Why Should I Join the PGC?

Members of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen come from different backgrounds, lifestyles, and experience levels and yet all share a love of the arts. Whether you love trying out different types of craft disciplines or art, simply enjoy attending art fairs, or are looking for a resource as a professional artist, the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen has something for you.

Membership LevelCostAdd an extra Chapter
Friend$40/yr$10/chapter
Craftsman$75/yr$30/chapter
Senior Craftsman$55/yr$20/chapter
Student$20/yr$10/chapter
Please note that membership to one local chapter is included with the base level price

If you prefer to mail in a check instead of signing up online, you may do so by downloading and filling out a registration form here.

Join as a Craftsman (or Senior Craftsman – 65+)

Our Members at the Craftsman level represent many fine craft and art disciplines and may live and work in PA or in over 29 other states across the US. If you’re a an artist looking to take your membership and involvement with the Guild to the next level, consider joining or renewing at the Craftsman level.

Discounts are available for Seniors and Students.

One may join as a Craftsman for $75/year (or $55/year as a senior). As a Craftsman, you will have these benefits:

  • Discounts on Workshops
  • Discounts on PGC store
  • Early information about Upcoming Art Shows
  • Automatically subscribed to our monthly newsletter
  • Eligible to apply for Fine Craft Fairs hosted by the PGC.
  • Craftsman Member directory listing on the PGC website
  • Eligible to apply to sell your work in the PGC store
  • Opportunities to develop and teach PGC-hosted workshops
  • Free admission to gated PGC events
  • Opportunities to attend workshops geared specifically to help you run your art and fine craft business
  • Opportunities to be a Mentor to a newer artist, or as a Mentee to help you grow in your fine craft business

Craftsman members also have the opportunity obtain additional professional certification, Master Artisan. Master Artisan status recognizes artists in the Guild who exemplify our three benchmarks: Excellence in Craftsmanship, Resolved Design and Unique Voice or Faithful Representation of a Heritage Craft. To achieve this honor, members’ work is juried by a panel of Master Artisans.Master Artisans also enjoy additional benefits such as:

  • Special consideration for participation in PCG Fine Craft Fairs and exhibitions
  • Eligibility to win awards presented at PGC Fine Craft Fairs
  • Priority image use on PGC marketing and advertising materials
  • Eligibility for “Monday Meet the Master Artisan” on PGC’s social media
  • Recognition as a Master Artisan on the PGC website
  • Show selection scoring bonus for PGC Fine Craft Fairs
Join as a Friend of the Guild

As a “friend” you will gain the following benefits:

  • Discounts on Workshops
  • Discounts on PGC store
  • Early information about Upcoming Art Shows
  • Automatically subscribed to our monthly newsletter

If at some point you would like to also have the same benefits as a member at the Craftsman level, you may upgrade your membership at any time.

What if I am a Student?

We are a community of all ages! But we also understand that as a student, budget can be an issue. If you are a high school student, or a college student who is enrolled with 6 or more credits, you are eligible for a discounted membership at $20 a year. This membership gives you all of the benefits and opportunities as a Craftsman at a deeply discounted rate.

Why Join a Local Chapter?

All members are encouraged to join and become involved with at least one local chapter. There is no additional charge to join your first chapter, and each additional chapter is an additional $30/year. ($20 yr for students and seniors, and $10 for Friends)

Each chapter is unique in the activities and meetings that they plan, but the biggest benefit from being involved with your local chapter is the ability to become involved with your local community of artists! Some of the different opportunities that your local chapter may provide are:

  • Field Trips
  • Chapter-Sponsored Fine Craft Fairs, Gallery Tours and Art Walks
  • Chapter-run stores (in-person and online)
  • Regular Meetings & Get-Togethers
  • Potlucks and Picnics
  • “Make and Take” Workshops
  • Collaborative Projects
The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
The NARM Association boasts an array over 1,000 of top-notch institutional members in 4 countries from arts and history museums to botanical gardens, children’s museums, science centers, and more. NARM reciprocal benefits include* free/members admission price, discounts in the shop, and discounts on ticketed events at all NARM member organizations! You are entitled to this benefit when you “round up” to $100 when renewing your PGC membership or purchasing a new one. Please note that ‘Family’ benefits are specific to each institution. Be sure to contact the institutions you plan to visit in advance if you have questions about your specific reciprocal benefits. *If there is a notation by the institution name (e.g. **), some restrictions may apply. The Pennsylvania Guild is a proud member of this great group, joining 896 cultural institutions and organizations (including 38 in Pennsylvania) offering free or discounted benefits to members in North America including:
  • Free/member admission during regular museum hours
  • Member discounts at museum shops
  • Discounts on concert/lecture tickets
Participate now by upgrading your membership to the $100 level. You can do so by either adding additional chapters or making a donation. Click here for more information and a list of participating NARM locations!

We welcome you and hope that you will become part of our community today!