Prospective Member Application Process
The Northwestern Pennsylvania Art 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.
Artists living within a 50 mile radius of Erie, PA who are interested in the aims and objectives of this organization and who meet the established aesthetic and/or achievement standards of the organization may be eligible for NPAA membership.
Our next membership applications will be accepted Spring 2023.
Please fill out the form below.
To apply for membership in NPAA, you need to:
Artists living within a 50 mile radius of Erie, PA who are interested in the aims and objectives of this organization and who meet the established aesthetic and/or achievement standards of the organization may be eligible for NPAA membership.
Our next membership applications will be accepted Spring 2023.
Please fill out the form below.
To apply for membership in NPAA, you need to:
- Submit a resume
- Submit a letter of application that explains why you want to be a member
- Submit 10 images in jpeg files must be 150dpi and 1000 pixels in any one direction. For each image include the title, medium, and size of the work in the file name. Once the application materials have been received you will receive a welcome letter acknowledging that your application and portfolio have been received.
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.
Voting will take place online and at the semi-annual general membership meeting(s) in April and October where all members will vote on the accepted candidates.
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 welcomed with a written letter that explains the requirements and expectations for being an active member in good standing.
There will also be an effort to reach out to those not accepted as a way to encourage them and offer advice if asked by the committee chairperson.
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.
Voting will take place online and at the semi-annual general membership meeting(s) in April and October where all members will vote on the accepted candidates.
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 welcomed with a written letter that explains the requirements and expectations for being an active member in good standing.
There will also be an effort to reach out to those not accepted as a way to encourage them and offer advice if asked by the committee chairperson.
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 audience 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:
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 31. If a member fails to pay dues by March 31 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.
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 31. If a member fails to pay dues by March 31 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.
Other Expectations:
In addition to the requirements explained above, members are strongly encouraged to participate in the following areas:
- Assisting with NPAA exhibitions - This includes assisting with such things as gallery-sitting, installing shows or volunteering at openings as the need arises.
- 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.
- Committee work - This includes serving on at least one committee as the need arises.
- Attendance at general membership meetings, social events and special functions, such as our annual Erie Art Museum Spring Show award event.