About Artist Membership

Prospective members must be established craftspersons producing high quality work in saddlemaking, western silversmithing, rawhide braiding, or the making of bits & spurs. Membership requires a commitment to fine craftsmanship and to the mission of the TCAA. Participation in ongoing educational programs is expected of all members, including lectures, seminars and mentoring fellow craftsmen. Attendance is required at a business meeting each spring and at our TCAA Annual Exhibition and Sale in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Active members also contribute yearly dues in an amount determined annually by the membership. A standardized format has been adopted to ensure fair and equal consideration. The TCAA does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.

Beginning in 2009 all applications for TCAA membership must be in on/or before June 1^st each year. Applications are reviewed at the annual meeting in September. An applicant must be available at the Museum the Friday morning of our annual meeting for an introduction to the membership and interview. A written secret ballot determines successful candidates. A three-fourths affirmative vote is required for election to membership. Results are held in strict confidence, with the applicant and all members simultaneously receiving written notification. No results are released to applicants or members during this event. First-time applicants are required to attend our TCAA Annual Exhibition and Sale. Complimentary admission is provided as guests of the TCAA. Repeat applications do not require attendance.

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TCAA Member Responsibilities

When an individual becomes a member of the TCAA they agree to accept the responsibilities of membership. These responsibilities are:

• Pay yearly dues in the amount of $300.00, or as determined by the membership at the fall meeting.
• Attend two meetings each year (spring and fall) at their own expense, and to actively and knowledgeably participate in decision making at the meetings.
• Choose and actively participate in committee groups within the Association, make decisions on policy, bylaws, finances, education, and all other Association business.
• Participate in workshops at the Museum or elsewhere as an instructor, assistant instructor, speaker, demonstrator, support staff or host.
• Accept students, upon participating member's approval, at their personal shop as instructor / mentor under the TCAA mentorship program.
• Continue their personal education in their field of study at their expense.
• Personally make at least two, one-of-a-kind pieces of the highest quality for Exhibit and Sale every year at the NCWHM, delivered by the deadline with no guarantee of sale, at their own expense. These pieces must be made for the exhibit and sale of that year and not have been offered for sale prior to the exhibit and sale at the NCWHM.
• Fairly and honestly critique and judge work, based on its merits, submitted by individuals applying for membership in the Association.
• Act in a professional manner while at TCAA functions and events as well as when dealing with customers and public, keeping in mind they represent the TCAA and what it stands for at all times.

Description of Application Portfolio

General Information

Photos and biographical information must be submitted in clear sheet protectors in a standard three-ring binder. Any application not in this format cannot be accepted and will be returned to the sender.

Biography

A brief biography including awards and accomplishments and a statement of what you would like to accomplish as a TCAA member.

Photographs

A minimum of 12 photographs in total, including details of three or more pieces of work completed solely by the applicant within the year preceding the date of application. Prints only, color or black and white, no slides or transparencies. Date each photo with the date the piece was completed.

Examples of work

Three pieces of actual work (one piece if applying as a saddlemaker) completed solely by the applicant in the past year must accompany the application. Pieces may be shipped or hand-delivered to the museum prior to the Annual Meeting. Arrangements must be made in advance with the Curator of Cowboy Collections before the piece or pieces can be brought into the museum. All work submitted is the responsibility of the applicant and the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association assumes no liability or responsibility for the items submitted.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Contact

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