Membership

About the Open Call

This opportunity provides various membership tiers to artists dedicated to traditional, representational art in the oil medium. Associate Membership ($80) is open to all oil artists, allowing them to jury for national shows and participate in online showcases. International Associate Membership ($80) offers digital benefits and eligibility for online competitions for artists outside the US, Canada, or Mexico. Signature Status ($80 application fee, requires meeting exhibition criteria) and Master Signature Membership (by invitation, exceptional merit) are available for established members. Student Membership (free, ages 14-23) offers participation in an annual student art competition and webinars. Student Associate Membership ($40, ages 14-23) includes participation in all shows and online showcases. Collectors’ Circle Membership ($80) is for art enthusiasts and collectors, offering exclusive event access and newsletters. Gallery Membership ($80) allows galleries representing OPA members to be listed in the Gallery Preview. Application processing takes 2-3 weeks, and payment is required upon application.

What is Offered

Membership benefits include eligibility to jury for national and regional shows (for Associate and Signature members), participation in online showcases, access to digital newsletters and catalogs, online presentations (Lunch & Learn webinars, Virtual Museum Road Trip archives), opportunities for professional development, networking with peers, and supporting the preservation of representational art. Student members gain access to an annual student art competition. Collectors' Circle members receive exclusive event invitations and VIP reception access.

Requirements

All artists must work in the oil medium. Specific membership types have additional requirements: Associate (oil artists), International Associate (oil artists outside US/Canada/Mexico), Signature (exhibition history in OPA shows), Master Signature (exceptional merit, usually requires Signature status), Student (ages 14-23, interest in oil painting), Student Associate (ages 14-23, oil medium), Collectors’ Circle (art lovers/collectors), Gallery (represents at least one current OPA member).

How to Apply

For new Associate Members, apply online by filling out the application and paying dues, or apply by mail by printing an application and sending dues. Renewing members can log in to their account or mail a check to Oil Painters of America PO Box 2488 Crystal Lake, Illinois 60039-2488. Signature and Master Signature applicants must submit specific applications between June 1 and October 15 (Signature) or by September 1 (Master Signature). Student memberships apply online.