Arkansas Craft Guild
Membership Application
Dear Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Arkansas Craft Guild. This package contains information about the Guild and about the jury process. It is meant to introduce you to the organization as well as to assist you through the application process.
The Arkansas Craft Guild, a member owned cooperative, was organized in 1960 to revive traditional crafts and to provide marketing channels for its members’ work. It has since expanded to encompass contemporary crafts and fine art. The Guild operates retail outlets throughout Arkansas, sponsors major craft fairs yearly, hosts artist receptions and provides other marketing opportunities for its members.
The Guild employees a full-time staff and is guided by a seven member Board of Directors, elected by the general membership at the Annual Membership Meeting held each year in March.
To maintain our high standards each member’s work is rejuried every five years.
TO APPLY
Applicant must be an Arkansas resident: Resident is defined as any applicant/member who is domiciled within the state of Arkansas. Domicile denotes one’s permanent, established home as distinguished from a temporary, although actual, place of residence. The following may serve as proof of domicile: 1) Be registered to vote in the state of Arkansas, 2) If requested, provide proof of vehicle registration and valid driver’s license or other state ID.
Work may be submitted for two mediums per applicant, and the applicant must return a completed application and five samples for each medium. These should reflect the quality of production work necessary to maintain Guild sales. We recommend including one of your best "showcase" art pieces.
All items must arrive at the Guild office by April 10th or August 10th to qualify for jurying.
A $10 non-refundable application fee for processing should be included with checks or money orders made payable to the Arkansas Craft Guild.
All submitted items are to be designed and executed by the individual applying for membership. Husband and wife will be considered an individual and together will have one vote. A "Center" will also be considered one membership. A Center is defined as an individual artist responsible for design, quality control and direct supervision of paid employees.
STANDARD GUILDLINES
The Guild markets handmade (defined as using hand tools or hand directed machine tools), high quality, traditional and contemporary, functional and decorative crafts and fine art.
We will not accept commercial or manufactured molds or kits; manufactured merchandise; toxicity in a finished piece, or non-original designs unless the designs are clearly labeled as a reproduction.
All items submitted for jury are reviewed by the Guild’s Standard Committee, a seven member panel of Guild artists, each a master in a different medium. Entries are judged on craftsmanship, design, quality, or appropriateness of materials, and the detailed explanation of the artistic process.
Shipment of Jury Items:
Be sure to address all packages to the attention of the Standards Committee.
Enclose the application and fee with your product. If your items are hand delivered, You may pick them up after you have received notification of jury results. If your items were shipped, enclose with your application appropriate Postal or UPS fees for return shipment.
Although every precaution will be taken to protect your crafts, the Arkansas Craft Guild cannot be held responsible for the theft of, or damage to submitted items. Please insure your shipment.
Shipping and Mailing Address:
Arkansas Craft Guild
ATTN: Standards Committee
104 E. Main St, P.O. Box 800
Mountain View, AR 72560
Notification and Return of Samples:
Notification of jury results will be mailed approximately two weeks following the jury session. Results are confidential and not available over the phone. All applicants will receive written notification. Items will be returned to you within one week after notifications are mailed. It is Guild policy for the Board of Directors to meet after the Standards Committee to review and confirm all jury results.
Acceptance and Benefits:
If your work is accepted by the Standards Committee and you are invited to become a member of the Guild, you will become a stockholder of the cooperative. There is a one-time stock certificate fee of $10. Yearly membership dues of $50 are due in January of each year and must be paid before the Annual meeting in March in order for you to be able to vote at the meeting. Dues not paid by the Annual meeting will be deducted from your next purchase order payment.
When dues are paid, a membership card, membership handbook plus the stock certificate for one share of Guild stock will be sent to the new member. The Guild offers its members a voice in the operation of the Guild with one vote per membership at the Annual meeting. Each member is guaranteed automatic acceptance and a $50 discount in booth fees at all Guild shows. We offer opportunities to participate in special marketing and promotional events. Members enjoy free admission to all Guild shows and a 10% discount on any purchase from any of the Guild galleries. You will receive quarterly newsletters, and are offered the possibility of having your product carried in the Guild retail shops. It is the member’s responsibility to contact the shop and provide the shopkeeper with a current wholesale price list and promotional materials. Some conditions and restrictions may apply. All work is consigned on a 50/50 basis.
We wish you luck and success with your jury. Any further questions please contact theGuild office. 870-269-3897 or E-mail: arkcrafguild@mvtel.net
Crafts
Acceptable Media Designations
Basketry….Beading….Bead Making….Broom Making…Candles..
Two Dimensional Fine Art
All Media including: Calligraphy….Photography…Printmaking…
*All prints must be hand pulled by the artist. Commercially reproduced prints of original works are unacceptable.