Colored Pencil Comes of Age in the International Art World
By Vera Curnow, CPSA, CPX, founder, Colored Pencil Society of America
The Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA), now in its 28th year, originated with the grassroots vision of educating, elevating and innovating both the medium and the artists who use it. While the colored pencil medium is still considered a fledging in the art world, the organization has made significant milestones and contributions. Most notably, we have: • elevated the quality of the medium to provide artist-grade products by establishing a Lightfastness
Standard with the ASTM International
• increased acceptance through exposure in curated juried exhibitions in museums and galleries around the
country and in artists’ magazines and books
• validated the professionalism of our members with a Signature Status program
• created a network of District Chapters nationwide
• established a yearly convention to commemorate our achievements and recognize current award winners This year our annual exhibition was held at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago, Illinois, and, as always, was open to all artists working in colored pencil. From almost 600 entries, the juror, Mark Pascale, curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, selected 14 artists to receive more than $17,000 in cash prizes at the awards banquet on August 3. CPSA has become a respected force in international art. Next year’s exhibition will be held in Brea, California, from July 31 to September 13 at the City of Brea Art Gallery. We welcome any artist or art lover, 18 years or older, regardless of their experience or location to join us. For more information visit us at www.cpsa.org.