Comments on: What would make you open your wallet? < Deep Thought Thursday

By: Jana Botkin

Fri, 20 May 2011 22:09:55 +0000

In reply to Patricia C Vener.

Thank you, Patricia! Maybe you can find a chapter where you live. Here is the link to their site: http://www.cpsa.org/

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By: Patricia C Vener

Fri, 20 May 2011 20:10:33 +0000

In reply to Jana Botkin.

So very well said. Also, I did not know there was a color pencil society. That is one of my mediums!

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By: Jana Botkin

Fri, 20 May 2011 18:05:13 +0000

An organization made of professionals for the purpose of marketing our art would meet my biggest need.
I don’t need more to do, pointless meetings, organizations of feel-good/do-good/let’s-all-just-express-ourselves-through-our-personal-creativity, unending work of establishing non-profit status, countless fundraising that ALWAYS involves giving away pieces of one’s inventory, potlucks, and hobbyists needing someone to make them feel good about their work.
I do need help marketing, great shows to participate in, information on sources (packaging materials, portable displays, sales on canvases, good printers, et cetera), ways to earn a better living with art, business related workshops, information about the business side of art.
One of the best art organizations I’ve ever belonged to is the Colored Pencil Society of America. Very very professional – great conventions, very informative workshops and seminars, authentically nice people who are willing to share their experience, overall an active and relevant group of professional artists.
In order to “write a check and join up”, I’d want to see the qualities of professionalism in an established group that offered tangible, useful and relevant information and benefits. (No, not health insurance!8-) )

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By: Marty Qatani

Fri, 20 May 2011 16:18:02 +0000

Earning more to be able to spend more. The value and willilngness of it’s members to share and assist. A group that is more specific to my “genre” of design.

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By: Nicole Hyde

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:41:19 +0000

I’m not really a joiner either, so I’ll just echo what Irena and Donna have said about service-oriented organizations. That would be the only kind of org. to potentially draw me in.

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By: Donna Iona Drozda

Fri, 20 May 2011 14:24:33 +0000

What would compel you to become a member of an artist organization?
I appreciate Irena’s response…a service oriented art’s organization sounds helpful…I would consider joining.
I’m a member at the contemporary museum where I offer on-going studios. I also enjoy the participation in my monthly women’s art group where I’m a charter member. These, along with social media connections to artists and groups (like ArtBiz.com) are sufficient for the comradery that provides connection and spark through creative relationships.
What kind of leadership are you looking for?
I’ve been a gallery owner and an arts acitivst and involved in art groups and organizations of one kind or another over the many years of my career. Like many artists I’m not a joiner, per se, if I can’t find a ***meaningful reason*** to be involved I don’t join.
Currently I learn and grow most directly and with keen focus simply by living my Art/Life and cruising through the community as an engaged artist taking the initative to offer my work and my community outreach programs wherever I sense a true fit.
What would make you write a check and join up?
Again I connect with Irena and the services that an organization could provide individual artists.

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By: Tina Mammoser

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:57:59 +0000

A tricky question for me. I find myself more often than not finding reason not to join, based on past experience. Too many groups I’ve been in have been disorganised, hobbyists, women’s group (which I have an issue with, and will be leaving the one I’m in), or have no consistency in the quality of artwork shown. Alternatively organisations are very old but the age is clear in the leadership and they don’t seem to have any inclination to accept young or contemporary artists.
I look for a long-running organisation, strong history, quality works on show at exhibitions and at least one regular exhibition a year, juried membership. Ones with a mission statement and plan for what they are trying to achieve – be it shows or just professional development and membership socialisation. It doesn’t have to be an exhibiting group if they have another interesting goal.
And I don’t mind getting involved with organisation or leadership in time, in fact would enjoy it!, but when I get to know the group over time and see if it’s a good fit. But if they seem too keen on my graphic design or tech support skills I avoid it like the plague – I’ve been drafted in too many times just for that!

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By: Barbara Muir

Fri, 20 May 2011 06:10:21 +0000

I joined the current local artist group I’m part of in Toronto because some
painters I respected were members. I wanted the occasional companionship of fellow painters, regular sessions with models, and regular group shows in an attractive venue. I think the group gave me the boost and motivation that set me on the track of becoming a “real” artist, defining myself as an artist. I’ve joined, or been asked to join a couple of virtual groups for the intellectual value — intelligent discussions or articles about subjects that matter, and will always matter to me as a working artist. I’ve never been disappointed by any group I’ve joined for art. There is always something to learn that’s rewarding.

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By: Irena

Thu, 19 May 2011 20:02:52 +0000

What would compel you to become a member of an artist organization?
Affordable health benefits, teeth included. Government representation, like any normal trade union would do. Legal support for all those contracts, copyrights and other papers. Accounting support.
What benefits are you seeking?
Health & Dental, probably discounts on art supplies and free access to museums.
What kind of leadership are you looking for?
Anarchic, flexible and everchanging. Purely administrative without even a hint of influencing art or any propaganda.
What would make you write a check and join up?
If the price would be worth the purchase.

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By: Patricia C Vener

Thu, 19 May 2011 20:00:29 +0000

The artist organization that will appeal to me will have effective interactions, include activities or interactions which will effectively enhance or improve me as an artist and artist-entrepreneur, encourage an exchange of ideas, information, mentoring, assisting and etc, encourage making new friends with other active artists… I think you get the idea.
I am not a follower so leadership is not a word I find enticing. I suspect most artists are like this else we’d be in some other field. Guidance and advice and group administration is one thing but the word “leadership” implies “followers” and I balk at that.
Once my interest is caught, I still have to be convinced that I am getting tangible value (even if the value itself is not tangible) for my payments. Given my financial circumstances, I need viable evidence that I will be spending my money effectively.
Yummy snacks are good too. LOL

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