Here's a roadmap that offers some guidance on making the most out of your SAQA Membership. You may also want to check out:
Be sure to scroll down to view even more tips from our members. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@saqa.com.
We've created a social network to help you connect to other artists - next door or across the world.
- Find out what is happening in your SAQA Region - they offer meetings, exhibitions, and community
- View our online schedule for upcoming events, including our monthly Live Chats
- Explore the SAQA Community to find out all the different ways to make connections with other members
- Check out our Special Interest Groups - a variety of rotating topics are offered. Perhaps start your own?
- Attend SAQA's annual conference, a great opportunity to gather together, to network and socialize
- Volunteer at one of our many events or committees - volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization!
- Follow us on social media (scroll to bottom to view links) and join our Facebook groups
We've built a knowledge network that helps you get the information you need.
- Check out the latest news and our calendar of events
- Explore our expansive Resource Library which includes topics on professional development and artistic advice
- Participate in the annual SAQA Seminar event - don't miss checking out the archives too
- Read back issues of the SAQA Journal - we have 30 years worth!
- Watch our recorded Educational Videos/Webinars
- Sign up for the weekly Textile Talks each Wednesday (recordings are available)
We provide resources to help you navigate the next steps for your artwork and in your career.
- Review our list of Calls for Entry to see all the different opportunities within SAQA and beyond
- Get your work seen by thousands - SAQA's exhibitions circle the world
- Participate in SAQA-Artique and get advice from peers
- Get published in the SAQA Journal
- Join our FREE Mentorship program, open to any member seeking one-on-one mentorship
- Consider becoming a Regional Rep to gain valuable experience
We offer tools to help promote the art quilt and the artists who create them.
- Submit your news to be included in Fiber Art Friday and event calendar
- Gain exposure by donating art to the Benefit Auction, Spotlight Auction or traveling Trunk Show
- Use #saqaart on social media to promote your work - we love to feature member art.
- Send us your submissions for the Journal member gallery - we offer rotating themes
Take advantage of the additional benefits of being a Juried Artist Member.
- Review our guidelines to learn more about the Juried Artist application process
- Be included in our searchable Juried Artist directory
- Get your own profile page on the SAQA website with images, statements, and links
- Your artwork is eligible for inclusion in online galleries, SAQA emails, and SAQA Journal
The more you interact with other SAQA members, the more you discover! Tip #2 - join your local region's zoom meetings.
Read all the Journals
Read your Regional newsletters/blog posts...and the other regular e-mails. Flag the ones that have items you want to absorb more deeply, or have deadlines you want to consider.
Everyone needs to find a foothold when entering an organization that is active as SAQA. Our region has developed a welcome letter for new members and we encourage them to join Groups as well as getting the Wednesday and Friday emails from SAQA.
It takes time to absorb all of the opportunities that a virtual organization has in place before pandemic began and has expanded beyond that with the onset of quarantining. My recommendation: Attend the virtual Conference this spring--there will be so many opportunities to connect with people from around the world.
Definitely get involved with the most local group. Many "pods" are meeting virtually and are very active right now.
Sign up for the mentorship program. If I could go back in time, I would have loved to have had the guidance from other's experience to help me out at the start of my art quilting journey!
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to everyone in pods, Zooms, or wherever you see SAQA folks. This group is quite welcoming and nonjudgmental.
The next time you are wondering ANYTHING art quilt/fiber art related, pop into the Facebook group and ask a question... whether it is solving a technique problem, deciding which class to take, or looking for inspiration, THIS group will supply answers... and quickly!
