About the Artist
MIKE BARRET KOLASINSKI, CPP-M, PSA, IAPS-MC, ASMA
Visual Activist for Nature
Portrait by Stephanie Welter, 10 x 8
Dry Pastel
After spending nearly two decades as a free-lance illustrator and designer, Mike Barret Kolasinski decided to leave the commercial field and enter the world of fine art to pursue his real passion - a visual commitment to illuminating and protecting the wilds of untamed nature. He captures his love of the landscape and the drama of untouched nature without any indication of human impact by finding the lasting beauty in the passing mundane and seeking the eternal radiance in a damaged world. This became his full-time obsession in the mid 1990s and quickly led to international recognition as a pastelist with his self-described WildScapes. Since the largest element making up this planet is water, this ingredient has become the primary subject matter in his work. Using his nurtured and natural artistic gift, he now seeks to catch the luminous light that reflects on this liquid landscape.
An award winning artist, Mike's been highlighted in leading art publications such as American Artist, Pastel Journal, Pratique Des Arts, and Strokes of Genius 7 and 8. He is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, has achieved Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS), a Master and co-founding Board Member of the Chicago Pastel Painters, a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists, and an Associate Member of the American Impressionist Society. Having studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, he is self-taught in his current career of producing fine art pastels. His work, included in many public, private, and permanent collections, has won numerous accolades and is represented at the J. Petter Gallery in Douglas, Michigan, and the Mainstreet Gallery in Lake Zurich, Illinois.
Using the medium of soft pastel to achieve an understanding of the philosophy of nature as a whole and integral entity of ourselves, Mike Barret Kolasinski is a visual activist for nature.
RESUME
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
2024 - The American Society of Marine Artists - Signature Member
2022 - American Impressionist Society - Associate Member
2015 - International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) - Master Circle
2004 - Chicago Pastel Painters - Founding Master Member
Pastel Society of America - Signature Member
Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists
PaintAmerica Association - Signature Society Member
Landscape Artists International
AWARDS
2026
~ Honorable Mention, Water Works II Exhibition, Mainstreet Gallery, Lake Zurich, Illinois
- The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts and Blick Art Materials Awards, Member Show 2026, Eleventh Biennial Member Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, Illinois
- Best of Show, Art of the Pastel International Juried Show, Pastel Society of Southeast Texas, Degallery, Bryan, Texas
2025
- Finalist, 15th Annual Plein Air Salon Art Competition December, Plein Air Magazine, Streamline Publishing, Inc
- 3rd Place Award, It's Pastel, 17th Annual National Juried Show, Pastel Society of New Hampshire, Thornhill Art Gallery, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Wholesale Frame Company/Canson Honorable Mention Award, Adventures in Pastel! National Exhibition, MidAmerica Pastel Society, Tim Murphy Gallery, Meriam Community Center, Merriam, Kansas
- West Charlton Frames Award, Visions in Pastel, National Open Juried Exhibition, Philadelphia Pastel Society, Ethel Sergeant Clarke Smith Gallery at the Wayne Art Center, Wayne, Pennsylvania
- Upstairs Art Gallery Award, 39th Annual Pastels USA - 99 Voices In Pastel International Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, Orange, California
2024
- Central Massachusetts Pastel Society Award, It's Pastel!, 16th Annual National Juried Show, Pastel Society of New Hampshire, Discover Portsmouth Center, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- The Jack Richeson & Co. Award, Strokin’ 10!, Tenth Biennial Member Juried Exhibition, The Chicago Pastel Painters, Tall Grass Gallery, Park Forest, Illinois
- Richeson & Company, Inc./Dakota Art Pastels/Frame Tek Award, Enchanted Colors, Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos, New Mexico
2023
- Honorable Mention, Later Impressions, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Chicago Cultural Center, Renaissance Court, Chicago, Illinois
- Pastel Society of Maine Award, Renaissance in Pastel, Connecticut Pastel Society, Arts Center East, Vernon, Connecticut
- Tamra Sanchez Award, Pastels USA, 99 Voices In Pastel, 37th Annual International Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Haggin Museum of Art, Stockton, California
- Award of Merit, Environments, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, Kavanagh Gallery, Saint Charles, Illinois
2022
- Honorable Mention 2, 1st National Open Juried Exhibition, Philadelphia Pastel Society, Duke Gallery, Community Arts Center, Wallingford, Pennsylvania
- 3rd Place Blick Art Materials Award, Strokin' 9, Ninth Biennial Member Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, Illinois
- Merit Award, Shades of Pastel, Maryland Pastel Society, The Gallery at the Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Maryland
