Become a MemberPROSPECTIVE MEMBER APPLICATION PROCESS
"The Northwestern Pennsylvania Artists Association is a non-profit, aesthetically non-partisan, non-political and non-discriminatory organization of artists whose purpose is to represent the aesthetic standards and economic interests of visual artists. Any resident of northwestern Pennsylvania who is interested in the aims and objectives of this organization and who meets the established aesthetic and/or achievement standards of the organization may be eligible for NPAA membership." (from "NPAA By-Laws")
Screening periods for applications is during April and October. Please submit application materials to: NPAA, Membership Committee, P.O. Box 6156, Erie, PA 16512-0156. (Application materials will not be returned.)
To apply for membership in NPAA, you need to:
1) submit a resume
2) submit a letter of application that explains why you want to be a member
3) submit 10 images on a cd that is compatible with a Mac computer. PDF files work well on Mac and PC. For each image include the title, medium, and size of the work.
The chair of the screening committee will arrange with you a place and time when the committee can meet with you to review your actual artwork. The screening committee will include 3-5 active NPAA members in good standing to review your artwork and application. These members will have expertise, whenever possible, in your medium (e.g., painting, sculpture, photography, etc.).
If the screening committee denies your application, the committee chair will notify you of the reasons in writing in a timely manner.
If the screening committee recommends you for membership, the committee will make its recommendation to the general membership by the first general membership meeting following the review.
The chair of the committee will then notify you in writing of the general membership’s final decision.
If you are accepted into NPAA, you will be given a written letter that explains the requirements and expectations for being an active member in good standing.
REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS OF A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING
Being an NPAA member in good standing carries both privilege and prestige inside and outside the organization. Members in good standing may vote on new-membership applications, in board elections, and on any other official business requiring a general membership vote. They may also serve on the NPAA board. In addition, members in good standing have numerous opportunities to exhibit their artwork in NPAA shows as professional venues arise inside and outside the region. They are also able to reach a wider viewer-ship for their artwork through the NPAA website which showcases the work of NPAA members for a global audience. Becoming and remaining a member in good standing is something strongly encouraged by NPAA.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Payment of annual dues -- Dues are to be paid promptly. A dues notice is sent to all members in early January, and dues are to be paid by March 15. If a member fails to pay dues by March 15 yet wishes to exhibit in NPAA shows, he or she will be assessed a $15 entry fee per NPAA show in addition to the dues for that year.
To remain a member in good standing, he or she must pay the current year’s dues and all past years’ dues owed, up to three years’ past dues. Failure to pay dues in three consecutive years will result in the member being removed from membership in NPAA. After that time, if a former member wishes to re-apply for membership, he or she may do so by following the current application process.
2. Members are to exhibit in at least one NPAA show over a two-year period. Exhibiting with NPAA is a privilege that benefits the individual artist and the organization by providing opportunities for the public to view and purchase artwork created by artists who are part of a prestigious, professional organization. Failure to exhibit in at least one NPAA show over a two-year period will result in the artist being removed from membership in NPAA.
OTHER EXPECTATIONS:
In addition to the requirements explained above, members are strongly encouraged to participate in the following areas:
1. Assisting with NPAA exhibits – This includes assisting with such things as gallery-sitting, installing shows or volunteering at openings as the need arises.
2. Fundraising – This includes assisting in fundraising efforts, such as buying and/or selling a ticket for the Scholarship/Art Lottery, working in preparation for the event, or assisting at the event as the need arises.
3. Committee work – This includes serving on at least one committee as the need arises.
4. Attendance at general membership meetings, social events and special functions, such as our annual Erie Art Museum Spring Show awards meeting.
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