about
The California Society of Printmakers (CSP) is the oldest continuously operating association of printmakers and friends of printmakers in the United States. CSP is a nonprofit arts organization with an international membership of print artists and supporters of the art of fine printmaking. CSP provides professional development opportunities for printmakers, and educates artists and the public about printmaking. New members are admitted by portfolio review. Friends and supporters of printmaking are admitted by fee. CSP is based in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.
The CSP provides support for its members and serves the greater community by:
- Sponsoring print exhibitions on a local, national and international level
- Arranging educational activities for the public and technical workshops for members
- Publishing an annual professional journal, The California Printmaker
- Offering members and the public the opportunity to collect print artworks at a modest rate
- Maintaining an archive of fine art prints and print-related matter
- Providing general printmaking information and resources through this website
Mission
The California Society of Printmakers (CSP), established in 1912 is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the advancement and appreciation of printmaking and book arts. Our mission is to create a supportive community of printmakers and ensure equitable access to opportunities, tools, and resources for artists of diverse skill sets exploring traditional and new directions in contemporary print methods. CSP invests in the success of our membership through inclusive and intergenerational programs and events.
Vision
● Center the artist and maker, providing resources and opportunities for members to thrive.
● Inspire participation and engagement through the creation of an intergenerational and inclusive community of artists, makers, scholars, and students.
● Ensure equitable and accessible approaches to opportunities and events.
● Advance, preserve and sustain traditional printmaking and book arts practices while embracing innovation and technology.
● Leverage CSP’s 110-year-old history to grow the printmaking community, expand its international reputation, and create opportunities on a global scale.
Values
● Expanding the discourse of printmaking as an art form.
● Embracing the intersection of innovation, tradition, and craft.
● Honoring traditional print media and manual processes.
● Collaboration and exchange of creative ideas.
● Community building through the arts.
● Accessibility and accommodation.
● Intergenerational and peer-to-peer learning.
● Education and transformational learning.
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
CSP’s collaborative and inclusive spirit reflects the printmaking field and tradition, promoting the values of boundless creativity, and embracing the full spectrum of humanity, inclusion, collaboration, and respect. Printmaking brings people together and has often been an opportunity to share knowledge and resources, as well as being a catalyst for social change. CSP is a supportive community that believes in empowering artists of diverse skill sets and backgrounds through access to opportunities and peer-to-peer collaboration.
