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MEMBERS
Why Become a PAM (Professional Artist Member)?
In addition to the regular membership benefits of belonging to a network of over 1,400 fellow quilt artists, a monthly e.Bulletin, quarterly full color Journal, access to the members-only sections of the web site, biennial 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 biennial SAQA Portfolio book -- in 2006 SAQA sent 2500 copies to museums, galleries, architects, interior designers, art consultants, etc. 4. Work included in the SAQA slide show, 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.
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 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
Materials required by SAQA when applying for PAM status:
1. Current resume showing evidence of continuing achievement and growth in the area of studio art and art quilts
2. Ten numbered slides or a CD, accompanied with a list identifying title, date, materials, technique, size
3. Artist statement
4. Other relevant materials (catalogs, reviews, etc.)
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.
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