Art organizations are essential, especially when you’re looking for a fast track to build your art career. Organizations that offer their members exhibition opportunities and networking are priceless, especially when it is difficult for most artists to receive gallery representation. Whatever your style, medium or career level, there are art organizations to fit your needs. In this article I offer several valuable art organizations for artists that have been in existence for decades.
As you will find out when you visit their websites, each art organization is different in its overall mission, structure, activities and membership benefits. When you choose the organization you are interested in, I suggest you follow them on social media and subscribe to their email newsletters to get current updates about their activities.
American Watercolor Society
The American Watercolor Society is a nonprofit membership organization that began in 1866 to promote the art of watercolor painting in America. Each year the Society holds a juried exhibition of watercolors from artists throughout the world. They accept entries for their AWS Anniversary International Annual Exhibition open to all artists working in water soluble media which includes watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache and egg tempera on paper. Canvas is not accepted. Visit americanwatercolorsociety.org
Colored Pencil Society of America
The Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) was founded in 1990 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to artists working with colored pencil. With about 1600 members worldwide and over 25 district chapters in the U.S., CPSA provides opportunities for colored pencil artists to network. The Society provides two opportunities annually for colored pencil artists to exhibit their work. Both exhibitions offer cash awards and are juried in order to promote the highest aesthetic standards. One is an exhibition that takes place in a different city every year. The second opportunity is an online exhibition titled “Explore This!”. Visit CPSA.org
Glass Art Society
The Glass Art Society is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1971 whose purpose is to encourage excellence, to advance education, to promote the appreciation and development of the glass arts, and to support the worldwide community of artists who work with glass. The Society strives to stimulate communication among artists, educators, students, collectors, gallery and museum personnel, art critics, manufacturers, and all others interested in and involved with the production, technology and aesthetics of glass. Application for membership is open to anyone interested in glass. Membership includes a profile on website and an image gallery. Visit GlassArt.org
International Print Center of New York
IPCNY was established in Chelsea in September 2000 as the first and only nonprofit institution devoted solely to the exhibition and understanding of fine art prints. IPCNY fosters a climate for the enjoyment, examination and serious study of artists’ prints from the old master to the contemporary. It offers exhibition opportunities for contemporary artists through its “New Prints Program” which inaugurated the comprehensive program of exhibitions embracing all time periods and cultures. Launched in 2000 with Hard Pressed at AXA Gallery it continues today through its international and thematic exhibitions series. Visit ipcny.org
National Sculpture Society
National Sculpture Society (NSS), founded in 1893, promotes excellence in sculpture that is inspired by the natural world. It publishes Sculpture Review magazine and NSS SculptureNews, and provides scholarships, grants, exhibitions and competitions. It presents the Sculpture Celebration Conference that features programs such as panel discussions, demonstrations, information sessions, studio tours, and awards presentations. These educational programs are just a few of the ways NSS serves as a link between the public, sculptors, educators, and collectors. Visit NationalSculpture.org
International Sculpture Center
The International Sculpture Center (ISC) is a member-supported, nonprofit arts organization founded in 1960. The ISC was created with a vision that remains as strong today as it was over half a century ago, to advance the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique and vital contribution to society. ISC members include sculptors, collectors, architects, journalists, curators, historians, critics, educators, fabricators, galleries, museums and parks & gardens – anyone with an interest in and commitment to the field of sculpture. And to each member, the ISC offers a unique set of resources, opportunities and benefits. They also publish Sculpture magazine. Visit International Sculpture Center at sculpture.org
Pastel Society of America
Founded in 1972, The Pastel Society of America (PSA) is the oldest pastel society in America. It is largely responsible for the current renaissance of pastels in American art. The society’s annual exhibitions at The National Arts Club in New York, NY are the premier event for pastel artists in this country and abroad. PSA encourages artistic advancement through prestigious awards distributed during its annual exhibitions. Pastelists showing technical acumen and creative use of pastel techniques are awarded prizes for their achievements. Members winning three cumulative awards are named PSA Master Pastelists. Each year one noted artist is elected into PSA’s Hall of Fame. Visit PastelSocietyofAmerica.org
The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS)
IAPS was founded in 1994 as a non-profit organization representing pastel societies worldwide uniting in the common cause to demonstrate the validity and quality of pastel fine art.
One strong voice for the expanding presence of dry pastel as a major fine art painting medium. IAPS provides channels for awareness, communication and education. The Biennial IAPS Conventions bring together master pastelists, instructors, demonstrators, vendors, and exhibitors for a major educational and networking event. IAPS Juried Exhibitions showcase and bring award-winning pastel artwork to public venues.
