PAM Applications

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.

We hope that these Guidelines help in making your decision and in submitting a successful application. It is truly a personal choice.

Guidelines for PAMs:

(It is not anticipated that the resume of every applicant will check off each of the items listed. Some applicants will be stronger in some areas and may have no record in others. It is usual for strengths to offset weaker areas.)

  1. Are the submitted materials clear, organized and ready for professional presentation, i.e. the artist statement, the resume, the description of the body of work submitted, as well as the selection and presentation of the images?
  2. Is there evidence of a consistent body of work over time? Does the work of the artist reflect a distinct point of view -- a clear voice?
  3. Is there evidence of an ambitious schedule of exhibitions, especially juried exhibits at local, regional and national levels? While there are no fixed numbers required, successful candidates often have a record of six or more juried exhibits. Strengthening the application would be solo exhibits and museum exhibitions.
  4. Is work included in private, corporate or public collections? Is gallery representation indicated?
  5. Is the work/artist a recipient of local, national or international awards, honors, fellowships, grants, etc.?
  6. Has the work/artist received critical review? Or, is the work/artist included in publications? (Books, magazines, illustrated catalogs, etc.)
  7. Is there a record of additional activity to be considered (teaching, curatorial service, other professional activities, formal education in the arts)?

How to Apply:

The SAQA Board appoints The PAM Review Committee. It meets every two months to review applications.

Here is what you will need to submit:

  1. Artist Information: Name and Email Address
  2. Artist Statement: Not more than one-half page in length. (Cut and Paste into the form).
  3. Artist Resume: Not more than three pages in length. (Cut and Paste into the form.)
  4. Description of Work Submitted: please describe the work you are submitting. How do you define your work? What are your inspirations? Influences? Processes? Please describe how the images submitted represent a “body of work.” Describe what connects the work? Is it color, a theme, technique, or something else?
  5. Images: Applicants are encouraged to submit a consistent body of work
    • Number of images: 10 works. The entire work must be visible, including edges. Please organize the images in chronological order, starting with your most recent work.
    • Detail images: 3 images highlighting your workmanship/technique taken from any of your submissions
    • File Format: JPEG
    • Image Size: Images should be less than 800 pixels on the long side
    • File Size: Images should be smaller than 400KB
    • If you are using a MAC and iPhoto, you must save your image to your hard drive first.
    • Image Caption: Identify each image by title, dimensions, year completed, materials and techniques. Detail images should reference the work from which they are taken.

Submitting Your Documentation

To preview the application, click here. (PDF).

To submit your entry on-line, click the On-Line Entry Form.

When you have completed your submission be sure to print a copy of the confirmation page for your records.

When you have uploaded your documentation, the chair of the PAM Review Committee will automatically receive an email. If you have questions or problems with the submission process, contact Deidre Adams or Lisa Ellis for assistance.

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.