Call for Members

SOIL is not currently accepting new members. Please check back for future calls.

Call for Membership

The Benefits of Membership

The Responsibilities of Membership

Application Procedure

CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP

SOIL is a down-to-earth venue for exhibiting new and experimental artwork.  SOIL brings together like-minded artists that hold a broad view of art's possibilities.  Artist established, operated and supported, SOIL is a cooperative of 20-24 members that has been dedicated to supporting emerging artists in Seattle since 1995.

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

• SOIL members have great opportunities to exhibit their own work.  They have the freedom to show challenging, non-commercial installations, performances, video and beyond, in the highly visible Tashiro Kaplan Building in the Pioneer Square neighborhood.
• In addition to showing their own work, members also have opportunities to curate a show. This includes group shows curated around a theme, two person shows and juried shows.
• SOIL is a preeminent arts organization that provides a grassroots supportive network. We are dedicated to discussing new ideas, collaborating and supporting each other when needed.
• There are many opportunities to plan and/or participate in art fairs, the annual auction, workshops, retreats, film screenings, critiques, parties, openings and much more.
• Members have the opportunity to learn new skills based on their own gallery based interest and motivation. Members have the independence to choose when and what gallery projects they wish to explore.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP

Being involved with SOIL is a big commitment. We need innovative, dynamic people who are self directed to be active in gallery operations, events and projects. Each member holds various responsibilities on a committee within a democratic, non-hierarchical structure. Are you able to confidently commit to the following?

• Commit to being a SOIL member for at least one year.
  When members join, they commit to at least one year. If you are not able to commit for a year, please do not apply. If a member foresees or ends up being absent 3 or more months, a statement of sabbatical or resignation must be provided.
• Attend 24 meetings a year (twice a month).
  SOIL is run by artist members. We meet twice monthly on Monday (7pm - 9pm-ish). This is our decision making time where we discuss gallery issues, concerns and projects. Attendance is important. If you miss a meeting, you are responsible for reading meeting minutes, which are e-mailed and archived online.
• Sitting the gallery once a month for a 5-hour period, which includes arriving and closing on time (12 pm to 5 pm).
  Each member commits to keeping the gallery open one day per month (one 5 hour shift). Members unable to sit that month must provide a substitute.
• Set up and take down shows when required.
• Come to First Thursdays to support the current SOIL show.
• Commit to a committee job that is essential to keeping the gallery going.
  We regularly form committees that focus on different aspects of SOIL, such as the auction, curatorial, grants writing, compiling a catalog, or taking our art to Miami for Aqua Art. Members are expected to be active in one or more committee as needed.
• Pay a $70 joining fee + $35 monthly membership fee.
  This is how we cover our insurance and rent!

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Download and complete steps on the SOIL Membership Application.

Applications are accepted in person or by mail.

Mail to: SOIL Art Gallery, Attn: Membership, 112 3rd Ave. South, Seattle WA 98104

Proposal materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Please do not use metered postage.