The California Society of Printmakers (CSP) is a non-profit 501(c) arts organization which promotes the practice and appreciation of fine art contemporary printmaking. Our mission is to support both the integrity of traditional printmaking and provide a home for artists exploring new directions in contemporary print methods. Currently, CSP has a membership of nearly 300 artists, and welcomes new members each summer and winter.
Please note, should your application for any CSP activity be accepted, materials and images submitted may be used in social media, online, digital and/or printed publicity.
Entry fees collected for CSP activities are considered charitable donations and may be fully tax deductible, depending on the tax laws of your homeland.
California Society of Printmakers (CSP) Honorary Member Guidelines
The purpose of the Honorary Member category is to honor individuals who have a history of major, sustained contributions to the practice of printmaking based on work in the field by an artist, historian, curator, or related arts professional in any country.
Please submit a short letter outlining your nominee's accomplishments in the field of printmaking and the reasons that you feel they would make a great California Society of Printmakers honorary member.
You are encouraged to submit supporting images, link(s) to an artist website, publications or other relevant information.
Eligibility
• One or more printmakers, art historians, curators, or related arts professionals may be honored at a CSP annual meeting.
• Current members of the CSP Board of Directors are not eligible for honorary status.
Benefits
• Life-time paid CSP membership with all rights and privileges of CSP artist members.
• Access to a broad base of independent printmakers.
• Opportunity to participate in Society events such as exhibitions, studio visits, panel discussions.
• Opportunity to join the CSP listserv for information on exhibition opportunities, exhibitions, printmakers in the news, printmaking materials for sale, workshops, etc.
• Receipt of all CSP publications and mailings.
Deadline
• We ask that nomination packs be received by Feb. 1 for consideration in the current calendar year.
• Late nominations are accepted, please submit using this form and contact education@caprintmakers.org or vicepresident@caprintmakers.org.
Nomination Procedures
• Nominations are made in the form of a letter written under one or more signatures by CSP artist members, or CSP honorary members.
• Nomination packets should include one or more letters of support for the nomination, including why you feel your nominee should receive this award, the nominee’s biographical information, and any relevant supporting documentation. Supporting letters may be submitted by both members and non-members.
• All nomination packets will become property of the CSP Archives at the Bancroft Library, University of California.
• Nomination packets may be submitted in one of two ways:
- Electronically via this submittable application (enter materials below).
- By email to the current CSP Vice President: vicepresident@caprintmakers.org
• The decision of the CSP Board of Directors is final.
Adopted by the CSP Board of Directors Aug. 19, 2014
112th Annual Membership Exhibition
This year's Annual Exhibition will be virtual, with the gallery viewable on the CSP website. The CSP Annual Exhibition allows all qualifying members to exhibit one print. Work is not juried for this Call, and it is free of charge to submit your piece. Due to the virtual format there are no restrictions on size, or shape. No need for a frame (in fact please photograph without a frame, or glass) and there is no need to mail your work to us.
As always, work must ultimately be a hand pulled print.
This is a great opportunity to send in your latest printmaking endeavor, be it; convention defying, traditional, or work that advances your personal process, and collection. If the expense and complication of mailing has kept you from sending artwork previously, this is the time to exhibit your print with the CSP community. All CSP member's original and handmade printwork is acceptable to exhibit in this year's Annual Exhibition. Additionally we will publish your statements and bios within the gallery. (please see form below)
Once the online gallery is open, we are planning a members panel discussion, viewable over Zoom, where participants can talk about the artwork, their personal techniques, and other interests. Please consider taking part in this event, and fill out the attached form below.
Thank you, CSP Exhibitions
ELIGIBILITY: Open to all Artists, Student, Lifetime, and Honorary CSP members current in their dues.
ENTRIES: Eligible CSP members may enter one piece. For 2-dimensional upload 1 image, for 3-dimensional work you can add 2 "detail images" plus the main image for a total of 3 images. Entries must be submitted using the Submittable website and must include the following:
- Upload one image at 72ppi, and 1200 pixels on the largest dimension.
- Include your first and last name, the artwork title, date, technique, and size in the file name: Example: Albert.Einstein_Title_2024_etching and aquatint_18x20
- Save as a jpeg.
Application: https://californiasocietyofprintmakers.submittable.com/submit
ARTWORK SALES AND COMMISSION: Artist agrees to handle any and all sales of their works. Artists are expected to make donation(s) equal to 15% of the artists proceeds on any artwork sales (15% to CSP)
REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTWORK: All printmaking media, with the exception of works that are solely digital, are acceptable. Works may combine traditional printmaking techniques with digital or other media. There is no date of creation requirement.
Email any questions or concerns to exhibitions@caprintmakers.org