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
California Society of Printmakers (CSP), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is the oldest printmaking organization in the nation. Originally founded in 1912 as the California Society of Etchers, it reflected a surge of printmaking activity in both the West and nationally during the early part of the century. From its inception, membership has been open to printmakers around the world. In 1968 the California Society of Etchers merged with the Bay Area Printmakers to form the present California Society of Printmakers.
Student members (enrolled in college or university full time) will be juried into the organization by current and past members of the CSP Board. Digital portfolio reviews for membership, via Submittable, are held twice a year in the summer and winter. Membership is open to artists from anywhere in the world who create hand-pulled prints, including etching, lithography, relief printing, and screen printing. It also includes hybrid prints, monoprints, and artist books so long as some hand printmaking is involved. Artists who use solely photographic or digital methods are not eligible for artist membership. Student members are entitled to full membership benefits but pay a significantly reduced membership fee. With membership, students will be eligible for the following benefits:
Annual Members Exhibition. CSP presents an annual non-juried exhibition for its Artist Members. This exhibition is usually held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Juried Exhibitions. CSP also sponsors juried exhibitions for its Artist Members in a variety of venues. Although many are held in the Bay Area, others have been held throughout the country and internationally.
Artist-In-Residence. CSP sponsors a season of short residencies for two or three selected CSP members. Selections are made by the Master Printmakers from around the Bay Area. Each Master Printer receives a stipend to support the work of the CSP member working in the area of specialty of the Master Printmaker.
CSP Members Email. CSP group email provides members with information on CSP events and exhibitions, artist opportunities, and other information of interest to the membership. Members are encouraged to post information about their own exhibitions and other items of professional interest.
CSP Publications. Members receive The California Printmaker: The Journal of the California Society of Printmakers once a year.
Member Events. The CSP presents informational panels, talks, and workshops several times a year, where members can learn about issues in printmaking and about specific printmaking techniques. These events give members an opportunity to network and exchange professional expertise.
Annual Meeting. At the CSP Annual meeting, an invited speaker or artist panel discusses topics of interest to printmakers. The annual meeting also provides an opportunity for members to meet other print artists and supporters of the print arts, learn of upcoming CSP opportunities and programs, and share food and beverages in a lively, informal setting.
Kala Art Institute Discount. Take 10% off all classes and workshops. All CSP members are entitled to a special ongoing offer from KALA ART INSTITUTE. Located in West Berkeley, Kala offers some of the best printmaking and digital media classes in the Bay Area. Browse classes online at www.Kala.org. Then call Kala at 510-549-2977 to register and take advantage of the discount.
An application for student membership requires the following.
- 5 images of recent work
- Artist Bio (500 word count maximum)
- Artist Statement (500 word count maximum)
- Community Participation Statement (500 word count maximum)
- Image list
- Optional Technical Note (500 word count maximum)
- $20 application fee (non-refundable)
Book artists should submit three books produced in the past three years. It is recommended that each book project has a minimum of three images submitted for review. Books must include at least one original print that meets the criteria above.
Artists may submit installations using print work produced in the past three years. It is recommended that each installation project has a minimum of three images submitted for review. Installations must include at least one original print that meets the criteria above.
Portfolio Requirements: Please submit a cohesive body of similar work that demonstrates your personal vision, rather than a sampling of unrelated works. Images must be clear and of quality and demonstrate professional presentation. Submitted works must be current (or completed in the last three years).
Review Criteria: In reviewing your work, the following 5 benchmarks would contribute to a successful submission:
1. Consistent Artistic Vision: Artistic vision is exceptionally clear, innovative, and consistently maintained.
2. Original Thought and Engagement: Exhibits exceptional originality, thought, and engagement with the content.
3. Artist Statement: Conceptual Engagement and Articulation: Artist statement demonstrates strong conceptual engagement and effectively articulates ideas present in the work.
4. Technical Competence: Work displays consistent and high-level technical competence with the media used.
5. Professional Documentation/Presentation: Work is professionally documented and presented, adhering to or exceeding established standards for clarity, neutral background, and appropriate presentation.
See Artist Resources for links to professional documentation standards and tips
*Note - Student applicants are expected to employ the same standard and quality of work as Artist member applicants, with fewer work samples submitted.
New Member Dues.
Annual membership dues are collected upon acceptance into the Society. Members admitted between January 1 and September 1 pay full membership dues for the year in which they are admitted, and during the January 1 membership renewal each year thereafter.
Applicants will be notified within 6 weeks of the portfolio review deadline (June 1st and December 1st.) The $20 application fee is non-refundable. There is no limit on the number of times an artist may apply for membership
Membership in the CSP is open to artists from anywhere in the world who create hand-pulled prints. This includes artists who use traditional printmaking techniques, such as etching, lithography, relief printing, and silk screen. It also includes artists who make hybrid prints, monoprints, and artist books, so long as some hand printmaking is involved. Artists who use solely photographic or digital methods are not eligible for artist membership. Artist Members are juried into the organization by a review committee of current and past members of the CSP Board.
An application for artist membership requires the following.
- 10 images of recent work (completed within the last 3 years - Winter Application after 2022)
- Artist Bio (500 word count maximum)
- Artist Statement (500 word count maximum)
- Community Participation Statement (500 word count maximum)
- Image list
- Optional Technical Note (500 word count maximum)
- $35 application fee (non-refundable)
Book artists should submit three books produced in the past three years. It is recommended that each book project has a minimum of three images submitted for review. Books must include at least one original print that meets the criteria above.
