Search Results for: donna slade

Wake Forest, NC
919-554-4204
website: donnasladeart.com
email: dsladeart@gmail.com

Donna Slade has enjoyed an award-winning career in Commercial Advertising and Design; but her true love lies in painting. For the past 13 years Donna has worked in pen & ink and colored pencil, but for the last few years she has worked mainly in soft pastel.

Her portfolio is impressive in its depth and scope of subject matter, ranging from still life’s that take a close-up look at the beauty or ordinary objects, to landscapes that capture the grace and rhythms of nature. I seek to provide a place for the viewer to find curiosity and appreciation for the process of creation.

“Creativity is harnessing universality
and making it flow through your eyes.”
-Peter Koestenbaum

A sense of energy is important to me, so I pay great attention to the composition of the painting. It is in the dynamic relationship among the various components around a center of interest that creates vitality. When I am working I lose all sense of time and place. I experience a state of consciousness quite common among artist but nonetheless magical to me. It is being in the flow, engaged in a task that occupies me fully while freeing me to channel the creative gift.

Donna has exhibited nationally and her work is included in many corporate and private collections. Donna is represented locally by the Cardinal Art Gallery; Raleigh, NC, and the Sunflower Gallery and Studio in Wake Forest, NC. Donna is a Charter as well as Signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America.

News items for Donna Slade

click on the thumbnail pictures below to see the full painting

Meetings for the society are held on the 2nd Saturday of each of the following months (January, March, May, July, September and November) from 10am – 12pm (unless otherwise scheduled). Meetings will be held at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens room 106 (100 Old Mason Farm Road) in Chapel Hill unless otherwise indicated. For directions please go to ncbg.unc.edu.

Check out the Meeting Archives to see some photos and notes from our past meetings.

Want to become a member? Fill out our online application and join us for an upcoming meeting!

January 14 – Judith Cutler PSA-MP
Our first meeting of the year will be at The Art Shop, 3900-A West Market Street, Greensboro on January 14, 10:00am – 12pm. Judith Cutler will share thoughts on her 13 years as a Pastel Society America member, and the experience of being part of the Jury of Selection team for PSA’s 2016 Enduring Brilliance Annual International Juried Exhibition. She will also talk about her work which ranges from representational to abstract. Read more… | Meeting Photos

March 18
Donna Slade will speak about and demonstrate colored pencils. Part I: Colored Pencil Art 101 – Presentation on the process of using colored pencils, variety of techniques, surfaces, and pencil brands. Part II: A partner of Fine Art at Baxters Fine Art Gallery in Eastern NC, Donna will give insight regarding running a gallery and how one can go about getting gallery representation. | Meeting Photos
Location: Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

May 13
PSNC will have its own private supply fair! We will be introduced to all kinds of materials and will be allowed to experiment with many brands of pastels. Then we can share our favorite materials and purchase items if desired.
Location: Jerry’s Artarama, Raleigh.

July 8
How to Present Your Artwork to Galleries — Kitty Mecham from Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts in Pittsboro, NC will be talking about how to present your artwork to galleries. After almost seven years, Kitty has dealt with a number of artists all wanting to get their artwork into the gallery. This presentation will address some step-by-step points to make sure the artist is prepared when approaching a gallery. There will be plenty of time for questions after the presentation. But, if you have a questions about “the Business of Art” please email liquidambargallery@gmail.com and she will be happy to add that to her lecture!
For more information about the Liquidambar Gallery visit: www.liquidambarstudio.com
Location: Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

November 4
Demo and Mini-Workshop with Jeri Greenberg, PSA – “Telling Your Story”
Each painting tells a story and award winning artist Jeri Greenberg, PSA shares her ideas, help and encouragement with set-ups, lighting and subject matter. Jeri will do a morning demo and then workshop participants will spend the afternoon painting from set-ups and/or photos.
Location: The Art Shop, Greensboro

December 9
Holiday party – TBD

December 16 (was September 9)
Demo and Mini-Workshop with Lyn Asselta – “It’s All About Intent”
Time: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
THE ART SHOP, 3900 West Market Street, Ste A, Greensboro, NC
This has been rescheduled.
Making a connection between your painting and a viewer requires a clear idea of what you actually want your painting to say. Focusing on Intent can help you say it eloquently. | Meeting Photos

Want to become a member? Fill out our online application and join us for an upcoming meeting!

2017

January 14 – Judith Cutler PSA-MP shared her thoughts on her 13 years as a Pastel Society America member and the experience of being part of the Jury of Selection team for PSA’s 2016 Enduring Brilliance Annual International Juried Exhibition. | Meeting Photos
March 18 – Lecture and demonstration with colored pencils by Donna Slade | Meeting Photos
May 13 – PSNC’s private supply fair at Jerry’s Artarama in Raleigh.
July 8 – “How to Present Your Artwork to Galleries” with Kitty Mecham from Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts in Pittsboro, NC
November 4 – Demo and Mini-Workshop “Telling Your Story” with Jeri Greenberg, PSA
December 16 (was September 9) – Demo and Mini-Workshop “It’s All About Intent” with Lyn Asselta | Meeting Photos

2016

January 9 – All members are encouraged to bring 2 or 3 finished or unfinished works in progress for an open critique led by Luana Luconi Winner, President and her board.
March 12 – “When a painting isn’t working – Trouble shooting tips” with Barbara Gill

May 14 – “Traveling with Pastels” featuring Anne Kiefaber and Laura Pollak. | Meeting photos.
September 10 – Luana Winner presented on paintings done on location and those completed after returning from China, including a display of 5 papers used, including the Chinese textured paper, and the bag and contents used to get through international security. | Meeting Photos
November 12 – Alexis Lavine shows us how to take complex subjects [mostly from photos] and creates brilliant paintings. | Meeting Photos
December 11 – Open house will be from 2:00pm to 6pm. Meeting Photos

