HOW TO APPLY FOR TOUCHSTONE GALLERY MEMBERSHIP

Touchstone Gallery maintains an active membership of a large number of artists, and is always screening for new members.  We are looking for artists both with a developed body of work, and those fresh out of art school looking for an established gallery in which to begin their careers. 

We have a reputation for exhibiting contemporary work of the highest quality, vision and innovation.  As member/owners, Touchstone artists enjoy the right to guide gallery policies and control their own exhibitions. 

Touchstone Gallery juries artwork during membership meetings.  The jury is composed of the Touchstone members in attendance.  A 2/3 majority of the voters is required for acceptance.

If you would like to apply for membership, pleased email the Membership Chair, Colleen Sabo, colleensabo@comcast.net, who will provide you with additional information on the application procedures listed below.  Colleen can also be reached by phone at 301 855 6128.

1. 1. Name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, and your website address if available; 

2. 2. Resume, including shows, art experience, education, membership in art-related groups, awards, and all career and volunteer experience;

3. 3. If you do not have a website, please include digital photos of seven-ten pieces of your latest completely original artwork, (demonstrating a consistent and well-developed style).  Avoid submitting a non-cohesive body of work or work from different periods of your artistic development; references to more than one distinct series may be included in the application;

4. 4. Your medium(s) and approximate price range;

5. 5. Your artist’s statement -- a paragraph describing the influences forming your current work and what this work is about from your point of view;

7. 6. Letter of Recommendation -- from an instructor/mentor;  a Touchstone member; or another individual who has greatly influenced your artistic development; ­­­­­­­­­or a person who knows you well;

After your application has been received, the jury date is scheduled. When you bring your works to the Gallery for jury, your presentation should be finished, ready for viewing, i.e., framed using professional quality materials and ready to hang or display, or in final form for ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media. 

The Membership Chair will call after the meeting to inform you of the jury’s decision.  If you are voted into the gallery, you may become a “Full” or “Show” member on the first day of the following month.  The gallery director will arrange a meeting with you at a mutually agreeable time, to complete business arrangements and acquaint you with the gallery’s operation. 

If a membership vacancy is not available, you may become a Member Elect and your name will be added to a waiting list.  The Membership Chair will keep you apprised of your status on the waiting list. 

Membership Information

*There is a onetime $100.00 initiation fee for first time members

Full Membership
A. Benefits
Solo show after a minimum of 24 months membership.  Solo show every other year thereafter
At least one work in annual All-Member shows & at least one work in monthly group shows
Bin space for storage of additional 2 pieces which are presented to potential buyers who show interest in a particular artist
Participation in other exhibition opportunities arranged by the gallery, i.e., exchange shows, off site shows, etc
Multiple images represented on Gallery web site & promotional notebook kept in the Gallery
Publicity in weekly newspapers & online blogs
Vote on matters before the membership.

B. Responsibilities
Membership dues of $150 per month*
40% commission on work sold by the gallery
25% commission on work sold due to gallery referral
Gallery staffing one day a month.
Serving on one of the active gallery committees
Attendance at monthly meetings

Show Membership
A. Benefits
Same as full membership
Artist is not required to participate on committees,
Staff a workday in the gallery, nor attend monthly meetings

B. Responsibilities
Current Membership dues of $240 per month*
40% commission on work sold by the gallery
25% commission on work sold due to gallery referral

Associate Membership
A. Benefits
This category is available after a person has been a Full or Show member for at least two years
Same as full membership except no solo show will be scheduled.

B. Responsibilities
Same as full membership except for the solo show
Current Membership dues of $120 per month*
40% commission on work sold by the gallery
25% commission on work sold due to gallery referral
Gallery staffing one day a month.
Serving on one of the active gallery committees
Attendance at monthly meetings

Inactive Membership
A. Benefits
Annual fee of $385 Display of at least one piece of work in two all member shows and one Expanded All-member show annually.  Representation on the gallery’s website and photo portfolio in the gallery

B. Responsibilities

Must be a Full or Show Member for two years before shifting to this category; can be renewed only once for a cumulative total of two years.                       

May join again after two years, but a re-jury will be required 

Emeritus Membership
A. Benefits
Non-dues paying member with a voice and a vote. (revised 9/23/12)
Designation is an honorary recognition for 20 years meritorious service and contributions

B. Responsibilities
May be called upon to serve on the Board or an appropriate committee as needed for expertise and historical perspective, or on a particular committee of The Touchstone Foundation for the Arts.
May exhibit a piece of art in one expanded All-Member exhibit each year.
Their names shall appear in monthly roster member lists.
They will receive minutes (newsletters) of member meetings and invitations to Touchstone All-Member exhibitions.