Urania Christy Tarbet
Artist Urania Christy Tarbet, founder of IAPS, at IAPS 2015

Recently we learned that beloved pastel artist Urania Christy Tarbet passed away on July 4, 2019. Tarbet was the founder of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).

“The legacy of Urania will always be tied to her founding of IAPS,” says the group. “Those of us who knew her personally were profoundly touched by being in her presence, but her lasting legacy will always be to those working in pastel. IAPS was her dream, and her mission of advancing pastel as a fine art medium continues through the efforts of all of you. Our sympathy goes out to Urania’s family.”

Her family says is with a heavy heart that they say farewell to one of the greatest mothers, a grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, mentor, teacher, writer, author, artist, and inspiration to others.

Urania Christy Tarbet (2014); Photo by Lorraine McFarland

IAPS was founded in 1994 as a nonprofit organization representing pastel societies worldwide and united in the common cause of demonstrating the validity and quality of pastel fine art. Tarbet’s family has asked that memorial donations be sent to the “IAPS Urania Christy Tarbet Scholarship Fund” to help promote the next generation of pastel artists.

Please note “UCT Scholarship fund” on the check and mail to:
IAPS
182 Summer St., Ste 6, #117
Kingston, MA 02364

On behalf of Urania’s family and members of IAPS, we appreciate your kind words and loving support during this sad time. Thank you, too, for supporting Urania’s dream of sharing the art of pastel with the world.

***

Read > Visual Poetry: New Pastel Paintings


1 COMMENT

  1. I once met Urania at a gallery in Los Angeles in 1997-98. She was a tremendously nice and encouraging person as well as one fantastic artist.

    May she rest in peace, and may the Lord be with, comfort, and heal each of her family, friends, and admirers.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here