- The Bill McEnroe Award, 36th Annual International Open Exposition, Northwest Pastel Society, The American Art Company, Tacoma, Washington
2021
- Top 100 Finalist, 11th Annual Artistic Excellence Competition, Southwest Art Magazine, December 2021/January 2022 issue
- Great American Art Works/Amersand Art Supply Award, Pastels Chicago, Eighth Biennial National Juried Open Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, Palos Park, Illinois
- Providence Art Club/Jack Richeson & Company Award, For Pastels Only on Cape Cod, 25th Annual National Juried Exhibit, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
2020
- Finalist, Art Prize Challenge Number 119, Seascapes, Rivers, and Lakes, Issue 136, December/January, International Artist Magazine
- Meritorious Award, Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape, & Architecture Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Wisconsin
- Honorable Mention, Drawn to Water, Juried Art Competition, McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, Palos Park, Illinois
2019
- Finalist, November BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- Small Works Award, 25th Celebration of Art National Juried Exhibition, Artists of Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville Town Center, Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Blick Art Materials Award, For Pastels Only on Cape Cod, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
- Jack Richeson & Co., Inc. Gold Award, Pastels USA, 33rd Annual International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Haggin Museum, Stockton, California
2018
- Meritorious Award, Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape, & Architecture Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Wisconsin
2017
- Merit Award, Shades of Pastel, Biennial National Juried Exhibition, Maryland Pastel Society, Glenview Mansion, Rockville, Maryland
2016
- CPS Membership Award, Renaissance in Pastel, 23rd Annual National Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Slater Memorial Museum
- Gig Harbor Automotive Service Award, 14th Annual Juried Art Show, Peninsula Art League, Harbor History Museum, Gig Harbor, Washington
- The Apple Frame Studio Award, Strokin' VI!, Sixth Biennial Member Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Art & Company Design Center, Orland Park, Illinois
2015
- The Multimedia Art Board & Cris Kossow Award, 22nd Annual Renaissance in Pastel Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, UConn Stamford Art Gallery, Stamford, Connecticut
- Honorable Mention, The 16th Annual Pastel 100 Competition, Pastel Journal, F&W Media, Inc.
2014
- Juror's Award, 28th Annual International Open Exhibit, Northwest Pastel Society, Tacoma, Washington
2013
- Honorable Mention, Reflections in Pastel, 5th National Juried Exhibition, Arkansas Pastel Society, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Pastel Society of New Mexico Award, Pastels Chicago, Fourth Biennial National Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
- Honorable Mention, 15th Annual Pastel 100 Competition, Pastel Journal, F&W Media, Inc.
- Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod Award, Renaissance in Pastel, 20th Annual National Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Norwich, Connecticut
- Maggie Price Award of Excellence, 22nd Juried Exhibition PastelWorld, International Association of Pastel Societies, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Paul & Bonnie Sandland Recognition Award, Emerald Spring Exhibition National Juried Show, Emerald Art Center, Springfield, Oregon
- Finalist, Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape & Architecture Competition, Kimberly, Wisconsin
2012
- Top 100, America's Parks Through the Beauty of Art, David J. Wagner, L.L.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 6th Annual Paint the Parks Competition, PaintAmerica Association, Coutts Museum of Fine Art, El Dorado, Kansas
- The Franken Frames Award, Strokin' IV, Fourth Biennial Juried Member Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Chicago, Illinois
- Juror's Award, 6th Annual PaintAmerica Competition, PaintAmerica Association, El Dorado, Kansas
- Cover for the limited edition Richeson 75 Landscape, Seascape, and Architecture Collectible, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- Honorable Mention, Pastel National, The Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, Kansas
2011
- Jack Richeson & Company Award, Pastels Chicago, The Chicago Pastel Painters, Third Biennial National Juried Exhibtion, Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois
- Terry Ludwig Pastels Award, 20th National Art Exhibition and Sale, Artist's Association of Northern Colorado, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Meritorious Award, Richeson 75 Landscape, Seascape and Architectural International Art Competition, Richeson Art Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- Top 100 Finalist, International Art Search Paintings and Drawings International Online Competition
2010
- 5th Annual PaintAmerica Top100, PaintAmerica Association, Topeka, Kansas
- 5th Annual PaintAmerica Mini Top50, PaintAmerica Association, Topeka, Kansas
- Honorable Mention, The 12th Annual Pastel 100 Competition, The Pastel Journal, F & W Media, Inc.
