Artist Membership Application

Overview

The Society of Animal Artists (SAA), founded in 1960, is a world-renowned organization recognized as the standard bearer of excellence in animal art. Applications are open to all artists seeking membership. The SAA is selective in its admissions process and looks for excellence above all else.

Key Dates

• Entry Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2027
• Acceptance Notification: Friday, January 29, 2027

Eligibility

Open to all artists. The SAA does not currently consider photography, digitally generated art, or purely illustrative work for membership applications.

Membership Types & Benefits

• Signature Members: Full members with voting rights and permission to use SAA initials when signing artwork.
• Associate Members: Can submit work to all exhibitions but may not vote or use SAA initials. Can advance to Signature status by jury vote or by earning points in shows.

Application Requirements

Each artist must submit 5 works of their best, recent work for jury consideration. For 3D works, two views are required for each artwork. A cohesive group is recommended (e.g., all birds in watercolor rather than mixed media).

Jury Criteria

The jury considers whether the work is fine art; well-drawn, carved, sculpted, or assembled; has creative and effective composition; demonstrates mastery of medium; shows mastery of light, color, and value (2D) or form, texture, and patina (3D); places subjects in proper environment rather than simple portraiture; and displays something special or unique.

Fees

• Jury Fee: $40 per artist (non-refundable, paid by credit card at submission)
• Upon Acceptance: Initiation Fee $100 + Annual Dues $175 = $275 total (due within 30 days of notification)

Contact

For questions, contact [email protected]. See the SAA Website for full prospectus and additional details.