Member Privileges
Membership in the Guild is not limited to just artists and is more than just paying dues. It is open to anyone who has an interest in art and would like to be a part of our community of talented people. The AAG offers many fun ways to get involved and these benefits are included in your membership fee.
- AAG Show: Being a current member of the AAG allows you to participate in our highlight exhibition of the year, our annual juried AAG Show (small entry fee required) for which our artists’ work takes over the entire Aiken Center for the Arts gallery. Cash awards are given for works in different categories as chosen by a professional judge.
- Exhibition opportunities: AAG members have the opportunity to display and sell their works at many local venues around Aiken such as the Aiken County Library, medical offices, and restaurants, just to name a few.
- AAG Gallery: The AAG Gallery is a dedicated space located off the main gallery in the Aiken Center for the Arts in downtown Aiken. AAG members current on their dues with both AAG and ACA are eligible to exhibit every two years, based on space availability, at no cost. AAG Gallery exhibits include a highly publicized opening reception open to the general public.
- Online Member Gallery: AAG member artists are encouraged to submit a profile and several images of their work to be included in this gallery on the AAG website. Your page in the Member Gallery is visible to the public and can be used to enhance your retail sales promotion and resume for entering art exhibits.
- Members-only Facebook group: Do you want to collaborate or share information with a large group of people? members have access to and can post on the AAG Facebook site. It is a great way to keep up with what is going on with the Guild and other members.
- Interest groups: Enjoy membership and build camaraderie with like-minded artists in your favorite special interest groups. These groups meet on a regular basis and are open to all AAG members, space permitting. Examples include the AAG Painting Group, the Abstract Group, art Conversations/Critique Group (non-members may attend for a small fee), and the Library Painting Group. Don’t see your interest? You can start your own group.
- Field trips: Learn about and experience art through field trips. These trips include visits to museums, other galleries, other artist guilds, and art events in and around Aiken to include a variety of artistic interests. These groups are selected by a committee and led by member volunteers. Our goal is to have at least two a year.
- Collaboration with other artists’ communities: The AAG collaborates, communicates, and coordinates with artists and art organizations. We encourage members to show their work at local shows, such as those at Better World Studios, the Aiken Center for the Arts, the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, Aiken Art Walk, Night of 1000 lights, etc.
- Volunteer opportunities: There are many ways to enjoy membership of the AAG and one of those ways is to volunteer. We welcome volunteers for events like local venue exhibits, the Aiken Art Walk, the Night of 1000 lights, Steeplechase, collaboration with Aiken Center for the Arts to support the annual Antique Show, and different committees, just to name a few opportunities. You can learn about many more opportunities and events in our newsletter and at the monthly meetings; or reach out to us at info@aikenartistguild.org.
Resources
This is a page for links and other useful information our members may need.
If you have an idea or suggestion for what should appear on this page, please email us at info@aikenartistguild.org. Thanks!
Wiring an art work for hanging
How to prepare a canvas for oil painting
How to stretch your own canvas
New Members: $40
Renewing Members: $40
Full-Time Student Members (Ages 17-24): $20
The membership year runs from July 1 through June 30. You may join or renew at any time during the year, but all memberships expire on June 30. Membership dues must be current to display at our shows and other venues.