- Paint the Parks 100 and Second 100 Competition, PaintAmerica Association, Topeka, Kansas
- Finalist, The Artist's Magazine 27th Annual Art Competition, Landscape-Interior Category
- Wunderland Award, Strokin' III, Third Biennial Juried Member Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Renaissance Court Gallery, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Executive Director Purchase Award and an Honorable Mention, Pastel National 2010, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, Kansas
2009
- Paint the Parks100 Competition, PaintAmerica Association, Topeka, Kansas
- Silver Medal Award, Pastel Catagory, 24th Annual Bosque Art Classic Juried Show, Bosque Arts Center, Clifton, Texas
- Pastel Society of New Mexico Award, Pastels Chicago, Second Biennial National Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Des Plaines, Illinois
- Award of Excellence, 25th Annual National Show, North Valley Art League, Redding, California
2008
- PaintAmerica Top 100 Competition, PaintAmerica Association, Topeka, Kansas
- Award of Merit, Pastels on High International Exhibition, Sierra Pastel Society, El Dorado Hills, California
- Award of Merit, Later Impresssions, Senior Artists Network, Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Gold Medal Award in the Other Media, 23rd Annual Conservatory Art Classic, Bosque Conservatory Art Council, Clifton, Texas
- Award of Excellence, 21st National Juried Art Exhibition, South Cobb Arts Alliance, Mable House Art Center Gallery, Mableton, Georgia
- Daniel Smith Artists' Materials Award, 22nd International Open Exhibit, Northwest Pastel Society, The American Art Company, Tacoma, Washington
- Paint the Parks100 Competition, PaintAmerica Association, Topeka, Kansas
- Colorfin, LLC Merchandise Award, Pastels USA, 22nd International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, The Haggin Museum, Stockton, California
- Holbein Merchandise Award, Strokin' Too!, Second Biennial Juried Members' Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Old Town Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
2007
- PaintAmericaTop 100 Competition, PaintAmerica Association, Topeka, Kansas
- Pastel Society of New Hampshire Award, Renaissance in Pastel, 14th Annual National Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Hartford, Connecticut
- Honorable Mention, 16th Annual Juried Show, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- First Place - Pastel Category, American Artist 70th Anniversary Art Competition
- Women Painters of Washington Award, 21st International Open Exhibition, Northwest Pastel Society, Tacoma, Washington
- Wallis Corporation Award, Pastels Chicago, First Biennial National Juried Show, Chicago Pastel Painters, Chicago, Illinois
- Honorable Mention, Elements of Light, Summer Juried Show, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, Georgia
- APOW-Mickey Woolwich Award, Pastels USA, 21st Annual International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Carmichael, California
- Award of Excellence, 23rd Annual National Show, North Valley Art League, Redding, California
- Gold Pastel Award, First Juried Exhibtion, Pastel Society of North Carolina, Graham, North Carolina
2006
- Award of Merit, 15th Biennial National Exhibition, Pastel Society of Oregon, Roseburg, Oregon
- Hanging Crew Award, 10th Annual Lines into Shapes National Juried Show, Art Center of Estes Park, Estes Park, Colorado
- Honorable Mention, 12th International Juried Exhibition, Southeastern Pastel Society, Gainesville, Georgia
- People's Choice Award, Englewood Arts National Juried Art Show, Englewood Cultural Arts Center, Englewood, Colorado
- First Place and Merchandise Awards, 'Strokin'!, Inaugural Member Show, Chicago Pastel Painters, Chicago, Illinois
- Third Place Award, Fifth Biennial National Art Exhibit, Visual Arts Center, Charlotte County Art Guild, Punta Gorda, Florida
- Award of Excellence, 22nd Annual National Show, North Valley Art League, Redding, California
- Finalist, American Artist Cover Contest
2005
- Honorable Mention, Midland Arts Association Spring Juried Exhibition, Midland, Texas
- Best of Show, 15th Annual Midwest Winter Exhibition, Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, Wisconsin
2004
- Honorable Mention, 12th Annual North Light Book Club Cover Competition
- Merchandise Award, 13th Annual National Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Merit Award, Regional Show XIX, Southside Art League, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Exceptional Merit Award, 11th International Juried Exhibition, Southeastern Pastel Society, Marietta, Georgia
- Juror Citation, 69th Annual National Juried Art Exhibition, Cooperstown Art Association, Cooperstown, New York
- Best of Show, The Pastel National, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, Kansas
- Honorable Mention, Pastels U.S.A, 18th Annual International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Santa Clara, California
2003
- First Place, Landscape category, National Juried Pastel Show, Lone Star Pastel Society, Amarillo, Texas
- Award for Excellence, Arts for the Parks Second 100, National Academy of the Arts, Jackson, Wyoming
2002
- Best of Show, 12th Annual Midwest Winter Exhibition, Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, Wisconsin
- Purchase Award, Permanent collection, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, Kansas
2001
- Award of Excellence, 11th Annual Midwest Winter Exhibition, Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, Wisconsin
2000
- Merchandise Award, Pastels 2000, Pastel Society of North Florida, 6th Biennal National Exhibition, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
1999
- People’s Choice Award, Ah, Men!, Barrington Area Arts Council Gallery, Illinois
- Award of Excellence, Vision ‘99, Chicago Windy City Artists’ Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
