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Standards
Review Information
The Standards Review is
an evaluation of the work by Guild members. Each member artist is
reviewed every three years. It is not a competitive jury. Rather,
artists’ work must meet a certain level of quality in order
to pass.
At all Guild art fairs,
representatives of the Standards Committee check artists’
work against their review images and note any breach of Guild Exhibition
Rules. Standards Review is the most serious aspect of Guild evaluation
system; serious violations may result in the loss of exhibition
privileges.
Standards
Review for the
2010, 2011 & 2012 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fairs
IMPORTANT: 2009 STANDARDS REVIEW INFORMATION
• All Guild Members must review in 2009 to remain
or become eligible to participate in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Ann
Arbor Summer Art Fairs. This includes all Exhibiting, Associate
and Artist Members.
• All Guild Members must review in 2009 to remain or become
eligible for any member benefits that are tied to the Standards
Review jury score.
• The 2009 Standards Review will be conducted on August 11.
• The deadline for applications is August 1, 2009. The Standards
Review will be a digital review through Juried Art Services (juriedartservices.com).
• The application will go live on www.juriedartservices on
May 15, 2009.
• There is no fee for the Standards Review.
• The Standards Review requires four artwork images and one
booth image.
• The results of the Standards Review will be emailed and/or
mailed beginning on August 14, 2009.
• Questions? Please contact Guild Program Manager, Nicole
McKay, 734.662.3382, ext. 101, or nicole@theguild.org.
Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is one of four official partner fairs
that comprise the award-winning and highly respected Ann Arbor Art
Fairs, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009. More than 500,000
people attend the event each year. The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer
Art Fair joined the partnership in 1970. The Summer Art Fair is
located in the heart of Ann Arbor stretching from its charming downtown
to the campus of University of Michigan. The fair has 375 artist
booths, an “Imagination Station” for young fair attendees,
art demonstrations and lively entertainment.
Membership Standards Review
In order to be eligible for the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, which
is the Guild’s premiere event, an artist must be a member
of the Guild and pass the “Standards Review.” The purpose
of the “Standards Review” is to ensure that all work
exhibited achieves the required level of quality and that Guild
rules are followed in the production of the work. Please review
the following information to ensure that you are aware of the rules
regarding eligibility and membership.
The Standards Review is conducted for the full membership every
three years. An annual Standards Review is conducted for new members
and for those members who either failed the scheduled review or
wish to review with new work or new images.
Fees & Eligibility
Guild Members:
All Guild Members are invited to jury. Upon passing the review,
Exhibiting, Associate and Artist Members will be eligible for the
next three years for the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and for any membership
benefits which are tied to passing the “Standards Review.
“ There is no fee for the Standards Review.
Non-Members:
If you are not a Guild member, but wish to have the opportunity
to exhibit in the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, you will need to either
become a member before the August 1st deadline or participate in
the “Non-Member Standards Review” to be held at a later
time. The application fee for non-members, which includes a one-year
membership in the Guild, is $45, single membership, or $60, joint
membership. A joint membership is reserved for no more than two
artists who work together to produce one body of work. Membership
must be renewed annually to maintain eligibility for the event.
If you are a non-member and would like to participate in the “Non-Member
Standards Review” or would like additional information please
contact The Guild’s Program Manager, Nicole McKay, 734.662.3382,
ext. 101 or nicole@theguild.org.
Please note: The “Standards Review” is conducted
to determine eligibility for the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair; it does
not guarantee a booth space in the event unless the artist has earned
Exhibiting Artist membership status.
Deadlines
• The Applications will be accepted online until midnight
EST. August 1, 2009. Applications received after the deadline will
be subject to a $25 late fee.
• If you are unable to submit an online application, please
contact The Guild for additional options and fees, 734.662.3382,
ext. 101.
Online Application Procedures for the Guild’s Standards
Review
• Go to http://www.juriedartservices.com/
(the Juried Art Services web site)
• Create your artist portfolio by completing the JAS application
and uploading your artwork images and booth images.
• Once you have an artist portfolio, you will select The Guild’s
“Member-Only Standards Review” from the JAS list of
scheduled items.
• The JAS system will automatically fill in your information.
