A thorough portfolio should consist of your resume, including any art-related activity you’ve been involved in over the years, your art background and education, your bio and artist statement. This gives us an idea of your art experience, as does a list of exhibitions, if you have one. This is a list of the places you’ve shown work and how long you’ve been exhibiting. The number of years making art or the number of exhibitions are not necessarily factors in determining membership, but it’s nice to see what the artist has been up to. Younger, or less experienced artists may not have shown much, but one can usually spot serious intent. Art school helps, but obviously does not an artist make. These things give us an idea of who you are, and where you’re coming from.
The points below are stated to help artists applying for membership in the State of the Art Gallery understand how the process works. When reviewing new membership applications, the gallery strives to maintain a balance of styles and media. We also value persons who support the cooperative nature of the gallery and the responsibility of membership. We use the points in A-E as guides for discussion. They are not hard and fast rules, rather, they give us a framework in which to discuss an applicant’s work. It should be noted that a decision not to accept is sometimes accompanied by suggestions for future work with a hope that the applicant will reapply after an appropriate period. In fact, several successful, current members have been through a similar process of applying more than once.
- Originality/Vision
Is there something that makes this person’s work unique and/or memorable?
- High Technical Craftsmanship
Does the work demonstrate skillful use of the media, good composition, use of color where applicable, value and form?
- Seriousness of Purpose/Maturity/Record of Accomplishment
Is there consistency that distinguishes the work? Is there a record of exhibition/shows or other evidence of serious intent? Has the artist clearly expressed his/her ideas clearly and/or creatively?
- Presentation of Work
Is the work framed/based/mounted in a professional way?
- Commitment to the Mission of the gallery.
Has the applicant expressed knowledge of gallery member responsibilities and willingness to perform them? Is there an expectation of long-term membership and financial commitment?