2015

January 17 – Anne Kiefaber presents “Luminosity in Snow Scenes” – Her demonstration showed the different processes she employs to create stunning snow scenes in pastels. | Meeting Photos
March 21 – “Let’s Create Some Dust!”…. bring your supplies and some inspiration!
Everyone is invited to come and paint together for the morning. Bring a project you have been working on, or create something new. | Meeting Photos
May 16 – There will not be a meeting due to the Statewide Pastel Show.
July 18 – What Can The NC Museum Of Art Do For You? Terry Murphy will be here to tell us all about the history, buildings, events and collections as well as exciting upcoming exhibits of the North Carolina Museum of Art.
September 19 – “Approaching a Still Life: My Perspective” by Nancy Marshburn, PSA | Meeting Photos
November 21 – “Painting Expressive Landscapes” by Wendy Musser
December 13 – “PSNC Holiday Party” @ Anne Kiefaber’s house, 909 Fairgreen Road in Greensboro.

2014

January 18 – “Artist Resumes, Bios and Artist Statements” by Kim Werfel | Meeting Photos
March 15 – “Artist Critique” with NC artist and teacher Jill Eberle | Meeting Photos
May 17 – Mr. Tom Dowd of Jerry’s Artarama will be talking about pastel products carried by Jerry’s, particularly their line of Mungyo pastels. | Meeting Photos
July 19 – Greensboro artist and teacher, Judy Meyler | Meeting Photos
September 20 – “Ideas, Techniques for Creating Water Scenes,” presentation by Chris Powell, PSA | Meeting Photos
November 15 – At the November meeting our own Addren Doss will be presenting a program and demonstration about her plein air landscapes. | Meeting Photos
December (holiday gathering) | Party Photos

2013

January 19 – Demonstration of large cow painting by Addren Doss | Meeting Photos
March 16 – Portrait demonstration by Luana Luconi Winner | Meeting Photos
April 20 – Pastel Surfaces by Patricia Savage
May 18 – Photoshop Presentation by Stephanie Freese
June 15 – Plein Air Paintout at McNair Country Acres in Raleigh (9am start)
August – Plein Air Paintout in the Greensboro/Randolph County area (9am start)
September 21 – Demonstration by IAPS Signature Master Circle Pastelist, Kurt Weiser | Meeting Photos
October 19 – “Photoshop for Artists” with Stephanie Freese
November 16 – “Being a Working Artist is About More Than Paint” A Roundtable Discussion about Building a Resume, Thoughts About Social Media, and Web Design/Marketing

2012

January 21 – Artful Color owner, Damon Rando, spoke about the process of making giclées, how to get prints of your own work made, and shared a video of how they create them.
March 17 – Dr. Natalie Winters gave an inspirational presentation on creativity | Meeting Photos
April 21 – Mona Hearne’s presentation on the Munsell Color System used by many contemporary artists who want to achieve accurate consistent color.
May 19 – L. Diane Johnson, Painting the Four Seasons in Pastel
June 16 – Paint-out: Bog Gardens & Bicentennial Gardens, Greensboro.
July 21 – Paint-out: Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh.
August 18 – Paint-out: Duke Gardens, Durham.
September 15 – Exploration of the still-life with Anne Kiefaber – a demonstration where she will explain composition, dealing in the placement of subject matter and emphasizing light and shadow.
October 20 – Swap and Sell @ NC Botanical Gardens Bring all of your excess art “stuff”, big and small, that you have decided you will never use in your lifetime.
November 17 – The Art of Framing Pastels with Noni Penland, owner of Penland Custom Frames, Inc in Hillsborough.

2011

January 15, 2011 – Discussion on PSA Annual with Suzanne Karnatz, PSA and Toni Lindahl, PSA
February 19, 2011 – Presentation and Demo on Floral Studies with Lindesay Harkness, PSA
March 19, 2011 – Pastel Demonstration by Lori White, PSA
April 16, 2011 – Joys and Tricks to Great Paintings from Photos
May 21, 2011 – Plein Air Painting Tips | Meeting Photos
September 17, 2011 – Portrait South and the benefits of having an artists’ agent with Stephen Reville | Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2011 – Pastels and Abstracts with Judith Cutler | Meeting Photos
November 19, 2011 – Art Law: Intellectual Property and Copyright Law for the Artist with Attorney Dan Ellison of Triangle Art Works

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

The 2025 PSNC Board

President – Daphne Boder
Vice-President – Diff Whitmore
Secretary – Terri Leslie
Treasurer – Kathy Pruett
Director – Emily Thompson

2025 Committee Chairs on the Executive Board

Programs – Janet Nickle
Publicity & Marketing – see description
Membership & Communication – Cecile Ramirez
Exhibits – Barbara Steinaker, Arlene Daniel
Workshops – Amber Conrad

2025 PSNC Committee Chairs

Pure Color – Jim Hallenbeck, Jr.
Nominating – Nina MacDonald, Daphne Boder
Hospitality – Pearl Cohen
Historian – Toni Lindahl
Signature Membership – Luana Luconi Winner
Zoom Coordinator and Video Editor – Jane Steelman
Google Accounts Administrator and Digital Librarian – Jane Steelman

Statewide Show Co-Chairs – Daphne Boder and Kathryn Olive
Statewide Show Awards – Luana Luconi Winner

Website Design & Maintenance – Leandra Ganko

General Membership

updated on August 31, 2024
* denotes PSNC Signature Status

Luana Luconi Winner, Master IAPS Circle recipient – Honorary Lifetime Member

PSNC Member Emeritus

Lorie Callahan
Helen Knapp
Herbert Slapo

Signature Member Showcase