3 Great Ways Artists Associations Benefit Your Career

Looking for a creative community that offers valuable support, career development and many benefits?

Join the Association of Artists!

Already a member? From volunteering to attending art exhibitions and workshops, there are many ways to get more involved.

We spoke with the President and CEO about the top three benefits of artist associations and how joining one can help you advance your career:

1. Get valuable knowledge

Be sure to attend association exhibitions if you can, whether you participate in them or not. Personally, I found that attending a show that didn't get me and seeing the work in person helped me understand why my work wasn't accepted. It also motivated me to work harder, improve my work, and try again.

Shows often host receptions and awards, where you can not only see all the entries, but also meet the show's judge and other artists, and see the awards being presented. Many associations also run educational programs to coincide with the opening of the exhibition. You can listen to speakers, watch programs and attend master classes.

This year at the American Impressionist Society exhibition, we offered a tour of the museum and three lectures: one on the history of impressionism, a presentation on art marketing, and one on color and painting the impressionist landscape.

We offered a three-day master class, and also made a coloring book for all participants, which was a lot of visitors and a lot of fun! The more organizations you belong to, the more opportunities you have: more exhibitions you can participate in, more learning opportunities, and more potential opportunities for your work.

2. Make great connections

Associations provide fantastic networking opportunities. In the art world, relationships are very important not only with other artists, but also with potential collectors and gallery owners.

Again, go to shows if you can, whether you work for them or not - it's a great way to connect with people. The more involved you are, the more people you will meet.

You can volunteer to help with various aspects of the organization. Participate in coloring and other activities the association has to offer. Artist associations often have a member-only Facebook group where they can post and share their work. The AIS Facebook group is a great place for our members to connect. They can post their work there regardless of whether they participate in our shows or not.

3. Boost your art career

Participation in an artists' association and its exhibitions can help you build your resume and earn recognition.

Many offer different levels of membership, including a subscription membership for those who meet certain criteria (such as attending a certain number of exhibitions). Many AIS members who have achieved signed membership tell us that it has helped their careers. This gives them more credibility in the eyes of collectors and galleries.

We are pleased to hear that we have helped so many artists and careers - it motivates us every day.

Artist associations are also a great way to get feedback so you can keep growing. Some organizations offer critique services. The first time I visited a national show (OPA) I signed up for a critique from a signed member and it was so helpful. I was not accepted to the exhibition, but I decided to go anyway on the advice of another artist friend of mine.

Not only was the criticism helpful, but again, being able to see the exhibition in person helped me understand why my painting was not accepted and encouraged me to work harder to improve and try again.

And the connections I made through attending the show have opened many doors and opportunities that have helped my career immensely.