You will select four (4) work images and one (1) booth image for
the “Standards Review.”
• If you are applying in two or more categories, please submit
an application for each medium. There are no fees for additional
categories.
• If you are applying in a non-jewelry category but wish to
exhibit a small amount of jewelry in your medium (no more than 15
percent of booth), please submit a separate application for jewelry.
There are no fees for additional categories.
• Review your application and submit.
Timeline
May: Announcement of Standards Review procedure in Guild Newsletter
May 15: Standards Review application goes live on JAS
May 26: Standards Information mailed and/emailed
June 30: Standards reminder emailed
July: Standards reminder in Guild Newsletter
July 27: Standards reminder emailed
August 1: Deadline for Standards Review applications
August 11: Standards Review
August 14: Begin email notifications of results
August 21: Begin mailed notifications of results (for those without
email addresses)
Background
The Guild of Artists & Artisans is a non-profit membership organization
of professional artists. It has a unique membership structure designed
by its founding artists. The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is reserved
for members only and has a tenured component. That is, booths are
set aside for members who have achieved Exhibiting Member status.
Exhibiting Member status requires several consecutive years of membership
and passing the “Standards Review,” which is a peer
jury evaluating creativity, design and technical skill.
New members join The Guild as Artist Members. They are invited into
the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair based on booth availability and jury
scores.
There is a keen demand for exhibiting status. It is the pinnacle
of Guild membership. There is no guarantee when or if this status
will be granted.
Only the Ann Arbor event employs this unique process; there is no
tenured component or membership requirement to participate in the
Guild’s additional events; however, Guild members do receive
discounts on both application and booth fees.
For more information or to determine if you are required to review,
please contact the Guild, 734.662.3382, ext. 101, or nicole@theguild.org.
Scoring
Artists will be judged on Design, Technical Competence, and Booth
Presentation:
• Design evaluates artistic vision, development of creativity
and overall success in the final product.
• Technical Competence evaluates the skills required to execute
the work, and includes the level of difficulty of the techniques
used, and how accomplished the artist is in using the chosen methods.
• Booth Presentation is an assessment of the artist’s
display and the overall visual impact of their booth.
• The highest possible score a juror can give is 10 (1 –
7 for artwork and 1 – 3 for booth display). There are 10 jurors
for the Standards Review; the highest possible score a Guild Member
can receive is 100. Members who receive a score of 54 and above
are eligible to exhibit for three years (if reviewing in assigned
review year) at the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair; members who receive
a score of 53 and below are ineligible to exhibit at the Ann Arbor
Summer Art Fair.
Event Location, Days & Times
2010 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, Wednesday, July 21 – Saturday,
July 24
2011 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, Wednesday, July 20 – Saturday,
July 23
2012 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, Wednesday, July 18 – Saturday,
July 21
Wed/Thurs/Fri 10 am – 9pm; Sat 10am – 6pm
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is located in Downtown Ann Arbor on
Main, Liberty & State streets.
Security
Overnight security will be provided Tuesday through Friday.
Electricity
The Guild expects to have electricity to all booth locations by
the 2010 event.
Important Information
By applying to Guild membership and events, artists verify that
they are responsible for the design and execution of their artwork
according to The Guild’s exhibition standards. In addition,
artists understand that The Guild of Artists & Artisans is not
liable for loss or damage to artwork or personal injury. Artists
will not be part of any legal action against The Guild or its personnel.
Artists understand and agree that The Guild may use images of their
artwork in advertising and promotion regarding all Guild programs
and events.
Guild Show Features
• Extensive advertising and promotion
• Professional and respectful art fair staff
• Well-provisioned artist hospitality tents
• Negotiated special rates for artists in nearby hotels and
motels
• Friendly booth sitters
• Professional, overnight security
• 100 free promotional postcards
Exhibition Standards
1. All work must be the original design of the artist. The essential
work required to make each finished piece must actually be done
by the artist. The only exceptions allowed are defined
in Rule #2.
