Welcome to District Chapter 125, proudly serving the Winston-Salem and Western North Carolina Area!
Join us!!! We would love to have you as a member of our Chapter!
“Drawn Together: The Heart Behind Our Chapter”
By Susan Morris, Chapter President
Starting a colored pencil district chapter was a dream come true for me. My love for colored pencils as a fine art medium runs deep. They aren’t just tools—they are little sticks of magic that can create vibrant, detailed, and stunning works of art. Over the years, I’ve discovered how versatile and exciting colored pencils can be, and I knew I wasn’t alone in this passion.
The idea to start a district chapter came from wanting to bring people together. Art can feel lonely sometimes when you’re working on your own. But when you connect with others who share your interests, it becomes so much more inspiring and fun. I wanted to create a space where people—beginners and experienced artists alike—could come together to learn, share, and grow as artists.
Our chapter is a place where everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a professional or have fancy supplies. If you’ve ever picked up a colored pencil and felt joy, this is the place for you. We’ve hosted workshops, shared tips on techniques like layering and blending, and even cheered each other on during creative slumps. The energy and excitement in our meetings always leave me inspired.
For me, it’s all about sharing the joy that colored pencils bring. I want people to know that this medium isn’t just for kids or casual doodles—it’s a powerful tool for creating fine art. Watching someone’s eyes light up when they learn a new technique or finish a piece they’re proud of is the best reward.
Starting this chapter has been a way for me to give back to the art community and to grow as an artist myself. I’ve met so many incredible people, learned new things, and felt a deeper connection to my own creativity. Colored pencils have brought so much joy to my life, and it’s an honor to share that joy with others.
If you’ve ever been curious about colored pencils or just want to meet a group of friendly, supportive artists, I encourage you to join us. You never know what kind of inspiration you might find or the friendships you might make. Together, we can keep discovering just how amazing colored pencils can be!
About Colored Pencil Society of America
Founded in 1990, the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) is a nonprofit organization for colored pencil enthusiasts working to promote colored pencils as a fine art medium by sponsoring exhibitions and workshops, being involved in product research, and educating the public in general.
About District Chapter 125
CPSA-approved colored pencil materials must come in a solid, hard, dry form with a pencil-like appearance. This includes regular wood-cased colored pencils, woodless colored pencils and sticks, and water-soluble pencils and sticks.
CPSA-approved colored pencil materials cannot be brushed off. This requirement excludes materials with minimal or no binders, including soft pastel sticks, pastel pencils, and dry (unbound) pigments. While it is possible (and advisable) to brush off stray crumbs of pigment left behind after applying colored pencil, the colored pencil layer itself remains completely intact and unaffected.
CPSA-approved colored pencil materials must dry completely. Colored pencils, when used dry and without heat, will deposit one or more cohesive, blended layers of color that are dry to the touch and cannot be easily removed. It is permissible to blend the pigment layer(s) of colored pencils with water or other solvents or with heat, but the colored pencils will once again be completely dry to the touch after the solvents have evaporated or the layers have cooled.
What is a colored pencil?
CPSA-approved colored pencil materials must come in a solid, hard, dry form with a pencil-like appearance. This includes regular wood-cased colored pencils, woodless colored pencils and sticks, and water-soluble pencils and sticks.
CPSA-approved colored pencil materials cannot be brushed off. This requirement excludes materials with minimal or no binders, including soft pastel sticks, pastel pencils, and dry (unbound) pigments. While it is possible (and advisable) to brush off stray crumbs of pigment left behind after applying colored pencil, the colored pencil layer itself remains completely intact and unaffected.
CPSA-approved colored pencil materials must dry completely. Colored pencils, when used dry and without heat, will deposit one or more cohesive, blended layers of color that are dry to the touch and cannot be easily removed. It is permissible to blend the pigment layer(s) of colored pencils with water or other solvents or with heat, but the colored pencils will once again be completely dry to the touch after the solvents have evaporated or the layers have cooled.