Artisan Information
You can also download a PDF file of how to apply for Artisan by clicking here.
Are you thinking of applying for Artisan Membership?
We hope the following will give you an idea of what the Selection Committee is looking for:
- Is your work of a quality that you are ready to apply for Artisan membership?
- Have you worked with your medium long enough to be innovative?
- It is very important that you send your best work, that it is creative and shows imagination. The committee is looking for something other than copies from a pattern book or something you did in someone else’s class. That could be the starting point, but build on it, making it your own.
- The Artisan Selection Committee evaluates many aspects of each applicant's submission including first impression, degree of difficulty, workmanship, adherence to scale and creativity. A weighted evaluation system is used and the applicant's work has to achieve a minimum total in order to pass. Grading is scored to 100 points. This is divided into the following: First Impression 10%, Degree of Difficulty 15% and Workmanship 75%.
First Impression
How is the work presented? What do you think of when you first look at the piece?
The way your work is presented is important. For example, if you are applying in the fine arts category, be sure to put your painting in an attractive, well made frame. State that the frame is yours if you made it, or if not, who made it. You will lose points on a poor frame, but not for using one made by someone else. Either way, the frame should be of equal quality to your painting. Likewise, if you are applying in the costume category, be sure to dress the best doll you can find. Remember that the accessories you choose are helping to present your work in the best possible light, so don’t overlook their importance.
Degree of Difficulty
You should be beyond the beginning level before you apply. You need to have worked in your category long enough to make it work for you. If you choose something too ambitious and don’t quite get it right, you will lose points. Find your level and do it well with creativity and imagination.
Workmanship
Your piece needs to be well made and in scale. Scale is very important and proportion is also very important—is the pot the right size for the plant, etc? Do the materials you are using lend themselves to miniatures or should you be looking for something better? Look for unusual material and different ways of handling them. Does the finished piece look realistic? The finishing and attention to detail need to be addressed. That extra touch is important. Use glass instead of acrylic. Seal the ends of silk ribbons so they don’t fray. Keep your work neat and clean. Make sure there is no glue showing. Finish furniture so it feels silky, not rough. Pieces should fit together to make a pleasant whole.
The Artisan Process
There are four categories of membership within the International Guild of Miniature Artisans, LTD: General Membership, Family Membership, Artisan Membership and Fellow Membership. Anyone may join as a General member or be added as a Family member. This would include all persons who are interested in miniatures, whether they collect, build, sell or just enjoy the world of miniatures.
The next category, that of Artisan, is one of the most sought after designations in the Guild. To become an Artisan, one must submit samples of ones work to be evaluated by the members of the Artisan Selection Committee. This committee is composed of Fellow, Artisan and General members.
You must be a member of IGMA for at least one year immediately prior to applying for Artisan Membership status. Should you desire to apply for Fellow membership in the future, you need to have been an Artisan member for at least a continuous two years and five months immediately prior to applying for Fellow member status.
The Application
To start the process, contact, Misty Barth, Artisan Selection Committee Chairperson or Carol Hardy, Guild Administrator.
Upon receipt of your request for an application, you will be entered into our computer and be sent an application form and a cover letter giving complete information and the schedule of the next evaluation. The applicant pays an application fee of $50 when sending in the forms and items to be evaluated by the Artisan Selection Committee.
The Artisan Selection Committee evaluates once a year, in May in conjunction with the May meeting of the Board of Trustees. The successful applicants’ names are then presented to the Board of Trustees at their meeting for final approval. The successful applicant then receives an Artisan Certificate stating their name, date and category in which Artisan status was attained.
Field evaluations are available only for those who wish to submit very large structures or landscapes. They will be conducted at the February Guild Show only and will be considered as a May submission. Application forms should be requested by the previous October.
It is strongly urged that Artisan certificates be displayed if Artisans take part in miniature shows. They have earned this special distinction and the honor may be displayed but only as long as they remain Artisan members of IGMA.
Some of the Artisan applicants, unfortunately, do not earn the required points to become an Artisan. In each case, a letter is sent to the applicant clearly stating why the submission was not successful. It is hoped that those comments are received as being constructive.
Points to Remember
Applicants may reapply at any time, and many are successful in their next attempt. The initial fee of $50 covers three attempts at becoming an Artisan but only as long as they remain active members of IGMA and do not drop their membership. A second fee, also valid for three more attempts, must be paid if attempting for the fourth time.
Please remember to send your very best work. No matter how great your reputation as a craftsman is, the committee can only evaluate you on the pieces you submit. We have had people tell us that they need their best pieces for a show. If that is the case, remember that we have your pieces for only a short time. We try to make the deadline for submissions as close as possible to our evaluation and board meeting. Your pieces are returned within ten days thereafter.
Please note: Board of Trustee Members are not permitted to apply for Artisan or Fellow Membership status while serving on the Board. If you are anticipating running for office, consider carefully whether you will be content to wait until your tenure ends before applying for Artisan.
To Request an application contact:
Misty Barth, Artisan Selection Chairperson
17 Whitney Glen
Westport, CT 06880-3757
Tel 203-221-9261
Email: mistybarth@aol.com
or
Carol Hardy
P.O. Box 629
Freedom, CA 95019-0629
Tel 1-800-711-IGMA
Tel (Outside US): 831-724-7974
Email: info@igma.org
Fax: 831-724-8605
©1999-2007 International Guild of Miniature Artisans, Ltd.
