Basic Requirements for Membership
Work Requirements
Members of Artists‟ Own, Inc work in a cooperative relationship. Each member must serve
on at least one of the committees overseeing store operations [Finance, Display, MAP
(Membership, Accountability and Personnel) and Marketing]. Members are responsible for
all aspects of the retail operation, as we have no „hired help.‟
Each member must handle retail operations in the store for between 14-20 days per year.
This includes handling all customer contact, recording sales clearly and accurately,
communicating with other artists in the group, and providing store maintenance.
Committees meet in addition to the retail workdays to provide for the full functioning of
our operation. We also have multiple „special events‟ each year that will require extra
volunteer effort at these times (e.g. additional work time, providing refreshments, helping
with post event clean-up.)
Basic computer skills are necessary. Our By-laws and Operational Guidelines are
available upon request.
Financial Requirements
Once a member joins the cooperative, he/she pays an annual membership fee. The fee is
currently averaging around $650 at this time. Along with the annual membership fee, a
commission of 13% is collected on all sales and is used to cover operating costs. These
fees are set up to cover the cost of rent, utilities and one reserved parking space (for the
use of the shopkeeper of the day). The annual fee for the members is set after
adjudication is completed and total membership is finalized. The Treasurer keeps all
financial records and is responsible for paying the artists monthly. The Treasurer is
exempt from regular 15-20 shop days working requirement.
Inventory
Each artist will have the opportunity to make suggestions to the Display Committee with
regards to the best display for his or her work. The Display Committee is ultimately
responsible for all decisions regarding display. Members are encouraged to maintain an
inventory of recent work such that sold work may be immediately replaced by Display.
Excerpts from the Member Manual
Please note the following excerpts from our Member Manual. The New Member Inclusion Policy
makes clear our criteria for selection of members.
“New Member Inclusion”, Artists‟ Own Inc Guidelines, Section II, D. amended 9-24-
03
“Artists‟ Own hold an annual adjudication, whether or not an opening is available but can include
new members according to the following criteria for selection.
1. The quality of craftsmanship shall be evident and consistent. These criteria shall not be
compromised.
2. The group (Artists‟ Own Inc) shall strive to maintain a mix of media.
3. The considered candidates shall show a cooperative spirit and understanding of the
cooperative nature of Artists‟ Own.