A 70-year legacy of Printmaking and an Artistic Opportunity
Since 1956, the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) has presented the CWAJ Print Show each year to exhibit and sell contemporary Japanese prints. Through this long-standing program, CWAJ has helped preserve the art of printmaking in Japan and shared it with audiences around the world. Proceeds from the net sales have supported scholarships and grants for more than 900 Japanese and international students, visually impaired students, and print artists.
The 70th CWAJ Print Show will open at Hillside Forum in Daikanyama in October 2027, With the online gallery launching as well.
In honor of the 70th anniversary of the CWAJ Print Show, CWAJ is pleased to offer the first CWAJ Artists-in-Residence Award! This award provides a fully funded residency in the United States for an accomplished printmaker based in Japan, offering time and space to develop new work while engaging in meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Through this award, CWAJ continues its mission of building bridges between Japan and other countries through art and scholarship.
See below for eligibility and application requirements
Support provided
The selected artist will receive:
- Two week residency at Oehme Graphics Studio in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA.
- Mentorship in English from nationally renowned Master Printmaker Sue Oehme.
- Full access to studio facilities, supplies, and equipment, including two large print presses.
- Private, no-cost housing in an apartment above the studio
- Lunches provided during residency
- A collaborative, professional studio environment
- $2,500 USD travel stipend.
- Opportunity to exhibit in the CWAJ Print Show (2027 or 2028).
- Invitation to the 70th Print Show Opening Reception.
Though the residency is provided at no cost, all personal expenses, such as meals not provided, are your responsibility to cover.
Expectations of the Artist-in-Residence
During the residency, the selected artist will be expected to:
- Communicate in basic English during the residency.
- Collaborate with the Masterprinter by exploring new techniques introduced by the studio and fellow artists.
- Share experience with techniques and knowledge related to Japanese printmaking.
- Produced at least one editioned print during the residency for future sale (subject to a 50% commission)
- Provide a second impression for the Oehme Graphics archive.
- Participate in a video presentation or workshop, if requested.
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After the residency, CWAJ asks the selected artist to:
- Present their residency experience at a CWAJ event or meeting.
- Consider exhibiting a print in a future CWAJ Print Show.
- Share photographs and/or video documenting the residency experience.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a printmaking artists of any age.
- Have previously participated in a CWAJ Print Show or Exhibition.
- Be a Japanese citizen or a special permanent resident.
- Have basic English communication skills.
Application requirements:
Applicants must submit the all of following through the “Apply Here!” button above.
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Project proposal essay
- Three images of pervious prints
Selection process
The Artist-in-Residence will be chosen by a jury appointed by the CWAJ Director of the Print Show. The jury will include Master Printer Sue Oehme.
Application Deadline: August 25, 2026
Announcement of Winner: December 15, 2026
Residency Period
Residency will last two weeks and take places between May and October 2027. Exact dates will be determined in consultation with the selected artist and Oehme Graphics Studio. The selected artist will stay in Oehme Graphics Studio Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA.
Oehme Graphics: https://oehmegraphics.com/
Housing
The resident artist will stay in a private studio apartment located above Oehme Graphics Studio. The apartment includes a spacious bedroom, walk-in shower bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and an additional small bedroom.
The studio is approximately a 10-minute bike ride or 20-minute walk from downtown Steamboat Springs. A bicycle can be provided for the artist’s use, and transportation to grocery stores and other necessities can also be arranged.
Lunch is provided daily by the studio during the residency. While dinner is not included, the apartment’s full kitchen allows artists to prepare their own meals comfortably.
Studio
Oehme Graphics Studio is a spacious, light-filled professional printmaking studio equipped for a wide range of intaglio processes. Facilities include a custom aquatint box, UV solar plate exposure unit, ventilated etching room for copper, zinc, and steel plate making, and two Takach etching presses (44 x 84 and 24 x 48 inches). The studio also features large working tables and dedicated artist workspace.
Please note that lithography facilities are not available.
About Sue Oehme
Sue Oehme is an internationally recognized master printmaker and the founder of Oehme Graphics Studio in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. With decades of experience in fine art printmaking, she has worked with artists from around the world to create innovative prints. She is especially known for her work in intaglio, monotype, and mixed-media printmaking. Sue is passionate about supporting artists through collaboration, experimentation, and creative exchange, and she has also been an active leader in the local arts community, previously serving as President of Steamboat Creates.
