb in the middle of the two of us. Later we would go out to lunch with the group. One time around Christmas we met at Herb’s house with Chris Kanoy to have a feast of chicken and Xmas treats. It was a wonderful day with a good meal and wonderful conversations. We always enjoyed seeing all of Herb’s work in the studio and on the walls. When Herb was unable to drive we would take his work along with ours to exhibits so that he wouldn’t miss participating. His beautiful work continued to be included in juried exhibitions such as the Statewide.

We will remember Herb mostly because he was such a wonderful, kind person and we are so grateful to have known him. He never said an unkind word about anyone in all the years that we knew him and he has enriched our lives with his laughter, his art and his beautiful soul. We will remember Herb mostly because he was such a wonderful, kind person and we are so grateful to have known him. He never said an unkind word about anyone in all the years that we knew him and he has enriched our lives with his laughter, his art and his beautiful soul.
~ Toni Lindahl and A Hunter Taylor

This was taken during one of his art shows here at the Robert & Pearl Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, NC. We all loved Herb, he was an exceptional talent and a kind and generous friend!

~ Jerri Gale, Front Desk Manager at Robert & Pearl Seymour Center

Perhaps my best memory is from after Herb had quit teaching. I was working on a painting and really struggling. It was from a lovely photo I’d taken in a charming French village – a river in the foreground, then an arched stone bridge and beyond it the village and a mountain. I could not get the village to look right. It was very detailed and the proportions looked all wrong or something. So I called up Herb. “Bring it over,” he said.

I went over to his condo and he set the painting up on an easel while I explained the problem I was having. He gazed at it for a couple of minutes then grabbed a very dark pastel and shoved it into my hand. “Darken the shadows under the bridge.”

Huh? The old fool, I thought, it’s not the bridge I’m having a problem with, it’s the village. But what the hey, I’ll humor him. So I obediently darkened the shadows under the arches of the bridge.

“Right,” he said. “Now, step back.” I got up and stepped back a couple of paces. It was like a miracle had happened. The bridge had jumped forward, the village and the mountain had receded and it all fell beautifully into place. And that was how I came to finally understand about values and why Herb and my later teacher Kim were always carrying on about them.

I remember Herb with affection and gratitude. Such a dear man who left his mark on me and so many others.
~ Tim Williams

I work at the Seymour Center and have been in charge of the art programs. Herb was always one of my favorites, a joy to know. He was always so dapper and I admired his talent as well as his intelligence. I took a drawing class with him at the Art School and was amazed how a few strokes of his on my paper created an entirely new and better image. I once told him about a painting I had that I was unhappy with the texture of the subject’s skin. Herb said bring it to him and some photos of the individual. When I got it back, rather than fixing the skin tones Herb painted an entirely different painting over the previous one using one of the photos I had given him. What a character! Send our love to his family. The Center has so many cherished memories of him.
~ Robin Bailin, Facility Manager at Seymour Center

If you have a memory of photo of Herb you would like to share, please email Leandra and she will post it here.

About PSNC

Download a copy of PSNC’s history here.

History of the Pastel Society of North Carolina
The creation of a pastel society for North Carolina artists was the vision of pastelist and teacher, Lorie Callahan. At the Pastel Society of America’s (PSA) 24th National Open Exhibition, Lorie met with founder, Florence B. Giffuni. Ms. Giffuni, committed to elevating the awareness and recognition of American pastel art, enthusiastically provided Lorie with information to start a small local pastel group. In 1996, along with 11 of her art students, the Pastel Society of Orange County was founded, with Lorie its first elected President. The Society’s mission was:

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.

Charter members were: Lynda Baddour, Joan Blacher, Lorie Callahan, Linda Guaspari, Alejandra “Lexi” Hernandez, Barbara Lininger (Vice President), Marge Merritt, Louise Pagano (Treasurer), Barbara Spang, Jan Weaver-Turlington (Recording Secretary), Marijane Whiteman, and Betty Mishkan-Zelman. Their first exhibition was held at the Orange County Historical Museum in Hillsborough NC, April 1997.

Between 1996 and 2000 news spread of the budding organization. This was primarily from exposure through local exhibitions, articles in area newspapers and the website at pastelsocietyofnc.com. Artists from surrounding counties traveled to enjoy the company of fellow pastelists, expand their knowledge, skills, and exposure through exhibitions. Soon the group outgrew its name. Vice President Jim Williams, suggested, with unanimous support of the membership, to change the name of the organization to the Pastel Society of North Carolina (PSNC). At his recommendation, the group also joined the International Association of Pastel Artists (IAPS). These formative years helped to build the foundation and format of the society’s meetings that are still used today.

In addition to Lorie Callahan’s influence, new member Herbert Slapo brought his expertise and experience as a board member of the PSA in New York City. He contributed greatly to the improvement of members’ works, offering expert advice during the critique sessions. Artist members at all levels of skill brought in their work at various stages of completion. Honest criticism was given and received by all those participating. As a result, members flourished. They honed their skills and applied the necessary ingredients to make masterful works.