- Honorable Mention, Pastels U.S.A., Pastel Society of the West Coast, 13th Annual International Exhibition, Roseville, California
1998
- Best of Show, Urban Edges II, Barrington Area Arts Council Gallery, Illinois
- Patron’s Award, 2nd Place, Southeastern Pastel Society, 8th International Open Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia
- Honorable Mention, Pastels U.S.A., Pastel Society of the West Coast, 12th Annual International Exhibition, Roseville, California
- Finalist, Landscape category, The Artist’s Magazine Annual Art Competition
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 - Winter WildScapes, Birch Road Private Social Club, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois
2023
- Winter WildScapes, Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview, Illinois
2019
- Winter WildScapes, Orland Park Library, Orland Park, Illinois
2018
- WildScapes, South Shore Arts at the Artful Garden, Crown Point, Indiana
2015
- Ex-Stream Behavior, Renaissance Court Gallery, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois
2013
- Studio 14 Benkin Gallery of Fine Art, Tipp City, Ohio
2011
- Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich, Illinois
2008
- Northwest Cultural Council Corporate Program, Arlington Green Executive Center, Arlington Heights, Illinois
2001
- Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights, Illinois
1999
- Triangle Gallery of Old Town, Chicago, Illinois
NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITIONS
2026
~ Visions in Pastel, National Open Juried Exhibition, Philadelphia Pastel Society, Duke Gallery at the Community Arts Center, Wallingford, Pennsylvania
~ Enchanted Colors, National Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Fine Arts Gallery New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
~ 6th Annual Associate Member Online Exhibition, American Impressionist Society
- 40th Annual Exhibition, Pastels USA-99 Voices, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Visual Experience Fine Art Gallery (VEFA), Torrance, California
- 22nd Annual Mile High International Pastel Exhibition, Pastel Society of Colorado, Center for the Arts, Evergreen, Colorado
- Green: International Exhibition, Red Rock Pastel Society of Nevada, King Family Public Library, Sevierville, Tennessee
- 46th Annual Open Juried Show, Ridgewood Art Institute, Ridgewood, New Jersey
- 10th Open International Exhibition, Arizona Pastel Artists Association, Phippen Museum of Western Art, Prescott, Arizona
- Open International Exhibition, Northwest Pastel Society, Cole Gallery, Edmunds, Washington
2025
- Pastels Chicago 2025, Tenth Biennial National Juried Exhibition, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
- Shades of Pastel, Maryland Pastel Society, Compass Art Center, 10335 Kensington Parkway, Kensington, Maryland
- 5th Annual Associate Members Online Exhibition, American Impressionist Society
- Renaissance in Pastel, 32nd Annual National Juried Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Vernon Community Art Center, Vernon, Connecticut
- For Pastels Only, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Cultural Center, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
- 21st Annual Mile High Pastel Exhibition, Pastel Society of Colorado, Curtis Center for the Arts, Greenville Village, Colorado
- Annual Maritime Art Exhibition, American Society of Marine Artists, Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, Oregon
- 9th Open International Show, Arizona Pastel Artists Association, Phippen Museum of Western Art, Prescott, Arizona
2024
- Visions in Pastel, National Open Juried Exhibition, Philadelphia Pastel Society, Community Arts Center, Wallingford, Pennsylvania
- Marks of Distinction National Exhibition, Central Massachusetts Pastel Society, Fivesparks, Harvard, Massachusetts
- For Pastels Only Annual Exhibition, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
- 4th Annual Associate Member Online Exhibition, American Impressionist Society
2023
- It's Pastel!, 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Hampshire, Discover Portsmouth Center, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- National Show, The New Orleans Art Association, The Building, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Pastels Only, 23rd Open Juried Exhibition, Pastel Society of Maine, Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk, Maine
- Pastels Chicago 2023!, Ninth Biennial National Open Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Online
- 2nd National Open Juried Exhibition, Philadelphia Pastel Society, Wayne Art Center, Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Gallery, Wayne, Pennsylvania
- Marks of Distinction National Show, Central Massachusetts Pastel Society, Fivesparks Gallery, Harvard, Massachusetts
- Enchanted Colors, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Millicent Rodgers Museum, Taos, New Mexico
2022
- 3rd Annual All Member Online Exhibition, American Impressionist Society
- Adventures in Pastel, International Exhibition, MidAmerica Pastel Society, Tim Murphy Gallery, Merriam, Kansas
- Voices in Pastel, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Hilbert Museum, Orange, California
- Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape & Architecture Competition and Online Exhibition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- 30th International Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos, New Mexico
- 23rd Annual National Juried Exhibition, American Impressionist Society, Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder, Colorado
- Spirit of Pastel, Second Biennial International Open Juried Exhibition, Pastel Artists of Oregon, Gallery at Chehalem Cultural Center, Newberg, Oregon
- Renaissance in Pastel, 29th National Juried Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, Connecticut
