I am Chapter Juried, does that mean I am a Master Artisan?
No. Each chapter defines its own process and criteria for chapter jurying. Going through the process at the chapter level may be good practice for applying at the PGC level, but does not confer PGC Master Artisan status.
Do I have to be Chapter Juried to apply for Master Artisan status?
No. Going through a chapter jury may help prepare you for the Master Artisan jury, but is not necessary.
What work should I bring to the Master Artisan jury?
When choosing which four to six pieces to bring for review, choose ones that complement each other – that represent your style and voice – and make sure the pieces feature your technical mastery of your medium. Excellence in Craftsmanship, Resolved Design and Unique Voice/Faithful Representation. That’s what you aim to demonstrate with the collection you bring.
Do NOT bring:
• Works consisting of primarily commercially produced elements without significant alteration of those elements.
• Works created from commercially available kits and patterns
• (Non-traditional) work that is directly derived from the work of others
• Consumables
• Assemblages of found or manufactured items unless it is evident the maker has significantly altered raw materials.
I understand that the jurors are all Master Artisans, but will one of them be experienced in my medium?
The Standards Committee is made up of Master Artisans with a variety of backgrounds and craft experience. If none of them have expertise in your medium we make sure to invite a Master Artisan with the appropriate experience to participate in the jury.
I work in multiple mediums. Do I have to apply for Master Artisan status in each one separately?
Master Artisan status is granted for the medium that is juried. If you wish to achieve Master Artisan status in multiple mediums you must apply separately for each one.
When does my Master Artisan status expire?
Master Artisan status is conveyed for the life of the successful candidate’s PGC membership. If, for some reason, the Master Artisan’s membership lapses, reinstatement processes are defined in the PGC’s Policies and Procedures manual.
Please be aware that Master Artisans need to pay their dues back to their last expiration date if expired less than 12 months to retain their status, and should call the office. After 12 months post-expiration, they must reapply.
Do I have to be a Master Artisan to participate in PA Guild Fine Craft Fairs?
No. You do not need to be a Master Artisan to participate in PA Guild Fine Craft Fairs.
I’ve heard that Master Artisans are floor juried at the Fine Craft Fairs, but others aren’t. Why is this?
• All participants at a Fine Craft Fair are floor juried to ensure quality and consistency in the show.
• Master Artisans are eligible for the Benchmark Awards. The floor jury determines these winners.
I would like to apply for Master Artisan status, but I live far away from Lancaster, where the Master Artisan juries are held. Can I still apply?
Yes! You can send your items to the Guild for review by the jury and we can schedule an online session for the in-person discussion.