Herb emerged as a leader and was elected President in 1999. Shortly after, Helen Knapp brought order by introducing the group to Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Law. It was she who created the first Constitution and Bylaws of PSNC. That year Lois Fuchs created the first logo and Chris Kanoy revisited the idea of a newsletter to be called The Artline. Begun by Barbara Spang, the newsletter started publishing during the Pastel Society of Orange County days. It became an important way to document the many happenings of PSNC and members. Chris turned the editorship over to Roger Kaiser in 2004 and the newsletter continued in print until August of 2006.

Early meetings concentrated on fellowship and critiques. In the early 2000s, educational programs and workshops became the emphasis partly due to Helen Knapp’s organizational skills as workshop chair. After organizing some one-day workshops with area art instructors, Helen arranged PSNC’s first five-day workshop with international renowned artists Albert Handell and Anita Louise West.

In 2001 meetings moved from members’ homes to the Carol Woods Community Room in Chapel Hill. This growth move was made possible through the efforts of Betty Zelman, PSNC member and resident of Carol Woods Retirement Community. Thanks to her, PSNC benefited for over eight years by using the Community Room without charge. In appreciation, PSNC made a small yearly donation to the Carol Woods Foundation recognizing the generosity and spirit of the Carol Woods community.

2004 brought organization and structure to the growing society under co-presidents Chris Kanoy and Helen Knapp. They worked to create an active Board that met monthly. Plans and goals were established to give the organization direction. Chris and Helen moved the PSNC into the communication age with their computer knowledge by electronically sending letters, documents and minutes, and contacting members by email. Meeting agendas and minutes were sent out in advance as reminders of upcoming meeting. New member, designer Leandra Ganko, redesigned the website.

A pivotal point in the growth of PSNC came near the end of 2005 when the Board, headed by Co-Presidents Chris Kanoy and Lori White, decided the organization should have a presence at the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. The second generation PSNC logo, designed by Chris and Helen, was printed on a large banner in the PSNC booth. Around the table were several pastel paintings produced by members. New member Donna Slade designed and published the society’s first professional brochure, distributed during the IAPS Convention. PSNC members attending the booth enthusiastically represented the organization. As a result, membership grew to 85 within a few
days of the convention.

In the years following the participation at IAPS, PSNC progressed through the vision and leadership of those who volunteered their time. In late 2005, Chris and Lori began planning for the First Open Juried National Show held at the gallery of the Alamance County Arts Council in Graham, NC. In addition to Chris and Lori, the planning committee consisted of Herb Slapo, Helen Knapp, Toni Lindahl, Leandra Ganko and Jim Williams. Through their efforts and the PSNC members, 53 artists were juried in and judged by juror Jack Pardue. PSNC honored selected artists with over $5000 in awards, and over 100 people attended the opening reception on a snowy evening in February 2007. The treasury benefited from the proceeds generated by show entrants. The increased monies allowed PSNC to concentrate on professional programs and compensate presenters.

2008 brought new President Laurel Parker continuing the tradition of offering formal programs at each meeting. Member exhibitions, critiques, and periodic workshops were continued. The artwork of members reflected the knowledge and skills gained from the educational programs and critiques. Laurel established as one of her goals that PSNC acquire a nonprofit status. Through Nancy Clausen, nonprofit status was achieved.

In 2009, newly elected President Mandy Roeing brought a youthful and fresh approach to the 13-year-old society. The youngest president to date, Mandy was responsible for arranging the PSNC Online Shop with Café Press, the internet site.

Those visiting the site could now purchase various products featuring the art of PSNC members as well as fun and useful gift items geared toward artists. During her tenure, Mandy envisioned a joint exhibit with other regional pastel societies and worked closely with David Boone, Vice President, to ensure that instructional and informative programs be given top priority. Toward the end of the year, a crisis arose when Carol Woods informed PSNC that the Community Room would no longer be available for meetings.

New President Luana Winner and continuing Vice President, David Boone, began searching for a new meeting location in early 2010. With her connections in the art world and David’s assistance, meetings were moved to the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh at the start of 2011. Under Luana’s direction, PSNC moved forward and attracted new members who could attend a meeting and visit the museum’s art collection afterwards.

Luana’s professional expertise and reputation promoted the advancement of the pastel society even further. She worked to bring the PSNC to a new level, from local to a statewide professional society. During her tenure, the board began updating the PSNC Constitution and By-laws. PSNC secretary, Roxanne Lorch, directed the project for a new contemporary logo with designer Leandra Ganko.

