|
MEMBERS
Why Become a PAM (Professional Artist Member)?
In addition to the regular membership benefits of belonging to a network of over 2,500 fellow quilt artists, a monthly e.Bulletin, quarterly full color Journal, access to the members-only sections of the web site, annual conference, and several exhibit opportunities each year, Professional Artist Members (PAMs) get the following benefits:
1. Work in the Gallery of SAQA’s web site, which then becomes part of the Home Page slide show.
2. Listing in the Teachers Workshops/Lectures section of the web site.
3. Work included in the annual SAQA Portfolio -- in 2010 SAQA sent 4000 copies to museums, galleries, architects, interior designers, art consultants, etc.
4. Work included in the SAQA PowerPoint, which is rented out to various groups.
5. Eligibility for special exhibit opportunities.
6. Notice of professional opportunities.
7. Personal satisfaction from supporting the world’s largest organization for art quilters and its work to promote the art quilt.
How to Apply for Professional Artist Membership status:
The PAM Review Committee meets every two months to review applications.
|
Submitting Your Documentation
Go to SAQA-U and post the required documents on your Artist Profile page (www.saqau.wikispaces.net/art+biography+Artist+Index. If you do not already have an Artist Page, there are instructions at the top of the Artist Index page for how to add your own profile page. (For more information on editing a page within SAQA-U, see the resources in the sidebar under FAQs & HELP, on every SAQA-U page)
1) Artist Statement: not more than one-half page in length
2) Artist Resume: not more than three pages in length
3) Images: applicants are encouraged to submit a consistent body of work
- Number of submissions: 10 images, entire work must be visible, including edges
- Detail images: 1 – 3 images highlighting your workmanship/technique taken from any of your submissions
- File Format: JPEG
- Image Size: Images should be less than 800 pixels in either dimension
- File Size: Images should be smaller than 400KB
- Image Identification: Each image should be identified by title, dimensions, year completed, materials and techniques. Detail images should reference the work from which they are taken.
4) Description of Work Submitted: please describe the work you are submitting. How do you define your work? What are your inspirations? Influences? Processes? Please answer the question of why you define the images submitted as a “body of work”. What connects the work? Is it color, a theme, technique or something else?
When you have uploaded your documentation, send an e-mail to Barb McKie, , and let her know that your submission is ready for review.
If you have questions or problems with the submission process, contact Deidre Adams for assistance.
|
Please note that review of submissions which are incomplete will be postponed until all required information is uploaded.
Are You Ready?
Many times SAQA gets asked by its members, "When does one know whether she/he should become a PAM member?" Or, "Am I PAM material?" The two levels of Artist Member and PAM were created when SAQA was originally developed. With these two artist categories, we wanted to be able to serve the beginning art quilt maker and the committed artist member. However, the distinction between the two is not always clear. We hope that these guidelines will help in making the choice.
SAQA feels that individuals are able to self-regulate and decide for themselves which membership level they wish to join. Recognizing that there are many "paths" on the road to becoming an artist, SAQA wants the Guidelines to stand as roadmarks that light the way, rather than as a finite list of goals that must be achieved and overcome in order to list oneself as a PAM.
Your own internal commitment to become a serious artist is the most important indicator that you are ready to become a PAM. Ask yourself if you are ready to make your artwork a high priority in your life. Do you live, breathe, and work as an artist? Do you define yourself as an artist? Do you work on your artwork every week or every day? Are you obsessed with your work? Only you can answer these questions truthfully and decide if you define yourself as an artist.
Over the past year we have put together our guidelines for PAMs. These are what we, the SAQA Board, feel a committed artist would have been doing and is presently doing in her/his life and with her/his career. They are guidelines and are listed to help you choose whether to become a PAM or not.
Suggested Guidelines for the Professional Artist Member (PAM):
Candidates for the PAM category should show a consistent professional body of work over a period of time and meet a majority (at least 5) of the following criteria:
1. Inclusion in at least six juried exhibitions, including three on a national level
2. At least one solo exhibition
3. Inclusion in at least one museum exhibition
4. Work included in at least four collections (private, corporate, or public)
5. Critical reviews
6. Work included in publications (books, magazines, illustrated catalogs, etc.)
7. Local, national or international awards, honors, fellowships, grants
8. College degree (or equivalent education) in art
9. Gallery representation
Being a Professional Artist Member is not for everyone, but if you are serious about making your art be your profession, then we hope you consider becoming a Professional Artist Member of SAQA. The benefits are many.
|