For 2013: Think about PAM membership

Becoming a PAM

Being a Professional Artist Member is not for everyone, but if you are serious about approaching your art as a professional, then we hope you will consider becoming a Professional Artist Member of SAQA. The benefits are many.

There are two levels of SAQA membership: Active Member and Professional Artist Member. The two levels were created when SAQA was originally developed, so that we could serve both beginning art quilt makers and also t committed artists.

Why Become a Professional Artist Member (PAM)? In addition to the many Active Member benefits (belonging to a network of almost 3,000 fellow quilt artists, the monthly e.Bulletin, the quarterly full-color Journal, access to the members-only sections of the website, annual conference, and several exhibit opportunities each year), PAMs receive the following benefits and opportunities:

1. To show work in the Gallery of SAQA's web site, which then becomes part of the Home Page slide show.
2. To be listed in the Teachers Workshops/Lectures section of the web site.
3. To have work included in the annual SAQA Portfolio -- which we send to museums, galleries, architects, interior designers, art consultants
4. To have work included in the SAQA PowerPoint program, 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?

Because the distinction between the two membership levels is not always clear, Active members sometimes ask SAQA what it means to be a professional, when does one know whether one should become a Professional Artist Member, or simply, "Am I PAM material?"

The SAQA Board offers this clarification: We believe Professional Artist Members are committed artists with a record of activity indicating that artwork is a high priority; that they live, breathe, and work as artists; that they define themselves as artists; and that they work on their artwork regularly.

SAQA believes that individuals are able to self-regulate and decide for themselves which membership level they wish to join. We also recognize that there are many paths and ways of working in art: producing work, teaching, curatorial work, collection building, etc.

Mentors are Available to help you through the Process

Sharon Bass is available to provide pre-PAM application assistance to anyone who would like to have such service. These mentors are willing to look at work, make suggestions about what pieces to show, and discuss a potential applicant's resume and readiness to apply for PAM status. Of course, mentors cannot guarantee that their assistance will lead to an acceptance.

For more information: http://www.saqa-pamapplications.com/announcements/pam