Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many shows does CPSA have every year?

A: CPSA sponsors two exhibitions every year (see To The Point or Exhibitions for details). The shows are open to all artists, members and non-members alike, who are at least 18 years old.

• The annual International Exhibition requires artwork to be 100% colored pencil. It typically takes place in late July or early August and is in a different city each time to increase the number of people exposed to the medium.

• The “Explore This!” Exhibition, instituted in 2001, will become a yearly online exhibition starting in 2009. This show allows other media as long as 75% of the surface is colored pencil as well as three-dimensional, collage, and relief artwork.

Q: If my work is sold before the show, may I substitute another piece?

A: No, we’re sorry, but you may not substitute another piece. Only pieces chosen by the judge during the selection process can be included in the exhibition.

Q: Is there a chance that both of my works will be accepted into a CPSA Exhibition?

A: CPSA instructs the judge to select only one piece per artist in order to include as many different artists as possible.

Q. If my piece was accepted into the "Explore This!"and is 100% colored pencil, is it legal to enter into the International Exhibition?

A: If a work appears in either CPSA exhibition, it is no longer eligible for any other CPSA exhibition.

Q: Does CPSA take a percentage of the commission if my piece sells at the show?

A: No, CPSA never profits from the sale of any art exhibited in its exhibitions. The gallery usually charges a commission as stated in the prospectus.

Q. Is it legal for me to prepare the surface of my work?

A: Sorry, that is not allowed for the International Exhibition. Legal surfaces for the International Exhibition must be prepared by a manufacturer or of a natural surface only. However, for our "Explore This!" Exhibition, you may prepare the surface yourself and the artwork may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

Q: Are water-soluble colored pencils legal?

A: Yes, any product identified as a “colored pencil” by the manufacturer is deemed legal for CPSA’s International Exhibition, whether it be wax-based, oil-based or water-soluble.

Q: Why should I pay an entry fee if I am already a member of CPSA?

A: Your dues cover the administrative costs of running the Society, but not the cost of producing the show. Your entry fee covers such costs as the juror’s honorarium, rent for the gallery, invitations, show programs, and advertising just to name a few.

Q: The prospectus states that when the paintings arrive, they are juried again. Is this true?

A: Yes, they are reviewed according to the “Specifications” listed in the prospectus and that it was accurately depicted by the digital entry.

Q: What constitutes a "good image” for entering?

(For help understanding digital terminology, check Digital FAQs)

A: Your digital image should be cropped to the edges of your image without showing the mat, frame, or any background objects. The CaFE system requires images to be 1920 x 1920 pixels and no more than 1.8mb in size. You can find information about preparing images on both the CPSA and CaFÉ ™ website (http://www.callforentry.org/imaging_tips.phtml)

The CaFÉ ™ website (http://www.callforentry.org/imaging_tips.phtml) provides instructions for preparing your images. If you are having a photographer prepare your images, just print out the parameters described on the page and take them with you. The instructions are also summarized in the Fall-Winter 2007 issue of To The Point, the CPSA magazine (available to CPSA members).

Q: My artwork was rejected from last year’s show. Can I re-enter it in this year’s show?

A: Yes. Each juror looks for different things and what one may reject, another may accept. Please remember that submitted work must have been completed within the last 3 years.

Q. Why is there so much time between the image entry deadline and the jurying of the digital images?

A: Due to the large number of entries submitted for the exhibition, it takes time for CPSA to administratively prepare the images for the jury process and to enter the information into our database.

Q: What constitutes "academic framing?"

A: "Academic framing" consists of off-white, white or neutral (gray, beige or black) mats. The mat should never pick up a nonneutral color in the work.

Q: Are colored mats and frames okay for the exhibition?

A: Colored mats are not allowed for the annual CPSA International Exhibition. CPSA requires academic framing so as not to distract from the artwork or upset the continuity of the show. Judges are very much aware of framing requirements and the presentation can influence their decision when selecting the final awards.

Q: What kind of frames should I use?

A: Metal frames are preferred for CPSA exhibitions because they contribute a more uniform look to the show and make it easier to fix art that has slipped behind the mat during shipping. Choose simple, but elegant frames in gold, silver, copper, black, white, or gray. Do not use any of the decorative colors. Stay away from ornately carved or gilded frames. Sleek simple frames are your best bet.

Q: Why does CPSA require art to be framed with Plexiglas?

A: Plexiglas is required because it weighs less than glass and will not break.

Q: Why do I have to pay a “Handling Fee” to ship my work to the show? What does this fee cover?

A: Such fees are standard for every major exhibit in the country. Most galleries have neither the storage space nor the staff to handle the number of pieces in a CPSA exhibition. The fee goes directly to the cartage company which unpacks the artwork, stores the box, delivers the painting to the gallery, retrieves them from the gallery, and repacks them for shipping back to the artists. CPSA simply cannot afford to pay for cartage services and requires accepted artists to cover that expense.

Q. Does CPSA provide any information when it comes to shipping my artwork?

A: CPSA will post detailed information and instructions about shipping your artwork on www.cpsa.org after the selected artists have been notified.

Q. Which shipping company is the best one to use for shipping fine art?

A: Although selecting a shipper, such as Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, is an important decision, CPSA cannot recommend one shipper over another. Ask your fellow artists what shipping company they use.

Q. When should I send my artwork for the exhibition?

A: The Notification of Acceptance defines the “window” of acceptable shipping and receiving dates. Be sure to research shipping methods early, so you will be prepared if the shipping window is a short one.

Q. On average, what does it cost to ship my artwork to an exhibition?

A: It is impossible to determine the average because shipping costs are based on the size of the box, its weight and the shipping distance. Insuring your work will also add to your costs, so it is good to do some advance research on these important items once you receive your Notification of Acceptance. You may incur additional costs if you have a professional mailing service pack and ship your piece.

Q. What type of container will best protect my artwork during shipping?

A: CPSA recommends using an Airfloat reusable shipping box. These boxes are made especially for the transportation of fine art. When you first receive your box, we advise you to put extra clear or beige shipping tape along all of the edges. This will help your box last longer and will protect it during shipping.

Q. What is the most common damage done to artwork when it is being shipped?

A: The most common problem happens when the artwork has not been secured properly to the mat prior to framing. During shipping, the artwork shifts and the painting may drop behind the mat. Remind your framer to use strong hinges to secure your work and, if necessary, put a piece of masking tape at the bottom of your piece to prevent it from falling down behind the mat. Other problems can occur when metal frames have not been assembled properly or wood frames have not been secured tightly in the corners. This allows the Plexiglas, which is required for all CPSA exhibitions, to loosen and may damage your artwork

A: “Signature” Statusi entitles artists to use the initials “CPSA” after their name. It is awareded only to active members whose work has been accepted into the annual CPSA International Exhibition 3 times within 10 years. Starting in 2009, members may earn CPX Status for appearing in Explore This! 3 times within 10 years. Membership must be maintained in order to qualify. Any lapse in membership results in loss of previous acceptances and forfeiture of that honor.

Q: Does being accepted into my chapter show count toward earning Signature Status?

A: Sorry, but you may earn Signature Status only by having your work accepted into the CPSA International Exhibition. Chapter shows offer an opportunity to gain experience and wind awards on a local level, but do not count toward Signature.

Q: What is required to earn Merit Recognition?

A: Signature Members qualify for a Merit Award Certificate with each five acceptances into the CPSA International Exhibition. There is no time limitation, but artists must maintain continuous membership to qualify.

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