Friday Insights: Artist Membership

Members enjoying the 2012 Benefit and Auction

In our exhibition space at the Center for Book Arts, we present at least one “Featured Artist Project” (FAP): a collection of works exclusively by one artist. In previous posts, we have explored some objects found in our recent FAPs, Ethan Shoshan’s Strange Birds and Patricia Sarrafian Ward’s Re/Vision. Our current exhibition includes a featured artist project (FAP) by Anne Gilman, titled The Jolly Balance. The exhibitions are always unique and beautiful, but how does one become a Featured Artist? It all begins with an Artist Membership to the Center for Book Arts.

A Featured Artist Project from an Artist Member (2007)

There is more than one type of membership at the CBA. Our standard membership, which offers discounts on classes and events, is a common choice and supports the day-to-day activities of the Center, including maintenance of our equipment. An Artist Membership is also available, however, one that provides artists with special services and opportunities on top of the benefits of a general membership. Artist Members are given access to (and included in) the Artist Slide Registry, a resource devoted to artists working in the book format and used by curators, researchers, collectors, and other artists. Artist Members also have the opportunity to submit work to the CBA’s annual summer exhibition—a themed show that features work by members—as well as the chance to apply to be a Featured Artist.

All artists are welcome to apply for Artist Membership, so long as they have created work related to the medium of book arts. To apply, submit an application (found here, on our website), 5-10 images of your work (we accept slides, CDs, DVDs, and printouts), a current artist’s résumé, and a brief artist statement. The images should show at least two different works related to book arts that have been produced within the last three years as well as any related work done in another medium. All images should be labeled a separate sheet listed the details (the title, date, dimensions, and medium) of each piece. Original artwork will not be accepted, so please submit images! While any artist—member of the CBA or not—is welcome to apply for our Artist Memberships, if you are not already a member of the CBA, please also include your membership dues!

The Artist Membership is a great program for anyone who does work in the fields of letterpress or book arts, and the chance to have your work in our Featured Artist exhibition is one too good to pass up! I encourage those of you who work in these fields to apply: more information can be found under our Opportunities Page!

-Christina Squitieri

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