An alliance was forged in 2011 between PSNC and the state’s three regional pastel societies. Mandy’s original idea became Luana’s mandate when the first statewide exhibition started taking shape. Chairperson Patricia Savage contacted each society promoting the idea and the Statewide Advisory Council was established. Representatives from the Appalachian Pastel Society, Piedmont Pastel Society (PPS) and Coastal Pastel Society (CPS) met with Patricia and established guidelines and planned the format for future exhibits. Primary being that each organization will rotate the responsibility of hosting a statewide annual exhibition. PSNC members Toni Lindahl, Wendy Musser, Donna Slade, Nina MacDonald, Leandra Ganko, and Anne Kiefaber generously helped in the planning of the 2012 Statewide Pastel Exhibit event.

Patricia Savage was elected president for 2012. One of her goals is that PSNC continues to collaborate with the other regional societies in promoting the beauty of pastel paintings and artists throughout North Carolina. Each organization will rotate the responsibility of hosting a statewide annual exhibition. As with all past presidents, Patricia’s intent is that objectives be met.

Soon after her term began, it became clear that in order to offer the popular hands-on pastel demonstrations during chapter meetings, a change in venue was needed. Mandy Roeing and Patricia explored various possibilities. The light open space at Chapel Hill’s NC Botanical Garden provided the best option. In early 2012, meetings were moved from the museum to the new location.

PSNC hosted the first exhibit titled “On Common Ground: Pastel Paintings from the Mountains to the Sea” June 1-30, 2012 at Bev’s Fine Art Gallery, Raleigh. Over $3000 in awards was distributed to artists selected by juror Marla Baggeta. Two hundred and ten paintings were submitted and one hundred and ten pieces were accepted. In conjunction with the exhibit, Marla also taught two workshops.

During the spring and summer, the society’s first official history was researched and written by Historian Chris Kanoy.

PSNC will continue its quest for artistic growth through education. It is committed to promoting standards of excellence, professionalism, and fellowship with other artists statewide.

Historian’s Statement

This narrative documents the founding, major events and significant changes of the Pastel Society of North Carolina between 1996 and 2012. The information used to generate this report was derived from review of the minutes and other pertinent historical records, interview of key individuals and personal recollection. Though I chose to describe the history using the tenure of each president, I want to emphasize that the accomplishments and achievements of the PSNC are shared by all who have served as officers, chairpersons and committee members. It is those individuals who have collectively provided the leadership and direction that has contributed so greatly to the nature of this society.

I wish to thank Lorie Callahan, Louise Pagano, Marijane Whiteman, Helen Knapp and Herbert Slapo who provided their time and support and, in many cases, missing papers instrumental in helping me create this historical overview.

Written by Chris Kanoy, Past President and Historian PSNC, September 2012
Approved by the PSNC Board on August 31, 2012

History of the PSNC

September 20, 2012

The History of the PSNC is now available and  on the website. Written and researched by historian, Chris Kanoy, this follows the organization’s growth and development from its formation up to today. FinalPSNCHistory9-2012

Filed Under: general news, member news archive

Membership

If you are interested in joining The Pastel Society of North Carolina, annual dues are $40. Note: Dues will increase to $50/year on January 1, 2023.

Additionally, there is a one-time charge of $65 for an artist’s bio and gallery page on our website (in addition to the annual dues). Please submit your bio, head shot, and three paintings (with titles) using this form. You may also use the same form to update your bio and photos at any time.

The History of the PSNC is now available. Written and researched by our Historian, Chris Kanoy, the history follows the organization from formation to present status today. To learn more about how PSNC operates, download a copy of our by-laws.

We have also added a new Signature Membership level – read more information about how to earn points toward this designation here.

Membership is on an annual basis January through the end of December of each year. Dues for the current year come due January 1, regardless of what month the member originally joined the society; there is no pro-rating of dues. Membership will be terminated if dues are not paid by February 28. Dues are waived for anyone serving on the board or as committee members for the year of their service. Please follow the outline below to select the correct option.

Pay Online Via PayPal

Payment for memberships, renewals, or Artist’s Bio/Gallery Page should be made through PayPal. You do not have to have a PayPal account to do this. Once you click the “Pay Now” button below you will be given a choice of paying securely with your credit/debit card OR entering your PayPal username and password.


Membership Options
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You may attend one virtual meeting prior to joining by contacting membership@pastelsnc.com.

Zoom Meeting – August 13, 2022

Shows / Workshops

6th Annual PURE COLOR: Online International Juried Exhibition of Pastel Paintings
Apply until August 1, 2022.

Two Upcoming PSNC Member Shows at Ambleside Gallery and the Imperial Arts Center
See more details.

View all upcoming shows.

Membership Information

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Recent News / Announcements

If you are a current PSNC member and want to share your news, fill out the form here.

Face to face meetings have been CANCELLED until further notice.

Member News, Christine Berndt

2 Upcoming PSNC Member Shows

Upcoming Pastel Workshops with Rita Kirkman

Member News, Christine S. Berndt

Member News, Diana Coidan

Call for Artists: Central Mass Pastel Society’s Marks of Distinction National Juried Show

Member News, Rita Kirkman

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