- Pastels USA, 99 Voices in Pastel, 36th Annual Exhibition, Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay, California
- Associate Member Online Exhibition, American Impressionist Society
- 8th Master Circle Division, International Association of Pastel Societies, Hotel Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- 13th Biennial National Art Exhibition, Visual Arts Center, Punta Gorda, Florida
2021
- Renaissance in Pastel, Connecticut Pastel Society, Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, Connecticut
- 6th Master Circle Division, International Association Pastel Societies (IAPS) Juried Gallery Exhibition, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
- R75 Landscape, Seascape & Architecture Online International Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- 88th Annual Juried Exhibition, Hudson Valley Art Association, The Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, Connecticut
- 35th Annual International Open Exhibition, Northwest Pastel Society, The American Art Company, Tacoma, Washington
- Pastels in Paradise, 3rd Annual International Online Show, Left Coast Pastel Painters Society, Venice, Florida
- FAV15%, January BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
2020
- Renaissance in Pastel, 27th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Online
- Adventures in Pastel, National Exhibition, MidAmerica Pastel Society, Online
- 34th Pastels USA International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Online
- Pastels Only, 20th International Juried Exhibition, Pastel Society of Maine, Online
- Make Your Mark! International Online Open Juried Exhibition, Pastel Society of Southern California
- Enduring Brilliance, 48th Annual Exhibition, Pastel Society of America, Online
- Great Lakes Pastel Society National Exhibition, Online
- 107th Annual Exhibition, Online, Allied Artists of America
- Marks of Distinction, Online, Central Mass Pastel Society, Massachusetts
- For Pastels Only On Cape Cod, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, Online
- Meritorious Selection, Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape, and Architecture International Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Wisconsin, Online
- FAV15%, May BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- 85th Annual National ONLINE Juried Art Exhibition, Cooperstown Art Asscociation, Cooperstown, New York
- FAV15%, March BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- 34th Annual International Open Exhibition, Northwest Pastel Society, The American Art Company, Tacoma, Washington
- 36th IAPS Juried Exhibition, International Association of Pastel Societies, Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Dunedin Florida
- Madeley National, 5th National Art Competition and Show, Conroe Art League, The Gallery at Madeley, Conroe, Texas
2019
- FAV15%, December BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- FAV15%, November BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- 35th IAPS Juried Exhibition Webshow, International Association Pastel Societies
- Pastels Chicago, Seventh Biennial National Juried Open Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
- FAV15%, October BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- FAV15%, September BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- Shades of Pastel, Maryland Pastel Society, Gallery at the Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Maryland
- FAV15%, July BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- 5th Master Circle Exhibition, International Association of Pastel Societies, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- 28th Annual Juried Art Show and Competition, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- 15th Annual Mile High National Pastel Exhibition, Pastel Society of Colorado, Curtis Center for the Arts, Centennial, Colorado
- 33rd Annual International Open Exhibition, Northwest Pastel Society, The American Art Company, Tacoma, Washington
- 5th Juried Master Circle Exhibition, International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS), Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Finalist, Richeson75 Small Works Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Wisconsin
2018
- FAV15%, November BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- Open Juried Show, Peninsual Art League, Gig Harbor, Washington
- FAV15%, June BoldBrush Painting Competition, Fine Art Studio Online
- Pastels USA, 32nd Annual International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Art Center Gallery, Morro Bay, California
2017
- The Web Show, 31st IAPS Juried Exhibition, International Association of Pastel Societies
- Pastels Chicago, Sixth Biennial National Juried Open Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois
- Lines into Shapes, 21st Annual National Juried Art Competition and Sale, Art Center and Gallery of Estes Park, Estes Park, Colorado
- Renaissance in Pastel, 24th Annual Juried Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Arts Center East, Vernon, Connicticut
- Pastels USA, 31st Annual International Open Exhibition, A Sense of Place Gallery, Fresno, California
- 31st Annual International Open Exhibition, Northwest Pastel Society, Tacoma, Washington
- The Fourth IAPS Master Circle Exhibition, International Association of Pastel Societies, Albuquerque, New Mexico
2016
- Best of the Best Invitational Exhibition, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- 25th Annual National Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Hispanic Arts Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- 44th Annual Enduring Brilliance!, Pastel Society of America, National Arts Club Grand Gallery, New York, New York
- 25th Anniversary Juried Art Show and Competition, Breckenridge, Texas
