A Mississippi artist through and through, Mandy Ellard is emerging on the national art scene: her work has been part of the Pastel Society of America's Enduring Brilliance Exhibition in the prestigious Galleries of the National Arts Club in New Your City, and has on multiple occasions, exhibited with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) at their bi-annual Exhibition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and a Master Circle member of IAPS. Mandy also holds memberships in the American Impressionism Society, the Degas Pastel Society (New Orleans), Ocean Springs Art Association, and is Past President of the Pastel Society of Mississippi. Her work is inspired by the landscapes of Mississippi and the rural south. Mandy graduated with an art degree from Delta State University and became a practicing artist, furthering her studies with renowned artists from throughout the country. Mandy enjoys painting with her artist friends as well as teaching and speaking about working in pastels.