Artist Membership Application

Overview

The Society of Animal Artists (SAA) is a world-renowned organization founded in 1960 that serves as the standard bearer of excellence in animal art. The Society seeks to reposition animal art as an important contemporary art form through exhibitions, programming, and a community of like-minded artists.

Key Dates

• Entry Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2027
• Acceptance Notification: Friday, January 29, 2027
• SAA jury meets once annually the week after the deadline

Eligibility

Open to all artists. Photography, digitally generated art, and purely illustrative work are not eligible.

What to Submit

Each artist must submit 5 works for jurying of their best, recent work. For 3D works, two views are required for each artwork. Applicants are encouraged to submit a cohesive group of work.

Jury Criteria

The jury considers whether the work is fine art, well-executed, skillfully crafted, and demonstrates mastery of the medium. For 2D work, demonstrated mastery in light, color, and value are important. For 3D work, mastery of form, surface texture, and patina are evaluated. The SAA values artwork that places subjects in proper environments and demonstrates knowledge of animal anatomy and behavior, not just portraiture.

Membership Levels & Benefits

• Signature Members: Full membership with voting rights and permission to use 'SAA' initials. Required to maintain highest level of artistic ability.
• Associate Members: Many membership privileges without voting rights or initials permission. May advance to Signature Member through jury vote, exhibition points, or earning the Award of Excellence.

Fees

• Jury Fee: $40 per artist for submission (non-refundable, payable by credit card)
• Upon Acceptance - Associate & Signature Members: Initiation Fee $100 + Annual Dues $175 = $275 total (due within 30 days of acceptance notification)

Contact

For questions or former member inquiries, contact [email protected]