Artists may submit installations using print work produced in the past three years. It is recommended that each installation project has a minimum of three images submitted for review. Installations must include at least one original print that meets the criteria above.
Portfolio Requirements: Please submit a cohesive body of similar work that demonstrates your personal vision, rather than a sampling of unrelated works. Images must be clear and of quality and demonstrate professional presentation. Submitted works must be current (or completed in the last three years - Winter Application after 2021 / Spring Application after 2022).
Review Criteria: In reviewing your work, the following 5 benchmarks would contribute to a successful submission:
1. Consistent Artistic Vision: Artistic vision is exceptionally clear, innovative, and consistently maintained.
2. Original Thought and Engagement: Exhibits exceptional originality, thought, and engagement with the content.
3. Artist Statement: Conceptual Engagement and Articulation: Artist statement demonstrates strong conceptual engagement and effectively articulates ideas present in the work.
4. Technical Competence: Work displays consistent and high-level technical competence with the media used.
5. Professional Documentation/Presentation: Work is professionally documented and presented, adhering to or exceeding established standards for clarity, neutral background, and appropriate presentation.
*Note - Student applicants are expected to employ the same standard and quality of work as Artist member applicants, with fewer work samples submitted.
Applicants will be notified within 6 weeks of the portfolio review deadline (June 1st and December 1st.) The $35 application fee is non-refundable. There is no limit on the number of times an artist may apply for membership.
New Member Dues.
Annual membership dues are collected upon acceptance into the Society. Members admitted between January 1 and September 1 pay full membership dues for the year in which they are admitted, and during the January 1 membership renewal each year thereafter.
Intention and Process
Artwork selected for this Call will share the Diablo Valley College Art Gallery with 15 prints, collected by Toru Sugita, head of printmaking at DVC. The work is made by artists from Kyoto, Japan, and the pieces span multiple techniques.
In this Call we aim to display CSP member print work that will blend harmoniously with the (above mentioned) Kyoto prints. We ask artists to consider a foundational quality within printmaking; the path of craftsmanship; the skill, care, and personal intention an artist brings to the process; both in technique, and concept.
Craftsmanship is inherent in all forms of printmaking, and informs the way we pursue, and elucidate our ideas through a series of techniques, materials, colors, feelings, and skills. Whether contemporary, or traditional, editioned, or mono, everyone's printmaking process involves craft.
- What is your relationship to craftsmanship in printmaking?
- How does your intention preclude the technique you are working in?
- What part of your craftsmanship stands out in your final, and resulting work?
- What is your process beyond technique? How do you use a technique to personal and unique ends?
- How does craftsmanship guide and dictate the printmaking techniques you use?
This exhibition will coincide and open, with our Annual Meeting at the DVC May 30, 2026.
Please include a statement describing why/what/how you use craftsmanship in your print work.
Thank you, CSP Exhibitions
CALENDAR:
March 24, 2026. Submittable opens
May 3 Submittable close
May 12th to May 25th Mail Packages window
May 22 Spring semester ends
May 26th, 27th, 28th Physical artwork drop off / hanging show in gallery.
May 30 CSP Annual Meeting, exhibition opening.
June 15th Summer school starts / art show will reopen for viewing; Mondays to Thursdays hours TBA
July 23 Art show ends
July 27 to the 30th Artwork pick up
Submission Instructions:
This is a first to submit, first to be accepted exhibition!
Size and amount requirements are 35 pieces at up to 22 inches wide, and 3 pieces at up to 30 inches wide; We can accept roughly 35-45 pieces based on size.
Sculptural, artist book, digital projections, and some hanging work can also be accommodated, based upon size limitations.
Delivery Instructions:
Hand Deliver work to the DVC Gallery on May 26th, 27th, 28th (times TBD)
DVC Gallery:
A102 Art Complex
321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Ship packages to Danguole Kuolas: 1111 Sierra Vista Way, Lafayette CA 94549
Deadline for shipments to arrive: May 22, 2026
the window for shipping arrival is May 12th to May 22nd
Do not opt for signature in shipping directions.
SHIPPING must include a pre-paid, return shipping label. (FedEx or UPS has been easier and more reliable for this in past).
No stamps please! Shipping boxes will be stored. Photograph your return label for backup purposes.
VENUE: Diablo Valley College Art Gallery
ELIGIBILITY: Open to all Artists, Student, Lifetime, and Honorary CSP members current in their dues.
ENTRIES: Eligible CSP members may enter one work. Entries must be submitted using 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 and the artwork title in the file name.
- Save as a jpeg.
- Artwork Label Information: Please make your images and text are "publish ready" so we do not need to do any editing, etc. Please include:
- Artist Name
- Title
- Medium
- Dimensions of image in inches, use standard h x w x d (include all 3 dimensions if 3-D)
- Year
Please do not use special characters, or quotation marks for size or title.
Example: Tam Jones, Dreams, Solar Plate Etching, 11 in x 24 in, 2021
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.
Gallery contract specifies:
INSURANCE & LIABILITY: The Insurance Form and Exhibition Agreement are available for download with in this submittable form.
CSP Annual Membership Meeting, and Exhibition - May 30
Come to the meeting and join us for an active day with other CSP members;
- Elections and Board member reports / additional information
- Lunch
- Lecture; Toru Sugita; Mokuhanga Collaboration Kyoto 2025
- Print Exchange
- Exhibition Opening
Specific programing, and timing will be be announced soon. Please save the date, and consider joining the CSP Board.
Email any questions or concerns to exhibitions@caprintmakers.org