IAPS represents pastel societies from around the world. IAPS Society Membership is available to qualified pastel societies. IAPS does not have individual memberships. When a pastel society becomes an IAPS Member Society then its individual artist members automatically become IAPS artist members and are eligible for IAPS membership benefits. Visit iapspastel.org
The Salmagundi Club
The Salmagundi Club was founded in 1871, and is one of the oldest art organizations in the U.S. The Club offers artist members the opportunity to exhibit their work in four to six exhibitions a year. That includes the Spring and Fall Auction Exhibitions in which members’ paintings are auctioned off for the mutual benefit of the artist and the Club. In the spirit of camaraderie, it brings together members with similar interests. It also provides members with access to the Club’s extensive art library. Member dues are often paid for by proceed earned from sales of artwork. All applications are submitted to the Admissions Committee for consideration, and the work of candidates for artist membership is also reviewed by the Art Committee. Application forms are available in the front office at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10003 by writing, or calling the office secretary at (212) 255-7740. Visit salmagundi.org
National Cartoonists Society
The National Cartoonists Society is the world’s largest and most prestigious organization of professional cartoonists. It currently includes over 500 of the world’s major cartoonists, working in many branches of the profession, including comic books, editorial cartoons, animation, webcomics and other online platforms, newspaper comic strips and panels, gag cartoons, greeting cards, advertising, magazine and book illustration and more. Membership is limited to established professional cartoonists, with a few exceptions of outstanding persons in affiliated fields. Visit nationalcartoonists.com
National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society
In 1991, the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society was founded. In an interview with Ober-Rae Starr Livingstone, member of the Board of Directors of this organization, he stated, “NOAPS supports artists around the world in striving for artistic excellence by recognizing great art, enriching education, enhancing skills, challenging abilities and expanding marketing opportunities. Its focus is on providing an environment that inspires artists, evolves talent, and creates a venue in which to display artistic talent and nurture achievement and success while having fun. This international organization is a leader in contributing to and influencing artists in their pursuit of artistic distinction.”
Artist membership is open to all artists worldwide who work in oil or acrylic media. At each of the two to three shows held annually at art galleries, NOAPS offers its members the opportunity to take a special workshop with a nationally recognized artist. Visit noaps.org
Independent Curators International (ICI)
Independent Curators International (ICI) is an organization that produces exhibitions, events, publications, and training opportunities for diverse audiences around the world. It is known as “a catalyst for independent thinking.” ICI connects emerging and established curators, artists, and institutions, “to forge international networks and generate new forms of collaboration.” The organization works across disciplines and historical precedents, and provides access to “the people, ideas, and practices that are key to current developments in the field, inspiring fresh ways of seeing and contextualizing contemporary art.” Visit curatorsintl.org
International Arts & Artists (IA&A)
IA&A is a nonprofit arts service organization entering its third decade. It is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and exposure to the arts internationally. IA&A fulfills its mission by providing programs and services to artists, arts institutions, cultural organizations, and the public.
One of its many endeavors, IA&A manages over 30 traveling exhibitions each year, with 15 to 20 exhibitions on view at any time in museums around the world. IA&A produces another 30 exhibitions and a multitude of programs in its Hillyer Art Space in Washington, DC; sponsors over 100 J-1 visitors in cultural institutions across the United States.
It also facilitates U.S. Department of State-approved visas for international interns, trainees, and scholars at arts and cultural-related organizations throughout the U.S.
It operates a Design Studio for its own graphic art needs, as well as provides high-quality, affordable print and digital media services to art institutions, artists, nonprofits and businesses. Visit artsandartists.org
Society of Animal Artists
The history of the SAA began in the 1950s, individuals from the New York metropolitan area who liked to meet and paint at the Bronx Zoo together staged “Animals in Bronx Zoo” at the Burr Gallery. It was sponsored by the New York Zoological Society in 1958. Patricia Allen Bott and Guido Borghi were two visionaries who sought to reposition animal art as an important contemporary art form by creating a community of like-minded artists. Early exhibitions were held in various galleries such as Sportsman’s Edge, Grand Central Art Galleries and the Alder Gallery. (All in New York City) The SAA website was established in late 2000. It showcases members’ artwork, news about SAA exhibitions, and more. Artist membership is currently determined by jury twice a year. Patron memberships are accepted year round. Visit societyofanimalartists.com
National Association of Women Artist
New York City
The Mission of the National Association of Women Arts, Inc is to promote awareness of, and interest in, visual art created by women in the United States.
I’m sure you are familiar with this association
I was a member from 1980-2018 and was a VP of Florida NAWA👩🎨
NAWA is one of my favorite organizations. I have fond memories of having been invited to present talks to its members. You will find it often appears first in my articles about important organizations for women artists. In addition to the links I provide with this article, you can also use these links: Organizations That Advance The Status of Women Artists, Ways to Increase Equality for Women Artists, and more on this website. It is also the first organization featured in this article: Organizations That Serve Women Artists on the Manhattan Arts International website.
Hello Renee Phillips, thanks for this amazing article. I was wondering if you know about organizations and membership which are more recognized and have a strict policy for member acceptance. Thanks
Nimisha, I’m glad you enjoyed reading this article. There are many different types of artists organizations to choose from, depending on your style, medium, and career level. In addition to this article read about more here: International Arts Organizations and Their Services and Helpful Art Organizations and Resources and explore the Internet as well as your local arts councils.
Hello Renee!
I’m not sure if my last comment went through as I didn’t see it listed but wanted to reach out to you as I’ve just launched a new e-commerce platform for women called Made By Her. It’s an online marketplace where female artists and artisans can sign up to sell their work. (We have over 100 already!) We’re looking into different marketing options right now and really appreciated this post! If there’s any way you could include us in your next time you list art groups, I would greatly appreciate it! Feel free to email me with any questions you may have. Thank you for your time!
Hi Tiffany, Thank you for sharing information about your website for women artists “Made by Her” madebyher.com I wish you continued success and growth as you provide a valuable service for women who create art.
This is really very helpful Renee! Thanks for this Post.