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BECOME AN ARTIST MEMBER

​The Hamilton County Artists' Association (HCAA) has been around since 1950, and is the only juried arts organization in Hamilton County, Indiana. We are committed to continuing past traditions and embracing exciting artist opportunities in the future.

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HCAA now has several membership and media types, and applications may be submitted at any time. Only the Juried Artist Membership level has a nonrefundable application fee ($50) and requires participation in the jury selection process, which takes place by a qualified selection committee three or four times per year.

 

If an artist is not juried in, they will be offered either a Patron (at no additional cost) or a Basic Artist Membership (for $25) for the first year. They must wait one year before applying again. If an artist is juried in, their first year's dues will be prorated based upon the next full month after they are accepted. After that, they will be asked to renew at the start of the year, along with other existing juried and emeritus members.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@hcaa-in.org. Thanks!

non-refundable
JURIED MEMBER APPLICATION FEE
$50

Media Categories:

  • Photography

  • 2D (Not Photography)

  • 3D

  • Digital Art*

Basic Artist Member: For emerging, less active or out-of-area artists.

 

  • Cost & Expectations: $75 annual dues + 10 volunteer hours (see below). Does NOT need to live in Hamilton County.  Dues renewal annually based upon which month they first applied.​

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  • Benefits include:

    • Noblesville Creates “Connect” membership

    • Free monthly art demonstrations to help you develop as a professional artist

    • 10% discount on workshops/classes held at The Birdie Gallery

    • 50% discount on rental cost for use of The Birdie Gallery

    • Additional discounts on juried exhibits and Art Fair fees

    • Voting on matters pertaining to the operations and events of the Association

 

  • Note: Basic Artist members are not eligible for the 4 primary HCAA Juried Member exhibits in 2025, but can apply for Midwest, Open Lens, Art Fair on the Square, and other exhibits and events.​

 

 

Juried Artist Member: For professional artists living in Hamilton County who want to sell art, connect with other artists and improve their business skills.

 

  • Cost & Expectations: $125 annual dues + 10 volunteer hours (see below) + at least 1 committee + attend at least 3 member meetings a year. Must be selected by the Jury Committee.

  • Must be a current or former resident of Hamilton County, IN.

  • Actively serve on at least one committee per year.

  • Actively volunteer for projects and exhibits, working with other members to assist the success of the HCAA programs.

  • Volunteer to contribute snacks and or beverages for meetings and First Fridays.

 

  • Benefits include:

    • Public use of HCAA Juried Artist designation

    • Free monthly art demonstrations to help you develop as an artist

    • Sale of your original artwork in HCAA exhibits

    • Sale of your prints, cards, and small 3D items in The Birdie Gallery Gift Shop

    • Noblesville Creates Connect membership

    • 10% discount on workshops/classes held at The Birdie Gallery

    • 50% discount on rental cost for use of The Birdie Gallery

    • Additional discounts on juried exhibits and Art Fair fees

    • Voting on matters pertaining to the operations and events of the Association

 

  • Note: Members who do not meet the annual expectations will not be eligible to be a juried artist member the next year. They will move down to Basic Artist Member in the following year.

 

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Emeritus Artist Member: For retiring artists who have made significant contributions to HCAA or for high-reputation artists throughout the state.​

 

  • Cost & Expectations: $75 with 10+ volunteer hours (see below), or $150 for no volunteer hours (can be sponsored).

 

  • Benefits include:

    • Public use of HCAA Emeritus Artist designation

    • Free monthly art demonstrations to help you develop as an artist

    • Sale of your original artwork in HCAA exhibits

    • Sale of your prints, cards, and small 3D items in The Birdie Gallery Gift Shop

    • Noblesville Creates Connect membership

    • 10% discount on workshops/classes held at The Birdie Gallery

    • 50% discount on rental cost for use of The Birdie Gallery

    • Additional discounts on juried exhibits and Art Fair fees

    • Voting on matters pertaining to the operations and events of the Association

 

  • Note: Must be nominated by a member of the organization and approved by the board.

EMERITUS MEMBERSHIP BY INVITATION ONLY
requires HCAA Board approval

BASIC ARTIST MEMBER
no residency requirement

Add-ons: Additional benefits available only to paying members

  • Showcases - Month-long exhibit in a space HCAA can access like the Birdie Gallery: $200

  • Open Studios Devotee - Pre-pay for all bi-weekly Thursday night figure drawing sessions (with live model): $200  

  • Rent The Facility - Members get a 50% discount

  • Dark Room Access - Members get a 50% discount

  • Other add-ons may be added throughout the year

Definition of Volunteer Hours: Time committed to meeting the organization's obligations, representing the organization, or getting things done for the organization. Volunteer Hours do not include committee meetings, board meetings, or planning. Signup Genius will be used to track hours. Examples of volunteer hours include:

  • Exhibit set-up

  • Serving as a docent for official HCAA exhibits in Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, or Midwest or Open Lens

  • Facility maintenance, i.e. mowing, cleaning, replacing lightbulbs, etc.

  • Receptions, i.e., set up, hosting, serving drinks, or cleanup

  • Assisting with a rental event

  • Assisting with open studio, classes, workshops, or art camps (unless you are being paid as an instructor)

  • Representing HCAA at fairs, pop-up events, community events, etc.

  • Office work approved by the board

  • Doing an unpaid demonstration at a member meeting

​​If a juried artist member does not complete their 10 volunteer hours in a 12 month timeframe, they will not be eligilble for Juried status the next year, and instead will only be eligible for Basic Artist Membership for the following year.

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*What is digital art?

Digital art is any artwork that draws upon digital technology as an essential part of its creative process. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, from digital drawings, paintings, and illustration, to photos, videos, and even sculpture. 

 

Original Working Files Request: During the review period, artists may be requested to provide all original working files. These files should include unlocked layers and other editable formats, allowing for easy validation of authenticity.

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AI Usage Prohibition: The use of AI at any level is strictly prohibited. Submissions must be exclusively created by the artist, reflecting their integrity and personal craftsmanship.

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Process Explanations: Artists may be asked to provide detailed explanations of their creative process. Sharing knowledge and techniques in the emerging field of artistry enhances our collective understanding and appreciation of the craft.  Examples of the creative process may include sketches, illustrations, thumbnails, mindmaps, mood boards, aesthetics boards, etc. 

JURYING CRITERIA

Below is a link to the rubric that our selection committee will be looking at as they view the submissions from prospective artists. Please look it over to see what they will be looking for when they look at your work. They will be taking into consideration both the artwork, as well as the artists' statement and experience.

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