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2025 Membership enrollment is now open
Starting November 1, 2024, you can apply for new membership and renew for calendar year 2025
Membership will be valid January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025
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Join your peers and become a part of one of the leading organizations that supports and promotes traditional, representational art. All artists working in the oil medium are encouraged to apply.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing. Payment is required when you apply
Options are listed below:
Associate Membership $80
The $80 Associate Membership is open to all artists who work with the oil medium.
Accepted artists are eligible to jury for all regional shows in their region as well as the Salon Show and National Show. Artists can participate in all 3 online showcases.
NEW MEMBERS
There are two ways to apply:
Apply online – fill out application and pay your dues by clicking the button below.
Apply by mail – print and fill out an application and send in your dues. Click the button below for the application.
RENEWING & REJOINING MEMBERS
There are two ways to pay your dues:
- Login to your account by CLICKING HERE
- Mail your check to: Oil Painters of America PO Box 2488 Crystal Lake, Illinois 60039-2488
International Associate Membership $80
The International Associate Membership is for artists outside of the United States, Canada or Mexico who wish to enjoy many of the benefits of regular Associate Membership. Under this designation you will receive digital newsletters and catalogs and be part of the general email distribution that will keep you up to date on all OPA events and activities. You will have full access to all OPA Lunch & Learn webinars and all other online presentations. You may apply to the Spring Online Showcase competition and are eligible for awards in the same pool as all other entering artists. If you attend the OPA annual convention you may also enter the annual Wet Paint Competition and are eligible for awards in the same pool as all other entering artists. Otherwise, International Associate Members are not eligible to enter the OPA physical exhibitions. International Associate members may vote at general membership meetings but cannot hold office in this organization.
Apply OnlineSignature Membership $80
Option 1: Automatic Signature Status
Within an eight year period a member must have exhibited in either 1.) four national OPA shows; OR 2.) three national OPA shows and three regional or salon shows. (Regional and salon shows must be within the last five years.) If these requirements are met Signature Member status will be conferred with no further evaluation. However, qualified members must still submit an application between June 1 and October 15, for approval at the December board meeting.
Option 2: Committee Review
Over an indefinite period of time members must have exhibited in 1.) three national OPA shows OR 2.) two national OPA shows and three OPA regional or salon shows. (Regional and salon shows must be within the last five years.) Members who have met these requirements are qualified to submit for Signature status between June 1 and October 15, for consideration at the December board meeting.
Master Signature Membership
Master Signature Membership is conferred by the OPA Board of Directors, according to the exceptional merit of work and accomplishment in the field of art. With rare exception, one must already be a Signature Member to apply for Master Signature Membership. Deadline for submission for Master Signature member status is September 1.
Student Membership
The Student Membership is free for individuals who are between the ages of 14 and 23 and have an interest in oil painting. Accepted student artists will have the privilege of participating in the annual student art competition for free and are welcome to participate in all the activities of the Association at the applicable fees. Student membership does not include the right to vote or to hold office.
NEW STUDENT MEMBERS
There are two ways to apply:
Apply online – fill out application by clicking the button below.
Apply by mail – print and fill out an application. Click the button below for the application.
RENEWING STUDENT MEMBERS
- Login to your account by CLICKING HERE
Collectors’ Circle Membership $80
The Collectors’ Circle Membership is a community of art lovers and collectors interested in meeting like minded people who share their enthusiasm for the arts and desire to support artists.
Members Receive
- Exclusive access to OPA members-only events throughout the year
- Special Invitation to VIP reception at OPA’s National Exhibition
- OPA Virtual 4-color National Catalog
- Virtual Quarterly Brushstrokes Newsletter
- Invitation to attend all exhibitions and events
International Supporting Membership $100
The $100 International Supporting Membership is for individuals or organizations outside of the United States, Canada or Mexico that wish to support OPA with a substantial financial contribution in the form of dues. Artists who do not meet the residency requirements for associate or signature membership can become a member of the organization under this category. This membership will receive newsletters, catalogs, and invitations but are not eligible to participate in shows. International supporting members may vote at general membership meetings but cannot hold office in this organization. They qualify to participate in an advisory capacity. They are recognized for their commitment in the literature of OPA. Their supporting membership will continue for one calendar year. International supporting membership dues will be set higher to off-set the additional expense of mailing abroad.
Apply OnlineGallery Membership $80
Gallery Membership is open to all Galleries wishing to be listed in OPA’s Gallery Preview. The Gallery Preview is open to any gallery that represents at least one current OPA member. Learn More About Gallery Preview
Apply OnlineAdditional Contributions
Additional Contributions As with many 501(c) 3 organizations, OPA relies on the generosity of those who love the arts to provide additional assistance. The following categories are for both supporters and member artists who would like to provide a tax-deductible contribution to OPA in addition to dues:
- Angel
Donation up through $59 - Friend
Donation of $60 to $499 - Patron
Donation of $500 to $2,499 - Benefactor
Donation of $2,500 to $4,999 - Bronze Partner
Donation of $5,000 to $9,999 - Silver Partner
Donation of $10,000 to $14,999 - Gold Partner
Donation of $15,000 to $19,999 - Platinum Partner
Donation of $20,000 or more.
Additional contributions can be made when paying your membership dues.