benefits & application

When you become a member of the California Society of Printmakers you’ll enjoy many benefits associated with the oldest printmaking society in the nation. You may join as a Friend, Institutional or Business member by paying annual dues for the desired level of membership.

Artist and Student Members must initially be juried into the California Society of Printmakers via Portfolio Review which is a juried process held twice each year. The summer application period is April 15–June 1. The winter application period is October 15–December 1.

Membership Categories

Artist Membership. Annual Dues $50
All benefits listed below. Artist members are initially juried in.
Student Membership. Annual Dues $20
Receives all the membership benefits of, and application process as the Artist Membership. Additional benefits are a reduced application fee, reduced annual dues, and fewer required work samples in submitted portfolio.
To be eligible for a student membership, one must be currently enrolled in a printmaking program with a college or university at the time of jurying. The goal of the student membership is to provide a financial break on application fees and yearly dues as well as a reduced work sample requirement to artists currently pursuing a degree in printmaking. In an effort to support printmakers transitioning from their degree programs to their individual studio practices, student membership will extend an additional two years past college graduation at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, after which time the member moves into the Artist Member category. Printmakers who have recently graduated and are not currently enrolled in another degree program must apply as an Artist Member.
Friend Membership. Annual Dues $60
Receives all publications, invitations to exhibitions, and is eligible to participate in all special events.
Join and Support!
Institutional Membership. Annual Dues $75
Listed on the CSP Website, receives all publications, invitations to exhibitions, and is eligible to participate in all special events. Join and Support!
Business Membership. Four tiered levels with Annual Dues starting at $125
Logo and link on the CSP website, with a descriptive paragraph; logo in the Membership Directory; advertisement in The California Printmaker, CSP’s annual journal; and opportunities to market supplies and/or services to CSP members. For details and to Join and Support!

Artist Membership Benefits

Annual Members’ Exhibition. The CSP presents an annual non-juried exhibition for its Artist Members. This exhibition is usually held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Juried Exhibitions. The CSP sponsors juried exhibitions for its Artist Members at a variety of levels and venues. While many are held in the Bay Area, others have been held throughout the country and internationally.
Artists’ Residencies. This competitive, high profile Artist member benefit involves select Master Printmakers and print studios from around the Bay Area. Each residency host receives a stipend to facilitate a print based project focused in the area of specialty of the Master Printmaker, or the studio facilities. Application is via the CSP Submittable.
The Annual Meeting. The CSP Annual meeting hosts an invited special guest or conducts an artists panel which discusses topics of interest to printmakers. A membership exhibition is often held in conjunction with the meeting as are a print exchange and other print activities. The annual meeting 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.
Members’ Listserv. The members’ listserv is an email forum which provides members with information on events, exhibitions, opportunities and other information of print interest. Members are encouraged to post their own exhibitions, events and other print related information on the listserv.
Special Events. Special Events include visits to professional institutions and artists’ studios, panels, talks, workshops, demos and networking events. These events provide opportunities for members to learn about contemporary issues in printmaking; about specific printmaking techniques and print venues; and are excellent opportunities to network and exchange professional expertise.
The California Printmaker: The Journal of the California Society of Printmakers is a global journal of contemporary printmaking published annually.
Relevant Ink, CSP’s bi-monthly newsletter.
Membership directory. Digital directory of current members published annually.
Website Portfolio. This is a self-managed artwork portfolio on the CSP website.
Kala Art Institute Discount. Take 10% off all Kala Classes and Workshops.

Application Process for Artist and Student 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 and Student Members are juried into the organization by a review committee of current and previous members of the CSP Board of Directors. Portfolio Reviews for membership are held twice a year with application deadlines on June 1 and December 1.

An application for Artist membership requires the following.

10 images of recent work (within last 3 years)
Artist Bio (500 word count maximum)
Artist Statement (500 word count maximum)
Image list
Optional Technical Note (500 word count maximum)
$35 application fee (non-refundable)

An application for Student membership requires the following.

5 images of recent work (within last 3 years)
Proof of enrollment in a college printmaking program
Artist Bio (500 word count maximum)
Artist Statement (500 word count maximum)
Image list
Optional Technical Note (500 word count maximum)
$20 application fee (non-refundable)

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 (within last three years).

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.

Review Criteria:
In reviewing your work, we will look at the following factors:

Whether the work demonstrates a professional level of quality and a master proficiency in the medium submitted
Whether the work as a whole shows a consistent, well developed artistic vision.
Images must be clear and of quality and demonstrate professional presentation.

Applicants will be notified within 30 days of the portfolio review deadline. The application fee is non-refundable. There is no limit to the number of times an artist may apply for membership. To begin the application process, please click on the submit button below.