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The Portrait Society is partnering with the Patriot Art Foundation in their mission to provide free education and materials to veterans who desire to use art as a conduit for self-expression, connection, and purpose.  A selected veteran will be awarded a full scholarship to attend our annual 4-day event featuring demos, lectures, critiques, and hands on learning. 
Our aim is to partner with the Foundation to assist in fulfilling their public purpose by provide veterans a much-needed way to express themselves through art when words can’t, and to provide a way to navigate a sometimes difficult world with creativity, purpose and joy. The foundation was founded through the efforts and experiences of Mary Whyte’s 50 painting project entitled We the People.

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Is there a program you wish to support?

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Help sustain programs and events that move you. Every contribution you make allows us to continue offering educational opportunities and resources that enrich today's arts community. Help share the same experiences that have made an impact on your life with others by pledging your contribution. You can identify where you want us to use your support. When you click the link below, you can designate your program, for example:

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• Scholarship for a student to attend the annual The Art of the Portrait conference

• Offset printing costs of The Art of the Portrait Journal

• Support to the Cecilia Beaux Forum - A Committee to Advance Women in the Arts

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The Sargent Circle was established to provide vital support to the Portrait Society’s annual operations and fund an endowment that will provide for its continuing legacy. By supporting The Portrait Society, a 501(c)(3), with your initial donation and an annual sustaining gift, you will automatically become a member of The Sargent Circle, named for John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), one of America’s greatest portrait and figure painters. This group of supporters share an interest in art education and the furthering of visual arts. They ensure that those who follow will continue the traditions of fine art portraiture and figurative work. Click the ‘Join’ button to learn more.

In Memoriam: Edward Jonas, 1948-2020

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In memory of Edward Jonas, founding chair, we have established the Edward Jonas Memorial Fund, to annually award a grant of $1,000 to an artist that is either developing a project focused on portraiture or enrolling in a workshop that teaches skills related to figure drawing and painting. Ed was completely dedicated to the premise that the Portrait Society was founded on, which is to build a bridge between artists for the purpose of passing on knowledge. He donated countless hours of his time, sharing his own artistic knowledge and many other abilities including designing and building our gallery wall that displays our finalists' artwork in a professional setting, writing over 100 chairs letters for International Artist magazine, teaching Portrait Academies and conference workshops, designing and sculpting the Portrait Society Gold Medal and creating the Portrait Society seal.

 

If you would like to contribute to Ed in memory of his 22 years of devotion and enthusiasm for our organization, click the Donate button.

In Memoriam: Everett Raymond Kinstler, 1926-2019

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In honor and memory of Mr. Kinstler, the Portrait Society will be unveiling a Mentoring Fellowship program.  Mr. Kinstler was passionate about learning.  He often said, "If you can still use your head and keep your heart open to new ideas and thoughts, the joys of being an artist will be never ending.  You'll get up everyday grateful and excited by the challenges."  In an effort to pass on this love of learning, the Portrait Society will be creating a Mentoring Fellowship in which accepted applicants will be matched with a mentor and will include full funding to attend the annual conference for three years. We are currently accepting donations in memory of Everett Raymond Kinstler which will establish and fund the Mentoring Fellowship. 

 

*Donations over $345 will receive a limited edition giclee of the painting by Michael Shane Neal of Everett Raymond Kinstler which is signed by both artists. A DVD of the 2012 demonstration will be included.

In Memoriam: Gordon Wetmore, 1938-2011

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Created in 2011 in honor and memory of our co-founder and first Board Chair, the Gordon Wetmore scholarship provides funding for a selected artist to attend The Art of the Portrait conference. Gordon Wetmore, Edward Jonas and Tom Donahue founded the Portrait Society in February 1998. Gordon served as the founding Chair from 1998 to 2011. He leaves behind the legacy of passion for his own art, for helping others develop their talent and for his family. He was a true leader and influenced the resurgence of representational art in America. Gordon had a way of making you feel as though he had known you for years. He was the face of the Portrait Society and had a Southern charm that welcomed members into our Portrait Family. He will be remembered as a great man, a wonderful artist and a visionary.

 

You can make a donation to the legacy scholarship fund established in Gordon's name. Each year the Wetmore Family selects a deserving student to attend the annual conference. We are all grateful for knowing Gordon and benefiting from his passion for his art and the Portrait Society.

In Memoriam: Judith Carducci, 1935-2023

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In honor of Founding, Signature, Board and Faculty member, the Judith Carducci scholarship provides funding for a selected artist to attend The Art of the Portrait conference. Judith served as the first Chair of the Cecilia Beaux Forum dedicated to strengthening the careers of women artists. She was a role model and mentor for artists worldwide. She recently published her autobiography, Role Reversal, a story of perseverance from becoming an artist in early childhood, through the upheaval of the transition of American Art from representational to abstract, through gender discrimination and the implication of marriage and motherhood, to ultimately returning to art and a successful full-time career teaching and painting. Judy's contributions to the art world and her dedication to helping artists overcome challenges will surely be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

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Donate Before December 31st

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Each year the annual appeal campaign provides an avenue for members and art patrons to provide additional support to fund our Programs and Publications. These donors mean a great deal to the continuation of the educational programs hosted by the Portrait Society. We ask you to take a moment and make an end of the year donation that will help continue our efforts to promote fine art portraiture and figurative works in America.

 

The Portrait Society is a non-profit, educational 501(C)(3), which means your contribution is deductible as a charitable contribution on your tax return. Please note on the form if your donation is in honor of a loved one.