Cowgirl Artists of America
Signature Member Application 2024
STOP! You must be a CGA member, and have completed your orientation and certification before applying to Signature.
Call Opens April 1 (12 AM Central)
Call Closes April 30 (11:55 PM Central)
$50 Application Fee
Artists hoping to become Signature Members must submit 5 pieces of work created within the last 2 years. The work does not need to be available for sale, but should be indicative of the artist's current style. Artist will also submit documentation showing their professional and exhibit history, along with an artist statement. Artists whose application makes it past the initial stage will have their website and social media accounts viewed before finalizing acceptance. The committee is looking for a high level of professionalism, and consistency in style and quality of work.
Getting juried in as a Signature Member is a very high honor in CGA. It is a rigorous process. We expect the highest level of professionalism when submitting your application. We understand that tech issues happen, but artists who wait until the last minute to submit their application may not have access to tech help. We do not recommend that new artists apply for Signature Membership. Without a professional history it is unlikely you will be accepted at this level. Artists who are working professionally, but not yet ready for Signature Membership may apply for Pro Membership.
Many Signature Members have applied multiple times before getting accepted. Your application needs to be impeccable, as errors or lack of professionalism in any portion can prevent you from being accepted. It is further recommended that you take a look at the work of current Signature Members to see the level and type of work that is being accepted. Further, ensure that your website is professional and up-to-date. An artist without a professional website will not be accepted as a Signature Member.
Jury process and evaluation:
Applications are reviewed by a jury of board members and jury committee members. Fine and traditional artists are welcome to apply. Artwork submitted will be evaluated on its first impression, composition, style, technique, craftsmanship, and cohesiveness as a body of work. We only accept artists working in the western genre into juried tiers of Cowgirl Artists of America. The Western genre is expansive and we do not have a preference for contemporary vs. traditional western art, or fine vs. traditional art. Further, we consider Indigenous cultural art and art by indigenous artists documenting the American West/ Western culture part of the Western genre, and welcome Indigenous artists to apply. If you are presenting Indigenous cultural arts please add your tribal affiliation to the description of your work.
Traditional and realist work will be evaluated on accuracy of representation.
Contemporary work will be evaluated on appearance of purposeful decision-making in composition and color choice.
Jurors will also take into account professionalism of documentation provided, the artists website, presentation of work (see below), and whether or not the artist followed submission instructions. Remember, Signature Membership is a selective professional distinction. Approach your application with care and thoughtfulness.
Images should be clear, sharp, and well-lit. Submissions of 2-dimensional work should be of the work only. (Do not submit photos of the work displayed on a wall or with decorative background. Do not submit images of works behind glass. Do not submit images of works with the frame, unless the frame is a part of the piece itself. Do not submit photos of works in progress. You should submit what you would sent to a printer for a reproduction.) Artists working in 3 dimensional media should photograph their work in a professional manner. Backgrounds should not be distracting. Think about how can you show off you work in the best way. Artists submitting 3-dimensional work may be asked to submit additional photos, upon review.
Artists may be asked for additional documentation or information should the jury require it to make an informed decision.
Your application fee is non-refundable, and acceptance is not guaranteed. Newer artists working at a professional level are strongly encouraged to apply for Pro, not Signature Membership.
We do our best to provide individualized feedback to artists who are not accepted, if we feel we have feedback that would be valuable. We do not guarantee that you will receive individualized feedback. If you don't receive individual feedback it is usually because one of the two following: 1- Your application was incomplete, had errors, or your documentation (such as your bio) needed work or 2- You need to continue honing your skills and developing your consistency. All applicant will receive notice of the status of their application by June 15th.
Please email info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org with questions.