2. The Guild reproduction policy, which applies to all media, is
as follows: No more than 25 percent of the work in an exhibitor’s
booth may be reproductions and each piece must be clearly marked
with the word “reproduction.” The presentation of the
reproductions must play a visually subordinate role to the entirety
of the exhibitor’s display. Determination of what constitutes
an original or a reproduction will ultimately be decided by The
Guild of Artists & Artisans. The decision of The Guild is final.
3. All work must be safe, non toxic, and fit for its intended use.
If any work requires special or limited use, this will be fully
disclosed and explained to the public.
4. Any commercially produced parts used in a work must play a subordinate
role and may not be sold separately. Beads must be made by the artist.
If the beads are not made by the artist, they must play a clearly
subordinate role in the finished piece.
5. Artists should avoid a mass produced, cluttered or commercial
appearance to their display.
6. The work exhibited by the artist must match the quality and balance
of the digital images submitted to either the “Standards Review”
or for the particular show into which the artist has
been juried.
Acceptability of Specific Work
In the past, The Guild has dealt with many questions about whether
specific work complies with our Exhibition Standards. Following
is a partial list of work that has been found to be unacceptable
in our events. This list is a guideline to help you determine if
your work will meet our requirements. Please note, however, that
this list is not exhaustive. If you have questions whether or not
your work complies with Guild regulations, please contact us. The
decision of The Guild is final. Unacceptable work includes, but
is not limited to:
• T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, and other commercially manufactured
clothes, no matter how embellished by the artist.
• Cut coin jewelry.
• Jewelry made of manufactured components.
• Beads must be made by the artist. If the beads are not made
by the artist, they must clearly play a subordinate role in the
finished piece.
• Stud earrings in commercial settings.
• Enamels on manufactured representational copper shapes.
• Manufactured belt buckles sold separately from the belts.
• Manufactured tiles with a design as a major component of
the piece.
• Dried flowers, whether they are in groups, arrangement,
or bouquets.
• Wreaths.
• Anything made in a commercial mold, in any medium.
• Tole painting.
• Dough art.
• Country crafts.
• CDs and tapes.
• Food.
Cancellation Policy/Refunds
1. In the event you must cancel a show, please notify The Guild
immediately, by calling 734.662.3382, ext. 105.
2. You are also required to put your cancellation in writing and
send or email it to The Guild’s art fair operations director,
Alan Bogl, alan@theguild.org or The Guild, 118 North Fourth Avenue,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1402,
3. If the cancellation is made at least 45 days before the event,
your booth fee will be refunded minus a $50 administration fee,
unless otherwise noted.
4. There are no refunds on cancellations made less than 45 days
before the event is scheduled to take place, unless otherwise noted.
5. There are no refunds of application or membership fees.
Exhibition Rules
• Rule 1: Exhibitors must comply with all local ordinances,
regulations and rules.
• Rule 2: Picture I.D. is required for fair registration and
must be presented upon the request of Guild staff or designee at
any time during the fair.
• Rule 3: By one hour prior to fair opening on the fair’s
first day, artists must have claimed their booth space by their
presence or, if necessary, by phone, or their booth space may be
resold; no refund will be issued.
• Rule 4: Member artists must be present at the fair no less
than 60 percent of each day. Member artists (and/or their artwork)
are not permitted to take part in any other Ann Arbor fair (official
or otherwise) during the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.
• Rule 5: Unless artists are notified officially of a fair
emergency by Guild staff, booths must be opened at the fair’s
starting time and remain open until the fair’s closing time.
Artist concerned with their personal safety may close. Artists are
expected to reopen as soon as the dangerous situation has ended.
• Rule 6: Rude, obscene or abusive language and/or threatened,
actual physical restraint and/or abuse of another Guild Member,
Guild staff or the general public are prohibited.
• Rule 7: On site consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited
during fair hours.
• Rule 8: Booth structure, display and artwork must not exceed
the limits of the assigned space. Booth substructure must not impede
water flow.
• Rule 9: All storage must be concealed neatly within the
assigned booth space. No blue or green plastic tarps may be used
to conceal storage.
• Rule 10: On Main and Liberty Streets, the use of sidewalks
and planters for display or storage is prohibited.
• Rule 11: Use of chairs and tables is limited as follows:
Each State Street booth is allowed two chairs and one table. The
table may not exceed 24”x 24”. No visible storage is
allowed within or on the table. Artists may not place personal belongings
on the University of Michigan grounds.