- Richeson75 Landscape Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- 30th Annual International Open Exhibit, Northwest Pastel Society, The American Art Company, Tacoma, Washington
- Pastel National 2016, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, Kansas
2015
- 43rd Annual Exhibition, Enduring Brilliance, Pastel Society of America, The National Arts Club, New York, New York
- 29th Annual International Open Exhibit, Northwest Pastel Society, The American Art Company, Tacoma, Washington
2014
- 23rd Annual National Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Renaissance in Pastel, 21st Annual Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, Connecticut
- Pastels USA, 28th Annual International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Art Center, Morro Bay, California
- Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape, and Architecture Competition, Richeson School of Art and Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- The 24th Annual Juried Exhibition, International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS), Vose Galleries, Boston, Massachusetts
2013
- The 23rd Annual Juried Exhibition Web Show, International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS)
- 22nd Annual National Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Hispanic Arts Center, EXPO New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- 27th Annual Open International Show, Northwest Pastel Society, Tacoma, Washington
- Best of the Best Invitational Exhibit, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
2012
- 21st Annual Juried Art Show Sale and Competition, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- Signature Artist Exhibition, Enduring Brilliance: The Pastel Society of America at 40, Noyes Museum of Art, Stockton College, Oceanville, New Jersey
- Richeson 75 Online Pastels Competitions, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- 47th Annual Central South Art National Exhibition, Tennessee Art League, Nashville, Tennessee
- The Best of the Best, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- Richeson 75 Small Works, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
2011
- 20th Annual National Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Shades of Pastel, Maryland Pastel Society National Juried Exhibition, Workhouse Art Center, Lofton, Virginia
2010
- 2nd Annual Laumeister Fine Art Competition, Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, Vermont
- For Pastels Only on Cape Cod, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
- Richeson75: Pastels 2010 International Competition, Richeson School of Art and Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
2009
- Englewood Arts National Juried Art Show, Englewood, Colorado
- Richeson75: Pastels Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
2008
- Twelfth Biennial National Exhibition, Degas Pastel Society, Laurel, Mississippi
- Third Juried Exhibition, Appalachian Pastel Society, Hendersonville, North Carolina
- The Richeson75: Landscape, Seascape and Architectural Art Competition, Richeson Art School and Gallery, Kimberly, Wisconsin
- Renaissance in Pastel, 15th Annual National Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, West Hartford, Connecticut
- Fifth National Juried Exhibition, The Atlanta Artists Center, Atlanta, Georgia
- 17th Annual Juried Art Competition Show and Sale, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- Mile High National Exhibition, Pastel Society of Colorado, Pueblo, Colorado
- National Small Painting Show, Great Lakes Pastel Society, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Signature Member Exhibition and Sale, Pastel Society of America, Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, Vermont
- Spring Juried Art Exhibition, Midland Arts Association, Midland, Texas
2007
- Shades of Pastel National Juried Show, Maryland Pastel Society, North Bethesda, Maryland
- 12th Annual For Pastels Only on Cape Cod, Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, Chatham, Massachusetts
- 20th National Juried Exhibition, South Cobb Arts Alliance, Mableton, Georgia
- 72nd Annual National Exhibition, Cooperstown Art Association, Cooperstown, New York
- National Fine Art Exhibition, Southside Art League, Indianapolis, Indiana
- 96th Annual Spring Exhibition, Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, Mystic, Connecticut
- Pastel Society of America at Eastern Shore Art Association Exhibition, Fairhope, Alabama
2006
- 93rd Annual Exhibition, Allied Artists of America, New York, New York
- National Juried Show, Lone Star Pastel Society, Amarillo, Texas
- Renaissance in Pastel, 13th Annual National Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, Norwich, Connecticut
- 15th Annual Juried Arts Competition, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- 3rd Annual Central Coast National Fine Art Competition, Morro Bay Art Association, Morro Bay, California
- Pastels USA, 20th Annual International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Auburn, California
2005
- 14th Annual National Pastel Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Renaissance in Pastel, 12th Annual National Exhibition, Connecticut Pastel Society, West Hartford, Connecticut
- 33rd Annual Pastel Exhibition for Pastels Only, Pastel Society of America, New York, New York
- 14th Annual Juried Show, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- Pastels U. S.A., 19th Annual International Open Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, San Luis Obispo, California
- National Juried Shades of Pastel Exhibition, Maryland Pastel Society, Maryland
- 10th National Open Exhibition, Community Arts Association, Ridgewood Art Institute, Ridgewood, New Jersey
- 21st Annual National Juried Show, North Valley Art League, Redding, California
2004
- 5th Pastels on High International Exhibition, Sierra Pastel Society, Placerville, California
