*Open Studio Visiting Creative, ellen martin, is the editor of The Martin Gallery on facebook, a resource for artists. To read her complete Bio, click here.
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Many people would advise you to skip membership in local artist organizations, but I feel strongly that they should be joined and supported. Before you join, make sure that they display the type of product you produce. Many show jewelry and other craft -to-art items and some don’t. You want to make sure that you are getting the best use of your money.
Why do I think these memberships are so valuable?
- For just the networking possibilities alone. I’ve met countless people through these organizations, including Andrea Rosenfeld, whom I just would not have otherwise met. One thing leads to another and you really don’t ever know who you will eventually meet, and where the networking will take you. The organizations also provide low-stress environments for the networking. Local openings are usually fun, and are usually crowded with like-minded people, thus affording endless networking possibilities.
- The experience of showing your art. This is also invaluable. When you exhibit your work, you learn how to do a submission. You learn how to present your work properly. You’ll see how your work looks on the wall, in a display case, on a jewelry stand. You’ll see how it stacks up against other work and perhaps even learn how to improve on it.
- Feedback – you’ll get feedback from your fellow artisans, artists and viewers. Don’t identify yourself to viewers right away and just stand close to them to hear what they have to say. You want to hear the real skinny on your work, right?
- Volunteering possibilities – there are so many committees where you can learn a definite skill: how to hang a show, how to do fund-raising, how to do communications or marketing. All of these skills really help you down the line and eventually you can mentor someone else which is a great way to “give back”.
- Entering juried shows – Most local arts organizations have an annual juried show which is judged by a curator at a major art institution. One event I know of was judged by an Assistant Curator at MoMA. Another by a curator at the Guggenheim. These can be especially important for you. Some of these curators judge different shows on a regular basis. Eventually, they may notice your work. If you win a prize, even better.
- Most of the local organizations send out emails and print newsletters that include member news. You can submit any shows, accolades or press you receive. Again, another great way to get your name out there.
- Some of the local arts organizations have artist registries where you can upload some of your work into a gallery. This is another opportunity. Also check on policies for leaving your bio on file in the gallery, and leaving some of your work in a bin.
- Sometimes they submit a listing to the New York Times Arts section and guess what; the NYT does publish these on a regular basis.
At some point you may decide to take your work in a different direction, but local memberships can provide a great support group a great way to support the arts and a wonderful base of knowledge.
*Do you belong to your local Art Organizations? How have they helped you? What stories can you share here?
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I couldn’t agree more. I feel very connected to the Hoboken and Jersey City artists communities and try to attend many different events and openings.
There is a new division in the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce for Women Entrepreneurs and I plan on joining that.
Great post!
Susan
Thank you Susan!
I agree – I belong to 3 Art Associations and all of them are helping me by volunteering for a Komen Event I’m chairing at the Race this October! I love meeting other Creatives and it allows me to help them with their endeavors, as well!
Thanks for commenting!
Andrea
SPOT ON! Some think that by joining many org you are diluting your time and energy. Not true… I can pick and choose which events, meetings, etc… that I want to put my time an energy into. If you don’t blossom out to multiple groups but stay within your own little world of glass artist org, watercolor org, or whatever org, than you never really get a good feel for what is happening in the art world in overall. I find that mosaic artists (which I am) stay in their own little mosaic groups and they never really get discovered – they are just selling to each other. That has never made sense to me and I reach out to everyone. I’m doing well and have made some invaluable connections.
Hello Patricia!
Thank you for visiting and commenting! I hope you enjoyed the rest of Open Studio as well. I like your thought here – no diluting your time… like everything else, balance your activities! I belong to 2 or 3 in different areas so that the people I network with aren’t always the same and yes, we are ALL different mediums but even if we aren’t, we have different aesthetics and can easily share and learn from each other!
That is sad about the mosaic artists – why can’t they meet others and get inspired by others or collaborate? Work with an amazing wood turner to create hand carved frames for their mosaic pieces or find a potter to create pieces to break apart for their next creation? I wrote another article all about collaboration if you are interested: http://openstudiocoach.com/2011/05/collaboration-is-key-to-artistic-growth/
I like your attitude and thank you again for taking the time to communicate your thoughts! I hope you subscribe and to see you back soon!
Best,
Andrea
Excellent advice! Many mid-career and established artists shy away from local artist organizations because they fear that associating themselves with emerging or amatuer artists will diminish their professional credibility. However, there are also many benefits for artists with advanced professional careers, such as opportunities for teaching workshops and classes, serving as a juror or judge for shows, curating exhibits, and participation in community events like open studio tours or gallery strolls.
Hello Annie,
Thank you SO much for taking the time to read and comment and I am thrilled to see you here!
I agree with you. I try to teach “giving back”, especially in business. Artists should continue to support The Arts no matter what stage they are are in, but especially if they’re established. They have so much experience they can offer, and teaching or holding seminars, curating, etc., can also increase an artist’s reputation AND it can bring them press! With the state of the economy and Arts funding constantly being slashed (or threatening), it’s important that we are strong as a group and aligning with art organizations is a great way to accomplish that!
Best to you,
~Andrea
I wanted to add that after a certain amount of time you need to re-evaluate your memberships to see which are still important and productive for you. For instance, one organization had a great bunch of people, but themes I could never relate to. So I never entered anything in their shows.
Well, management changed, and now they solicit themes from their members, and they are fun and interesting themes to which I can relate. So the experience with that organization has become much more rewarding for me.
Of course, it can also work the other way.
ellen
VERY true, Ellen, and as you work with the different associations, you can determine if they are right for you. Most should allow you to attend a meeting for free, without being a paid member before they ask for membership, right?
I belong to the Alliance and never go to meetings (not even sure if they have them) … I’m busy with MCAC and FBAC and only one person! That’s another thing… figuring out how much time you want to SPEND with each organization, of you want to get on their board or even volunteer to run an event. Doing an event is a great way to share experiences and network. I’m helping to run the pop-up gallery and it’s not only teaching me but allowing me to teach others!
~Andrea