VIII International Pastel Biennial (ASPAS) — Oviedo · León · Alicante (2026)
With major new developments: For the first time, the Biennial will exhibit its works in three important Spanish cities: Oviedo · León · Alicante.
Open to the public: February 13 to May 7, 2026.
Format and characteristics of the works to be exhibited
- Exclusively works created in DRY PASTEL, on any type of support. Mixed media is allowed only if pastel is the dominant technique (at least 80% of the final result). If mixed media is used, specify the other techniques or materials in addition to pastel.
- Works must not have been previously exhibited in other ASPAS exhibitions or contests.
Exhibition itinerary
| Phase | City & Venue | Address | Dates | Works Exhibited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | Oviedo — Venue pending confirmation (Sala Trascorrales / Congress and Exhibition Center) | — | February 13 – March 1, 2026 | All selected works |
| Second | León — “Ateneo Cultural El Albéitar” (University of León) | C. Luis de Sosa, s/n — 24004 — León | March 11 – April 17, 2026 | All selected works |
| Third | Alicante — Exhibition Hall of the Asociación de Artistas Alicantinos | C. Arquitecto Morell, 11 — 03003 — Alicante | April 24 – May 7, 2026 | Awarded and selected works + Guest Artists of Honor |
Presentation, framing & shipping
- Maximum width (including frame): 100 cm. Works will be transported between venues; no exceptions.
- Framing/protection: Under glass or acrylic (Plexiglass). For shipped works, acrylic is strongly recommended.
- Ready to hang: Hooks already attached or holes prepared for screwing hooks. Works wider than 50 cm must include two side hooks.
- Packing: Rigid, easy-to-open, and reusable packaging for return shipping.
- The association may reject any selected work that does not match the description submitted or fails to comply with originality requirements.
Registration requirements
- Up to four (4) works per artist, meeting the size and technique requirements.
- One digital photo per work (300 dpi, max. 4 MP, in color). File name format: Artist’s Name – Title – Total dimensions in cm (e.g., velazquez – las meninas – 40×50). Photos must not include frame or glass.
- Send photos by email only to: aspas_pastel@yahoo.es No postal mail or CDs.
- Attach the completed registration form (see end of the call).
- Registration fee: €10 per artist (regardless of the selection outcome).
- Incomplete registrations will not be accepted.
- Original works only: The artist must sign a declaration that the submitted pastels are entirely original and exclusively their own. Copies (of any era or type, including photos), even with permission, or works created in workshops/under supervision are not accepted.
- Exhibition commitment: Artists agree to keep their works in the exhibition from the beginning in Oviedo until the end in Alicante (for awarded/selected works) or until León (for the rest).
Selection
An independent jury of qualified painters will select the works to be exhibited from the submissions received. The decision of the jury is final. For transparency and independence, jury names will be made public once the selection process is complete.
General schedule
- Registration opens: August 15, 2025
- Registration deadline: October 1, 2025
- Jury notification: From December 8, 2025 (selected artists will receive payment instructions and shipping address)
- Reception of works in Oviedo: February 6–9, 2026
- Oviedo opening: Friday, February 13, 2026
Public opening in Oviedo: February 14, 2026
Closing in Oviedo: Sunday, March 1, 2026 - León opening: March 11, 2026
Closing in León: April 17, 2026
Pickup/return of non-selected / non-awarded works from León: April 20–21, 2026 - Alicante opening (awarded, selected, and Guest of Honor works): April 24, 2026
Closing in Alicante: May 7, 2026
Awards
An independent jury (different from the selection jury) will evaluate participating artists’ works (excluding the Guest Country of Honor section) to grant awards in collaboration with institutions and sponsors. Jury names will be announced after their work is completed. Awards will include a certificate and a monetary prize or art materials, depending on sponsor agreements. In previous Biennials, the total prize amount reached €9,000.
Participation & exhibition fees
- A) Registration fee: €10 (paid upon registration, regardless of selection outcome).
- B) Exhibition fees: €45 per exhibited work (€35 for ASPAS members in good standing for 2025). Payment is due after the jury’s decision.
- C) ASPAS 2026 membership (required for selected artists): €50. Every artist whose work is accepted will be considered an ASPAS member for 2026.
Payment methods
Bank transfer
IBAN: ES57 3059 0083 7927 1953 8726
Bank: Caja Rural de Asturias — Melquiades Álvarez 7, 33002 Oviedo
Account holder: Pintores Pastelistas Españoles – ASPAS
BIC / SWIFT: BCOEESMM059
PayPal: aspas_pastel@yahoo.es
Important: add a €5 surcharge for PayPal payments.
D) Color catalog: All participating artists will receive a printed color catalog published by ASPAS for the Biennial.
Guests of Honor
For this VIII Biennial, the Guest Artists of Honor will be Pastel Artists from Africa. An official section will showcase works by various African painters selected by ASPAS.
More information
- Website: aspas-pastel.es
- Phone: +34 633 678 976 / +34 679 930 496
- Email (submissions & queries): aspas_pastel@yahoo.es