- 32nd Annual Pastel Exhibition for Pastels Only, Pastel Society of America, New York, New York
- 13th Annual Juried Art Show, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, Texas
- The NewAm Open, newamgallery.com
- Landscape IV International Exhibition, periodgallery.com
- 8th Biennial National Exhibition, Pastel Society of North Florida, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- 13th National Exhibition, Northern Colorado Artist Association, Fort Collins, Colorado
2003
- 12th Annual National Pastel Painting Exhibition, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- 12th National Exhibition, Northern Colorado Artist Association, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Pastels U.S.A., 17th Annual InternationalOpen Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Carmichael, California
2002
- The American Landscape Exhibit, Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz, California
- 10th International Open Exhibition, Southeastern Pastel Society, Gainesville, Georgia
- The Pastel National 2002, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, Kansas
2000
- 9th International Open Exhibition, Southeastern Pastel Society, Duluth, Georgia
- Visions 2000, Chicago Windy City Artists’ Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
1997
- Pastel ‘97, 11th Annual National Exhibition, Midwest Pastel Society, Schaumburg, Illinois
- Columbia College Chicago Alumni Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
- Polish Arts Club 63rd Annual Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
REGIONAL EXHIBITIONS
2026
- End of Year Exhibition, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Student and Instructor Showcase, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois
2025
- True Colors, Expressive Landscapes, Grove Gallery, Evanston, Illinois
- 36th Annual Members’ Exhibition, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
- In View 2025, Annual Faculty and Member Exhibition, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
2024
- Strokin' 10!, 20 Years in the Dust, The Tenth Biennial Member Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Tall Grass Arts Association, Park Forest, Illinois
- This Living Earth - Our Shared Gaia, Group Exhibition, Beverly Arts Center, Simmerling Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
- In View - Member and Faculty Exhibition, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
2023
- Later Impressions, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Renaissance Court, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Member's Show, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Landscape Exhibition, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois
- Verdant - A Survey of Five Nature Artists, North Shore Art League, Winnetka, Illinois
- This Time, This Place Exhibit, Hunter W. Shodeen Enrichment Gallery, Geneva Center for the Arts, Geneva, Illinois
- In View, The Art Center Highland Park Member and Faculty Art Show, Highland Park, Illinois
2022
- Small Works, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois
- The Midwest Landscape, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois
2021
- Later Impressions, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Members’ Show, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Edgewater ArtSpace, Chicago, Illinois
2020
- In View, The Annual Member and Faculty Exhibition, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
- Members' Show, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Renaissance Court Gallery, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Drawn to Water, McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, Palos Park, Illinois
- In View, The Annual Member and Faculty Exhibition, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
2018
- Strokin' VII!, Seventh Biennial Member Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, Palos Park, Illinois
2017
- In View, The Annual Member and Faculty Exhibition, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
- TAC Student Gallery, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
- ArtsFest, Pop Up Gallery, Saint Charles Arts Council, Pheasant Run Resort, Saint Charles, Illinois
2016
- Farm, Field, & Farm to Table Exhibition, Two Person Show, Petter Galleries, Douglas, Michigan
2015
- Art Synthesis '15, Chicago Public Library Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
2014
- Art Synthesis '14, Chicago Public Library Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
- Strokin' V!, Fifth Biennial Member Juried Exhibition, Chicago Pastel Painters, Chicago Heights, Illinois
- Arts on Elston, Community Group Show, Chicago, Illinois
2013
- Arts on Elston, Community Group Show, Chicago, Illinois
- Art Synthesis ’13, Chicago Public Library Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
- Roots of Our Community, OpenWall, 47th Ward Aldermanic Office, Chicago, Illinois
- Roots of Our Community, Senior Artists Network, North Center Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, Illinois
2012
- Roots of Our Community, Senior Artists Network, Dolce Casa Cafe, Chicago, Illinois
- Art Synthesis '12, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
2011
- Art Synthesis '11, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
2010
- Art Synthesis '10, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
2009
- Art Synthesis '09, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
- Buy Land, Art in my Backyard, West Walker Civic Association, Chicago, Illinois
- Brother Nature, The Comparative Images of Three Brothers, Old Town Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
2008
- Fourteenth Annual Fall Regional Art Exhibition, Artists of Northwest Arkansas, Springdale, Arkansas
- Art Synthesis '08, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Illinois
