Orange County Artist Guild New Membership 2026

Membership in the Orange County Artists Guild is open to any individual artist who lives or maintains a studio in Orange County, NC and who has been juried into the Guild. The jury process for new members takes place once a year, with the jury's decision being final. Applicants must submit 7 images of their work and 1 optional image of their studio/workspace, along with a resume (2 pages maximum) and artist statement (2000 character limit). All artistic media are accepted, and artists must show and sell original work with no kits, commercially manufactured items or imports permitted.

There is a $35 nonrefundable application fee, with annual membership dues of $100 per calendar year. Members may participate in any Guild show with payment of the appropriate event fee. The Studio Tour participation fee is $600, which can be reduced to $250 by completing at least 10 hours of committee work. A special "Young Adult Emerging Artist" opportunity is available for 1 to 3 artists between ages 21 and 30, where the annual fee of $100 and $250 Studio Tour fee may be waived for one year if selected.

The jury seeks high quality, artistic excellence, serious intent and professional presentation. Work must demonstrate competence in the medium, confidence and clarity in style and execution, and commitment to serious artistic practice. New applicants' Q&A information sessions will be held on November 16, December 14 and January 11 at 2 PM at the Drift Cafe. Application submission closes at 11:59 PM on January 31, 2026, with notifications sent out in mid to late February 2026.