Artist Member Candidates

Artist members who are in good standing under these bylaws and whose work is accepted and exhibited in three DWS juried competitions, although not necessarily consecutively. Artist members may then apply for signature status and use the initials “DWS” after their signatures. Artist members must possess high-caliber artistic skill and submit a resume or background history to become an Artist member. To retain Artist member status, the member must also remain active by exhibiting with the Society at least once a year. Abstaining from such exhibits means they will be removed from membership and will have to reapply.

Annual Juried Show

This is open to all DWS members who pay the required entry fees. Anyone accepted into the show receives a show catalog and pays a commission for all works sold, a portion of which is retained by the DWS.

Awards

Monetary awards and/or ribbons are given as prizes in the annual show. Honorable mention and merit awards have no monetary status.

A monetary donation or juror fee may be given to the exhibit judge.

Selection of Judges for the Annual Juried Show

The committee chair for the annual show will recommend to the Executive Board juror candidates for the show. After the Board approves the judge(s), the committee chair for that year’s show extends the invitation to the judge.

Juror Criteria

Criteria for selecting the judge include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Recognition from membership in national art organizations, published articles and books, well-known instructor, exhibitions and gallery shows;
• Judging expertise;
• Ability to review, critique, and select entries, as well as provide written commentaries of the works; and
• Ability to work with the Society to promote the show and make suggestions for future judges.

Other shows or exhibits sponsored by the DWS require a predetermined entry fee per piece submitted, with a limit of three works per exhibit. The DWS requires a commission for all works sold.

Membership Dues

Membership dues are due on September 1. Membership is automatically terminated for members who do not renew their dues during the designated time of the year. To be reinstated, they have to fulfill requirements again.

Newsletter

Newsletters are mailed or emailed periodically throughout the year. Information for the newsletter must be provided to the editor by the first of the preceding month of publication. Information can be sent in written format, on a disk, or by email.

Sponsored Trips and Workshops

DWS will refund money for trips and workshops cancelled because of circumstances beyond its control—e.g., weather, sickness. Individual refunds may be given to individuals who notify DWS two weeks in advance of the trip and provided there is a substitute participant.