- Landscapes: Real and Imagined Exhibition, McCord Gallery, Palos Park, Illinois
- Art In City Hall, Aurora Public Art Commission, Aurora, Illinois
- The Contemporary View: Midwest Landscapes, Domont Studio Gallery, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Members' Show, Northwest Cultural Council Corportate Gallery, Palatine, Illinois
- Members' Show, Senior Artist's Network, South Shore Cultural Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Studios Revealed, Art In My Backyard, West Walker Civic Association, Chicago, Illinois
2007
- Art Synthesis, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
- 2-Person Show, Buehler YMCA, Palatine, Illinois
- Northwest Cultural Council Corporate Gallery Artists Exhibit, Rolling Meadows, Illinois
- 2-person show, Rotunda Gallery, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, Illinois
- 17th Annual Midwest Winter Exhibition, Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, Wisconsin
- Second Nature, CCT Gallery, NU Settlement House, Chicago, Illinois
2006
- 12th Annual Fall Regional Art Exhibition, Artists of Northwest Arkansas, Springdale, Arkansas
- Chicago Art Open, 9th Annual Chicago Artists' Coalition Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
- Art Synthesis, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
- 63rd Annual Salon Show, William J. Bachman Gallery, South Shore Arts, Munster, Indiana Biennial Midwest Fine Art Competition, Municipal Art League of Chicago, Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Dimensions in Art, Cressey Center for the Arts, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, Illinois
- Purely Pastel, Pastel Painters Invitational, McCord Gallery Cultural Center, Palos Park, Illinois
2005
- Art Synthesis, Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
- Chicago Art Open, 8th Annual Chicago Artists’ Coalition Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
- Middle Earth, CCT Gallery, Northwestern University Settlement House, Chicago, Illinois
2004
- Art Synthesis, Chicago Public Library Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
- Chicago Art Open, 7th Annual Chicago Artists’ Coalition Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
2003
- Winter and Holiday Show, Spring Street Gallery, Galena, Illinois
- Chicago Art Open, 6th Annual Chicago Artists’ Coalition Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
- The Mighty Midwest Biennial II, New Visions Gallery, Marshfield, Wisconsin
- 53rd Annual Quad-State Juried Exhibition, Quincy Art Center, Quincy, Illinois
2002
- 2-person show, Adlai Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, Illinois
- Grand Opening Exhibit, Spring Street Gallery, Galena, Illinois
- Chicago Art Open, 5th Annual Chicago Artists’ Coalition Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
2000
- Pastel Passion, Prairie State College, Chicago Heights, Illinois
- Ecstasy 2000, Sunshine Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
1999
- Chicago Art Open, 2nd Annual Chicago Artists’ Coalition Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois
- Emerging Artists, Barrington Area Arts Council Gallery, Barrington, Illinois
1996 - 2003
“Art Synthesis, Chicago Public Library Independence Branch, Chicago, Illinois
COLLECTIONS
Advanced Group Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet, Illinois
Dewey Ballantine, LLP, Washington, D.C.
Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin
Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, Kansas
PUBLICATIONS
2023
- Featured Artist, Newsletter, Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, Chicago, Illinois, https://www.wearecava.org/
- Artist Spotlight, Fox Valley Art BEAT Newsletter, https://www.foxvalleyartbeat.com/post/pastel-artist-views-himself-as-a-visual-activist-for-nature-creating-lush-landscapes-in-rich-colors
2022
- The Great American PAINT IN, Artists Sharing Their Pandemic Stories, William and Ashley Weinaug, ACC Art Books, page 127
2020
- Embraced by Snow, Pastel Journal, December
- Chicago Tribune article online, August 14
2019
- Mike Barret Kolasinski's WinterScapes Warm the Orland Park Library, The Orland Park Prairie, February 7, 2019, www.opprairie.com/p/life-arts-arts/mike-barret-kolasinski’s-winterscapes-warm-library
2016
- Pratique Des Arts, The Practice of Art, Special Landscape Issue, May, pages 28-33
- Artists in Pastel blog, B.N. O'Neill, www.artistsinpastel.com
- Strokes of Genius 8: Expressive Texture, North Light Books
2015
- Strokes of Genius 7: Depth, Dimension + Space, North Light Books
2013
- Showcase, Pastel Journal, October issue
2012
- Finding Your Style in Pastel, Jean Hirons, AuthorHouse Publication
2006
- Framing: Professional Artists Tell All, American Artist, May issue
- Purposeful Painting, American Artist, February issue
2004
- American Art Collector, Volume 1, Book 2, Central States, Alcove Books
- How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Seascapes, Rivers and Lakes, Volume 1, International Artist
2000
- Manhattan Arts International, July/August issue
1999
- The Artist’s Magazine Wall Calendar
TEACHING
2022
- Pastel Demo, DuPage Art League
2021 - Present
- Pastel Class, Instructor, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois
2021
- Pastel Workshop, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois
2019
- Pastel Class, Mainstreet Art Center, Lake Zurich, Illinois
2016 - Present
- Pastel Class, Instructor, The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois
2017
- 10-week Pastel Workshop, Kinder through 8th Grade, Greenfields Academy, Chicago, Illinois
2015-2016
- Art Teacher, Pre-K through 8th Grade, Saint Edmund Catholic Elementary School, Oak Park, Illinois
EDUCATION
2000
- 2-day pastel workshop, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
1979
- B.A. Columbia College Chicago, Illinois
1974 - 1978
- Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, Illinois
