Joining the Palette & Chisel is easy. Come to a workshop and introduce yourself. Ask two artist members to sponsor your application. Click here for form.
Palette & Chisel Academy is an educational institution serving individuals who want to advance their talents and interests in the visual arts. Membership consists of more than 200 artists nationwide, all seeking to advance their artistic growth by continuing to educate themselves through the P&C's classes, exhibitions and critiques, workshops, videos, and interaction with other artists. The primary standard for membership is that the artist has the skills and maturity required to work independently.
The application form and submitted works are reviewed and voted on by the Board of Managers at the regular monthly meetings. Notification of acceptance or denial is given by phone and in writing. Membership is available to those 18 years and older. The Palette & Chisel is a not-for-profit organization providing equal opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin and in full accordance with state and national policies pertaining to age, and veterans status.
New members enter as Associate Members. After a year of Associate Membership in good standing, Associate Members will be invited to become Artist Members, with added privileges and responsibilities.
Associate Member Dues:
- Residents of Chicago and surrounding areas:
- Associate Resident Members pay $360 per year, payable quarterly.
- Non-Residents ('living outside a 100 mile radius of Chicago):
- Non-Resident Workshop Members pay $150 per year.
- Non-Resident Basic Members pay $45 per year. All benefits (except free access to workshops) are included.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER BENEFITS
Open Studio
The P&C offers approximately 63 hours a week of model time at no cost to members. The daily open studios offer no instruction, but present a wonderful opportunity to develop and master techniques already learned, and to encounter the perspectives and techniques of other artists. Participants are welcome to use any medium. The P&C provides easels, watercolor tables, and oil based clay.
Classes
Members receive discounts on classes and visiting-artist workshops held each year. Members with teaching experience or credentials may be eligible to rent space to teach a class.
Exhibitions
The P&C gallery, housed in the Academy's main building, offers exhibition opportunities for members throughout the year. All members are eligible to exhibit in a variety of P&C sponsored exhibitions. These exhibitions require a small hanging fee per piece submitted. Members may also apply to coordinate their own individual or group show. The P&C receives 20% commission on all exhibition sales, except for the annual fundraising sales which claim 30% commission on all sales.
Facilities
Lockers and bins are available for rent at $10 per quarter. A key for building access is available for a $25 deposit. More than a dozen private studios are available for Artist Members to rent. The studios vary in size and rent ranging from $145 to $618 per month. Both buildings are open to members seven days a week and any available space may be reserved through the office for member use.