• Rule 12: Overhangs aren’t permitted on the fire lane
side of your booth (street side). Overhangs are permitted: 1) On
State Street booths on the sidewalk side; 2) In the rear of Main
Street booths, as long as the overhang does not extend over the
sidewalk; and, 3) On corner booths on any street, the overhang may
extend into the pedestrian aisle only. Overhangs many not exceed
30” and must be at least 80” above the curb; the overhang
may not interfere with any other exhibitor’s booth or the
traffic flow or be used for display, signs, etc.
• Rule 13: Pets aren’t permitted on the fair site.
• Rule 14: Signs that advertise sales or markdowns are prohibited.
Rules Violations: Decisions regarding rules compliance are determined
by the Rules Committee members or designated staff. Exhibitors found
to be in violation of the rules may be issued a “rules violation
notice.” Exhibitors must comply immediately upon notification
that they are in violation of the rules. If continued non-compliance
is observed, exhibitors may receive points for the rules violations.
Violations may be issued during the fair in person. In addition,
violations may be issued in writing within 30 days after the fair.
The Guild will send written notification to all exhibitors receiving
violations following the event. From one (1) to ten (10) points
may be assessed per violation. Accumulation of 10 points over a
three-year period results in the suspension of exhibiting privileges
for 13 months from the fair date of the of the violation which earned
the 10 point assessment.
Appeals: Exhibitors have the right to appeal the assessment of violation
points in person or in writing to the Rules Committee. The appeal
must be made within 60 days of the date of the rules violation notification
letter.
Rules Violations
There are two rules that are considered to be inviolable under any
circumstances:
1. Engaging in “buy-sell” practices, that is, buying
the work done by another and selling it as your own; or
2. Selling commercially produced reproductions of the work of another
artist.
Any exhibitor discovered engaging in either of these practices will
permanently lose exhibiting privileges at Guild events.
The Guild of Artists & Artisans is a non-profit, membership
organization of professional artists. Established in 1970, The Guild’s
mission is to promote community awareness, understanding and appreciation
of the visual arts and to maintain a support network for artists,
which provides educational, mentoring and marketing opportunities.
The Guild is recognized and valued for its ability to showcase independent
artists, bringing their artwork to the community via its juried
fine art and fine craft fairs. It is a trusted source for artist
and fairgoer alike.
Standards Review Information
Nicole McKay, Program Manager
The Guild of Artists & Artisans
118 N. Fourth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734.662.3382, ext. 101
nicole@theguild.org
www.theguild.org
Standards
FAQ
If I pass Standards
am I automatically in the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair?
To be eligible for participation in the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair,
a Guild Member must pass and continue to pass the Standards Slide
Review. However, a limited number of booths are available for the
Summer Art Fair and are assigned first to Exhibiting Members who
have passed the Review.
Why did I fail the
Review?
There are many possible reasons for failing the Review. For example,
the slides may be poorly shot or produced in a manner that does
not effectively show the work, the booth display may be weak or
poorly lit, or the work may not display the level of artistic or
technical expertise that is required to be in the Summer Art Fair.
It is important to remember that the only representation of the
artwork the reviewers see is the review slides. In order to have
the best possible slides, it is imperative that the artwork be professionally
photographed. It is also recommended that backgrounds be neutral,
that the work be appropriately lit, and that the booth be fully
visible and neatly arranged.
Why are people walking
around the Guild’s fairs with slides and taking pictures?
The Standards Committee charges individuals to compare slides that
are sent in for the Standards Review with the work that actually
appears on the street. This on-site review that has been performed
for many years and is an important element of the review process.
If the on-site reviewers or members of the Standards Committee find
any artists that are not incompliance with the Exhibition Rules
or displaying work that is varies significantly from their review
slides, the on-site reviewers will take a photograph for the record.
These photos are employed by the Standards Committee to determine
if there are possible violations.
Please contact The Guild
with any Standards questions or concerns. Nicole McKay is the staff
liaison with the Standards Committee. She can be reached by calling
734-662-3382, ext. 101 or emailing nicole@theguild.org.
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