EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES BELOW:

Lending Library, Scholarships, Other Educational Resources

PSME Lending library

One of the benefits of PSME membership is your eligibility to borrow books and DVDs from the PSME Lending Library. [See the LIST BELOW] In order to access lending privileges, your membership must be current and you must pay a one-time registration fee of $10.00 and fill out and return the LENDING LIBRARY REQUEST FORM.

PSME is responsible for sending you the requested materials with the understanding that the borrower is responsible for paying the return postage and will return the items in a timely manner. For more information, contact Charleen Knight, PSME Librarian, by completing the inquiry form at CONTACT PSME.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Pastel Society of Maine (PSME) is dedicated to fostering artistic talent and promoting soft pastels as a vibrant medium. In support of this mission, we are proud to offer an annual scholarship to a graduating Maine high school student pursuing further art education.

Scholarship Details

Each scholarship awarded includes a $500 cash reimbursement and a $250 gift card for art supplies. PSME is committed to supporting students who wish to pursue careers in fine art or design.

Eligibility Requirements

This scholarship is open to any graduating high school student in Maine who plans to continue their academic study of art after high school. While PSME specializes in pastels, we encourage applicants from all artistic mediums and subjects.

To be eligible, applicants must provide proof of graduation and acceptance to a post-secondary institution with a major in the arts.

Application and Judging

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following five criteria:

• Academic Standing

• Sample Portfolio of recent artwork

• Extracurricular Activities

• Teacher or Guidance Counselor Recommendation

• Written Artistic Statement

The PSME scholarship committee will work with school Art or Guidance Departments to determine, announce, and present the scholarship winner by the school year's graduation.

The deadline for applying is May 15, 2025.

How to Apply

Further information about the scholarship can be found on The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) website at www.famemaine.com/scholarships/PSME. The official 2025 application PDF can be downloaded directly from our website via the link below:

Pastel Society of Maine 2025 High School Scholarship Application

For any questions or to submit a completed application, please contact PSME, attention Sally Fortin-Francis, at Pastelsocietyofmaine@gmail.com.

Past Scholarship Recipients:

2022 Scholarship was awarded to a Sanford High School Senior.  

2017 Scholarship was awarded to a Kennebunk High School Senior

2016 Scholarship was offered to a Maine Girls’ Academy student

2015 Scholarship was awarded to a Portland Arts & Technology High School Senior

2014 Scholarship was awarded to a Thornton Academy Senior

2013 Scholarship was awarded to a Freeport High School Junior

Member Scholarship

To support the educational component of our mission, the Pastel Society of Maine has established a member scholarship. This once a year scholarship covers the tuition for one member to attend a PSME sponsored pastel workshop.  All PSME members are eligible to apply for consideration. Those members interested in applying for consideration should submit a short paragraph outlining their interest in attending the workshop and how they would benefit from attendance. Scholarship application information is strictly confidential. For more details, CONTACT PSME.

OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Members please email us at CONTACT PSME to make suggestions for this section. Please include a URL link.