Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Membership
How Do New Members Apply?
See our Become A Member page for details. Applicants may contact us at any time, but our Jury Process occurs in June each year and concludes soon after. Non-juried items (excluding variations within artist’s media) are not permitted in the LMCA annual show.
How Many Artists Apply?
Each year a varying number of artists apply and are juried. There is no quota or limit on the number of accepted artists.
What does Membership Mean?
Membership is holding a voting role in organization meetings to discuss and decide all details about the organization itself: Website, Show, Artists, Media Outreach, Roles and Responsibilities. Votes are held for all major decisions and members are expect to abide by meeting procedures.
Membership can also entail accepting tasks for ensuring the timely successful completion regarding: Media for Advertising, Show Communication, Roles for a successful show.
Membership also means supporting and encouraging the artistry of fellow members. LMCA avoids competitive or contentious artists or works. We keep the spirit of art from “The Heart Of The Country” in everything we do.
How Are Artist Items Sold?
LMCA conducts a one-a-year, in-person show, which is run by the members themselves. All details of the show - including hosting location, decorations, booth construction, signage, security, payments and customer service, and many more - are run by the members themselves.
Does Membership Cost Anything?
LMCA has a 25$ membership fee. LMCA show sales begins with a 40% organization commission. Tasks taken by artists and work completed reduce this in 5% increments, and can stack. Participation in one of the organization’s board roles further increases both the responsibility and changes the commission. Tasks for members include advertising, show setup, meeting participation, show tasks.
How are Artists Paid?
Pre-show duties include registering and pricing all inventory within the booth. Items are ticketed and customers receive a ticket for paying/picking up their items at checkout. Payments are processed at the show checkout stand. Tickets are registered to an artist, and sales are tallied by artist during and after the show. Organizational commissions are extracted and artists shares are distributed after show completion and validation of all books.
Can an Artist Skip A Show?
Yes, but at most once every five years. LMCA exists primarily for planning and executing a by-artist showcase and sale. Artists should continue to attend meetings, pay dues, and accept tasks.
Can the Organization Eject Artists?
Yes. LMCA hopes for all artists in the org to be successful at the show, and members are encouraged to support their fellow artists in the showcase. Poor sales, lack of participation in meetings or preparatory duties, missing membership dues or paperwork deadlines, are some but not all of the grounds that membership continuance may be brought to a vote.
History
When was LMCA Started?
LMCA was started in a garden shed in Corbett, Oregon in 1979. The initial shows were held in this same shed and eventually moved to the Corbett Grange Hall.
What Activities has LMCA Organized?
LMCA has conducted art workshops throughout its history, at Corbett School and has donated to the Vista House Restoration Project and Corbett School For The Arts programs, and the Glen Otto Park Restoration Fund. Each year, a portion of proceeds are donated to a local charity or school program, chosen by the membership.
What is the Mission of LMCA?
(A) To stimulate interest in the arts among members and the community. (B) To encourage the highest standard of excellence in member’s work by fostering an appreciation of excellence within the community. (C) To promote exhibitions of articles made by its members andto present to the community the work of noteworthy artisans. (D) To help and encourage all persons interested in the arts, through educational and social activities. (E) To provide a focal point for art activities in the community.
How Many Artists Are in LMCA?
Membership fluctuates but has remained between 30-40 artists for several years.
What Art is Preferred by LMCA now?
There are no strict rules against any particular techniques or styles - surprises are welcome! Hand-made items & art that reflect both classic and modern sensibilities, and fall in-line with the spirit of the organization are prized. The members always discuss the general marketplace in planning for the show, and guide artists through ideas to scale their output, prices or presentation for the most success.
Meetings
When and Where are Meetings Held?
Meetings are currently held in downtown Gresham, Oregon on a monthly basis.
Can Members Skip Meetings?
Members can skip occasional meetings, but attendance is collected. A member may assign their vote to a proxy before a meeting starts.
Can Members Skip Tasks?
A member may skip tasks, may would incur the maximum allocation of the sales commission during the show. Task assignments are tracked and each member is asked if they can undertake tasks that align with their skills. Members often collaborate on groups of related tasks by using committees.
Do Members Meet Outside of LMCA Meetings?
There are no formal meetups or gatherings outside of the meetings. Some artists participate in other shows, teach workshops or classes, or hold open-studio tours of their workshops.
Shows
How Often Are Shows Held?
Annually. Artists are encouraged to
What is involved with Setting Up A Show?
Members form committees to tackle a multitude of tasks within many categories: Location, Insurance, Security, Logistics, Parking, Payment Processing, Inventory Tracking, Advertising in Print, Web, Social Networks, Local News and Word-Of-Mouth.
What Size Booths Are Used?
Typically, 6×8 foot booths are made available, 3×6 or 8×8 booths may be possible for artists with smaller or larger needs.
Is Electrical Power Available at a Booth?
Yes, pending host location services and location of the artist’s booth. There is a Fire Marshall walkthrough of each booth before the show and the organization can guide an artist through best practices to stay in conformance with fire codes.