The History, Organizational Structure and goals of the Colored Pencil Society of America

The Colored Pencil Society of America, CPSA, was founded in 1990 to establish a non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to artists over 18 years of age working with colored pencil. Representing sixteen countries with more than 1600 members, CPSA provides an annual International Exhibition and Convention, product research information, worksops & seminars, newsletter, networking membership directory, and 22 district chapter links.

CPSA purposely sponsors it exhibitions in different parts of the country each year to present the public with the highest aesthetic standards in fine art using colored pencil. This annual exhibition fosters appreciation for this fine art medium.

All the CPSA District Chapters come under the legal non-profit guidelines of the national Colored Pencil Society of America. The District Chapters do not operate alone. All members of the District Chapters must be members of the National under the national umbrella of CPSA. The chapters have a board of directors that report to the National District Chapter Development Director. To contact the CPSA for information about a local chapter in your area: humay@enteract.com

Product Research:

CPSA recognizes that lightfastness is the single most important quality issue to conlored pencil artists today. As a result, we have been diligently working in conjunction with the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), colored pencil manufacturers and art conservators towards development of a standard of lightfastness for colored pencils. Ongoing lastfastness testing is also being done by our Vice-President of Consumer Standards. CPSA also recognizes that pigment identification of colored pencils plays a vital role in lightfastness research. These test results are made available to CPSA members, Patrons and Sponsors.

Artist's Merit & Recognition:

"Signature Status" is awarded to an active CPSA member who has been accepted into the annual International Exhibition 3 times within a 10 year period. This honor entitles the artist to use the letters "CPSA" after their name.

Explore this!:

CPSA sponsors the offical and innovative "Explore this!" Exhibition for colored pencil artists who experiment with various formats, mediums and surfaces which are not acceptable in the international Exhibition

The CPSA 2nd "Explore This!" Exhibition is February 1 - March 15 in Stuart, Florida. Silde deadline is October 1, 2002.

The CPSA 11th Annual Juried Exhibition & Convention is July 16 - August 31 in Brea, California. Slide deadline is March 31, 2003