Mary Beth McKenzie Paul, Oil, 37” x 26”

Upcoming Butler Exhibit Competition: Inspiring Figures: Celebrating Women’s Contribution to the American Figurative Tradition Postmark Deadline: April 30, 2010 Exhibit Dates: September 12 – October 31, 2010 Inspiring Figures explores the distinctive influence of female artists and their continued importance in the development of American figurative art and portraiture. Opening September 12, 2010 at the Butler Institute of American Art, selected works from a juried competition juxtapose a collection of figures by historic and invited artists. Selected works will be awarded over $15,000 in cash and prizes, included in the exhibit at the prestigious Butler Institute, and in the full color catalog. http://www.portraitsociety.org/ceciliabeaux/updates.htm

Portrait Society of America's 12th Annual International Portrait Competition

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2009 Draper Grand Prize

Joseph Todorovitch Antiques, Oil, 46” x 34”

12th Annual International Portrait Competition

Postmark Deadline: March 1, 2010

Exhibit Dates: April 22-25, 2010

This competition showcases the finest in portraiture and figurative art, today. Open to all artists, the top fifteen finalists are invited to exhibit their selected artwork at the prestigious The Art of the Portrait conference in Washington, D.C. Prizes total more than $50,000 and are presented at a Gala Banquet, Saturday, April 24, 2010.

http://www.portraitsociety.org/conference/competition.htm

At this time of year, you may be considering donations to charities you support in the spirit of the season or in honor of your loved ones. We recently mailed you an Annual Appeal letter from the Portrait Society, and before you consider giving, we want to share what your donations do for the Portrait Society and for you.

In recent months, several articles and news segments have appeared, offering tips and tricks for making your donations count. Stephanie AuWerter of SmartMoney.com and a guest on CBS News segment titled Charitable Giving 101 explained, “In general, a good charity gives 75% or more of each donation to their cause.” 100% of your contribution stays within the Portrait Society. We never use any professional or outside fundraising services.

Sandra Miniutti, a spokeswoman for nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator tells readers to ask questions about their favorite charitable non-profits, “Consider, are they really fulfilling their mission?”

We hope that you agree we are fulfilling our mission to foster and enhance an understanding of the practice, techniques and applications of traditional fine art portraiture and figurative workswith strong, diverse programs and publications that help artists like you. In 2009:

· 17,400 copies of International Artist Magazine were mailed to members.

· 11,940 issues of The Art of the Portrait Journal were printed and distributed.

· 104 scholarships were offered to high school and college art students.

· 364 artists’ work was critiqued through Portrait Society programs.

· 1,131 artists attended workshops, critiques, Conferences and Academies.

· 4,280 artists in 47 states were reached by the State Ambassador Program

73% of our Annual Budget is devoted to projects in support of our mission, not administrative costs or general overhead. “Charities spending less than a third of their budget on program expenses are simply not living up to their missions,” advises Charity Navigator. We are encouraged that through our barebones budgeting the Portrait Society is able to continue providing these valuable programs and publications.

“The majority of [charitable] giving this year came from individuals (75%),” according to the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy. Individuals like you sustain our organization and give us the ability to continue offering you educational artistic resources.

“Concentrate your giving. If you can't afford to give much, focus on just one or two charities that are important to you, so that your cash has a bigger impact,” suggests Barbara Luria Leopold of the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society at the City University at New York.

Please consider giving to the Portrait Society this holiday season. Your gift this Holiday Season helps us fulfill our mission by bringing quality educational resources, programs and literature to artists like you. Every donation makes a great impact, no matter how large or small.

Thank you so much for your support,

Christine Egnoski

Executive Director

Portrait Society of America

P.S. For your convenience your tax deductible donation can be made through PayPal

DONATE NOW ON-LINE or use the form below to mail in your contribution.

The Portrait Society of America is a non-profit, charitable organization formed to foster and enhance the practice, aesthetics and applications of traditional fine art portraiture and figurative works. The Portrait Society is a registered charitable organization in the state of Florida. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 800-435-7352 within Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

Portrait Society of America's 5th Annual Members Only Competition

5th Annual Members Only Competition: Portraits by Medium

Postmark Deadline: December 14, 2009

Exhibit Dates: April 22 – 25, 2010

In its fifth year, the Annual Members Only Competition varies each year by subject or medium. This year members can choose their medium and enter in one or more categories: Drawing, Oil, Pastel, Sculpture and Watercolor. All winners will be recognized on the Portrait Society’s website, The Art of the Portrait Journal, featured in International Artist magazine and an image of their winning work will be shown at the annual conference.

http://www.portraitsociety.org/membersonly-competitions.htm

Portrait Society of America's 2009 Conference DVD

The Portrait Society of America’s conference DVD collection is now available to purchase online! Now, it’s easier than ever to experience highlights from the 2009 Art of the Portrait in the comfort of your very own home or studio. Enjoy presentations and studio demonstrations by acclaimed artists including:

· Judith Carducci – People’s Choice Special Artist Demonstration in Pastels

· Daniel E. Greene, NA – Painting from Life: A Portrait in Oils

· Robert Liberace – The Expressive Portrait in Limited Palette

· Michael Shane Neal – Accuracy of an Impression

· Mary Whyte – Watercolor Portraits: Past & Present

The conference DVDs are available for purchase at $62.50 each. Collect one, two, or all five DVDs to expand your range of knowledge by examining the legacy of watercolor portraiture, the precision and refinement of a tri-color palette, the skill of crafting a compelling portrait and the magic of painting in pastel. 100% of proceeds from DVD sales go directly to the Portrait Society of America by helping us serve our highest public purpose in providing you access to quality educational resources and experiences.

Read more about these fantastic DVDs we are offering this Holiday Season by visiting www.portraitsociety.org.

These limited edition DVDs are now available to order by phone, mail, fax or to order securely online through PayPal for only $62.50 each. To order:

Online with PayPal PREFERED
www.portraitsociety.org

By Phone TOLL FREE
1-877-772-4321

By Fax
850-222-7890

By Mail
Portrait Society of America
attn: Educational DVDs
P.O. Box 11272
Tallahassee, FL 32302

Member Benefit - Slide Critique

In the Journal of Portrait Society of America (issue 44) on page 19 there is information about a SLIDE CRITIQUE available to members. If you missed it here is the information.

1. Find the best reproduction of your work.

2. Label and send in up to 3 digital images accompanied by 4 x 6" 

prints or up to 3 slides labeled with your name, the title, size 

and medium of work.

3. Include your name, address, phone and email.

4. Enclose the $35 critique fee, slides or digital images and prints 

with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of materials.

5. Mail your package to:  Portrait Society of America

     Attn: Carolyn Broadhead

     P.O. Box 11272

     Tallahassee, FL  32302

You can use this member benefit as many times as you wish. All proceeds benefit the Portrait Society's scholarship fund and other educational programs. This is valuable feedback on your work.