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Q: What do I get for my yearly dues? |
A: A very active society that supports artists working with colored pencil. We have over 1600 members throughout the US and 14 other countries. On their behalf, the National Board works diligently to educate the public and artistic world about the fine art of colored pencil.
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| Q: Do I have to be a professional artist or have an art degree to join CPSA? | A: Artists at all levels of skill are welcome as long as they are 18 years of age or older. We do not "jury in" members. To earn Signature Status, your artwork must appear in the International Exhibition 3 times within 10 years. Members earn CPX status by appearing 3 times within 10 years in the Explore This! Exhibition. |
Q: Can I pay my dues by credit card or electronic transfer? |
A: You can pay by check or online using PayPal from the CPSA website. Go to Membership and follow the directions for joining. There is a small fee for online payments. |
Q: How long does it take to process my dues? |
A: We do our best to process memberships within 3–6 weeks of receiving your check. If your check has not cleared the bank after 6 weeks, please contact the CPSA Membership Director at membership@cpsa.org. |
Q: How can I find out about artists teaching colored pencil workshops? |
A: Many run ads in To The Point and CPSA invites 2 top instructors to teach each year at its convention. Our District Chapters sometimes sponsor workshops and often publicize local and regional workshops in their newsletters. You can also find information in magazines, such as American Artist and The Artist's Magazine as well as on the Internet. |
Q: How do I join a District Chapter? |
A: Contact that president of the chapter you wish to join. A current list is maintained on the CPSA web site and appears on page 7 of the Membership Directory and Handbook. You can join any chapter regardless of where you live. You can even join more than one chapter if you wish. Although CPSA has no chapters outside of the U.S., our international members are welcome to join any U.S. Chapter if they so choose. |
Q: How do I start a District Chapter in my area? |
A: You need at least 5 people who are National members to form a District Chapter. Contact our (District Chapter Development Director) to obtain the necessary forms. |
Q: Why do I have to join the "national organization" when I am already a member of a local chapter? |
A: CPSA is a non-profit corporation that serves as the legal umbrella under which the District Chapters operate. In that capacity, CPSA is able to provide credibility for the entire organization on a broader scale, gain attention for colored pencil art, present conventions and exhibitions, and encourage manufacturers to produce better products. Although they may not realize it, all colored pencil artists benefit from the efforts of CPSA to bring attention to and improve the reputation of our favorite medium. |
Q: Do you have a senior citizen or student rate? |
A: Sorry, but we are a nonprofit group that barely meets our expenses. Printing/mailing costs are very high as are our administrative costs, so our money depletes very rapidly each year. |
Q: What happens if I join late in the year? Do I get a reduction in dues? |
A: The CPSA membership year is November 1 to October 31 and full payment is due no matter when you join. Renewal cards are mailed to members every October. Please keep in mind that you may miss some mailings if you join late and may not appear in the Membership Directory. |
Q: What is a Lifetime Membership? |
A. This membership option allows you to make a single payment to be a member of CPSA for as long as you live. The big advantage is that you never have to worry about renewing your membership and losing your Signature or Charter Member status. All you need to do is update your contact information each year. Lifetime memberships are $500 (U.S.), $650 (Canada) and $800 (all other countries). |
Q. What personal information about me appears in the Membership Directory? |
A. The information that appears in the Membership Directory comes directly from the membership application or renewal form that you fill out and return with your dues. It is very important that you notify us of whenever your contact information changes. Just send a note or e-mail message to the Membership Director BEFORE January 1st. For your convenience, there is an online form you can use to notify us of e-mail address changes. |
Q: What happens if I miss a CPSA mailing because of a move? |
A. You should know that undeliverable itmes are NOT forwarded to you, but are returned to CPSA. You will receive no further mailings until we receive confirmation of a new address. If the US Postal Service provides an address change notice, we will attempt to contact you for verification and re-send the item if it has been less than six months since the mailing. Returned mail is expensive for CPSA–we pay once to mail the item, again for the return postage, and a third time to re-send it to you. Please remember to notify CPSA whenever you move! |
Q: What happens if I spend part of each year at a vacation home? |
A. If you spend more than 3 months of the year at a different location, be sure to include the second address and the dates you are there on your membership application. Our membership database will automatically use the correct address based on the date when the mailing labels are prepared. |
Q. Does CPSA give my name and address to marketers? |
A. CPSA respects your privacy. We provide membership information only to the few companies who support CPSA by becoming a Sponsor ($500) or Patron ($1000). If you do not wish to be listed in the directory or have your contact information given to our Patrons & Sponsors, make sure you mark the box on membership application or membership renewal form that says "Check here if you do NOT wish your name published." |
Q. Can I copy the Membership Directory and give it to my friends? |
A. The directory is a benefit of membership and should NOT be copied or distributed to anyone other than a CPSA member. Please guard the privacy of our members and treat their personal information with the same respect you would like them to give you. |
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