Membership as a Furniture Master
We are a group of Makers who work daily on our craft, and produce work that is recognized around the country. We all do this as our primary vocation. This is not a hobby or a pastime, and requires years of experience to gain the insight into the techniques and designs that are of interest to our clients, as well as the business skills that allow us to continue. Our definition of furniture is fluid, and may contain items that to some may appear more like sculpture.
There are two categories of initial membership:
Invited Artist – This is a person with at least six years of experience in the design and making of furniture as a vocation, and with an independent “voice” in the design of your furniture. After you have been an Invited Artist for one year, you are allowed to apply for full status as a Furniture Master. Your acceptance will depend on your growth as an artist, your work with the Furniture Masters organization during that year, and a vote of the membership.
Emerging Artist – If you don’t have six years of experience, but show exceptional skill in both design and technique, you may qualify for Emerging Artist status. This is primarily intended for recent graduates of furniture programs around the country. After you have been an emerging artist for two years, you are allowed to apply for full status as a Furniture Master. Your acceptance will depend on your growth as an artist, your work with the Furniture Masters organization during those two years, and a vote of the membership.
Process
A Furniture Master will be assigned to guide you through the process, and will help you get your portfolio of pieces in good order and will forward them along to the Standards Committee for preliminary review. The Standards Committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors, and the Board has the final decision on membership.
If you are not accepted, you are welcome to apply again every year, for as long as you wish, showing the growth of your work and your track record of improvement.
If you ARE accepted, you will be expected to attend meetings (currently every two months on the first Tuesday of each month), participate fully in the group’s activities and assume duties that support the group’s activities. There is a separate listing of financial requirements for the Furniture Masters, which depends on your status. You may request that listing before you apply. Please contact the Masters by email and we will forward a copy to you.
Interested in becoming a Furniture Master?
We would love for you to join us. Please contact us at [email protected] with some information about you and your experience. We look forward to talking with you!