Biography
“I am passionate about blending art and psychology in my ‘Mindscape’ pastel paintings to empower others to embrace our emotions and find beauty in the chaos of our minds.”
Born into a world where emotions were both her greatest mystery and most profound experience, pastel artist Allison Shulman navigated life’s twists and turns with an innate curiosity that would eventually define her path. From a young age, she grappled with the complexities of her own mental wellness, searching for answers within the depths of her psyche. Allison found solace in her art, and it was her own internal struggles that truly fueled her passion.
Allison enjoyed an eclectic art education, and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors at Alfred University in 2020. She found expression through a variety of mediums, but it was the vibrant pigments of soft pastels that became her medium of choice. The complex interplay of movement, color, luminosity, and shadow evoked by each gesture of her pastel stick evolved into a tangible manifestation of the kaleidoscope of emotions within her. Her art became a mirror to her soul, capturing the raw essence of her innermost feelings. Allison named these emotional landscapes “Mindscapes.”
Allison found herself drawn to the study of emotions and immersed herself in research in an effort to understand the intricacies of the human mind, and enjoyed coursework in psychology in graduate school. Her unique approach of blending art and psychology empowers others by offering a way to help them connect with the emotional landscapes of their inner selves.
Allison furthers her education by participating in pastel workshops, and explores with pastels in her home studio. She became a member of the Pastel Society of Western New York in 2023 and participated in her first juried exhibition, The Art of Light and Color, and won the Best in Show award for “Phoenix Rising.”
As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, Allison’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing our emotions, however tumultuous they may be, and finding beauty in the chaos of our own minds.
Education
2021-2022
Coursework in art therapy (Master of
Science in Creative Arts Therapy)
Nazareth University, Rochester, NY
2020-2021
Coursework in psychology
Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY
2020
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Cum Laude
Drawing, Painting, and Photography
Alfred University, Alfred, NY
2012-2014
Coursework in fine arts and jewlery design
Rochester Institute of Technology,
Rochester, NY
2010-2011
Coursework in studio art
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence,
RI
Exhibitions
June 8, 2024 -
North End Gallery Exhibition
Featuring the work of new and returning
artists
North End Gallery, Canandaigua, NY
April, 2024
Members Juried Exhibition
Pastel Society of Western New York
“Interface”
Barnes and Noble, Pittsford, NY
October, 2023
Members Juried Exhibition Fall 2023
Pastel Society of Western New York
“Kaleidoscope”
P. Tribastone Fine Art Gallery,
Canandaigua, NY
August-September, 2023
2023 National Juried Show
“Grief”
Arts Center of Yates County, Penn Yan, NY
June-July, 2023
The Art of Light and Color
Pastel Society of Western New York
“Phoenix Rising,” “Serenity,” and “Spring”
Best in Show award for “Phoenix Rising”
Kenan Center, Lockport, NY
2021, 2019
“Resident Artist Show”
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
2020
“Elemental Juried Exhibition” (cancelled
due to COVID-19)
Turner Gallery, Alfred University, Alfred,
New York
Workshops
May, 2024
“Look UP! Pastel Workshop” with Tobi Clement
Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey, Pecos, NM
May, 2024
“Painterly Landscapes Workshop” with
Alain Picard
Hosted by the Pastel Society of Western
New York
Rochester, NY
November, 2023
“TRY IT!! Winter Landscape in Pastel” with
Pat Tribastone
Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery, Canandaigua, NY
March, 2023
“Pastel Painting Landscape on Toned Paper”
with Pat Tribastone
Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery, Canandaigua, NY
January, 2023
“Winter Scenes in Pastel” with Pat Tribastone
Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery, Canandaigua, NY
August, 2021
“Pastel Landscape Intensive” with Juliana
Crownover
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
June, 2019
“Soft Pastel Workshop” with Diane Arenberg
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
June, 2019
“Plein Air Pastel Workshop” with Albert Handell
Santa Fe, NM
2017-2021
Individual soft pastel study with Sari Gaby
Rochester, NY
Awards and Honors
2023
Awarded Best in Show for “Phoenix Rising”
Pastel Society of Western New York
Kenan Center, Lockport, NY
2020
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Cum Laude
Drawing, Painting, and Photography
Alfred University, Alfred, NY
2017-2020
Johnathan Allen Scholarship for Leadership
Alfred University, Alfred, NY
2020, 2019, 2017
Dean’s List
School of Art and Design
Alfred University, Alfred, NY
2010
Abigail Bates Rinehart Art Award
The Harley School, Rochester, NY