All existing ISSA Active or Signature members are invited to apply for Master Scratchboard Artist (MSA) status. You must be an Active or Signature member, current on dues for at least 30 days before applying for MSA status. NOTE: If you applied for Signature membership this year (whether accepted for that level or not), you must wait until next year to apply for MSA.
A $50.00 non-refundable jury fee (US funds) is required.
Submission Deadline: November 15th, 2023, 5 pm EST
Jury results will be announced via e-mail by December 15th, 2023.
Jury for Master Scratchboard Artist (MSA) level is by digital images ONLY. Good image quality is imperative for the jurors to review your work. Images must be clear enough to show visible scratching when viewed at 100%. Images should be cropped to show only the artwork: do not include matting, framing, or background. All images must be properly exposed and in focus. Please see the ImageQuality file for helpful hints! Artworks must have been created from your own reference materials, or material you have written permission to use.
Image files MUST be named and sized EXACTLY as follows: LastNameFirstName-ArtworkTitle-Size of unframed work (in inches: h x w) (i.e., SmithJim-SunlightDancer-10×8.jpg). Submit all images as jpg files that are EXACTLY 2400 pixels on the longest side. Small works (5” x 7” or less) may include a coin on the outer edge of the image to show scale. Images submitted that are not named or sized correctly, or are of very poor quality, will be eliminated without consideration and the entire application will be given a score of 0. Please double check that every single image file is named and sized EXACTLY as listed above, before uploading, as we hate to eliminate applications for this reason.
Each juror will be provided with a scorecard that they will use to evaluate each artist’s work. Submitting artists will receive results as an overall average score from the three jurors, along with juror comments. Click here to see a blank scorecard.
You are required to submit ten (10) artworks with this application. All works submitted must have been completed within the last 5 years. Notes Regarding Re-Use of Images from Previous Applications: You may re-use no more than 40% of the works that were submitted when applying for a lower membership level, or the same level from a previous year. No more than two (2) of the same images used to apply for Active membership may be used to apply for Master membership; no more than three (3) of the same images used to apply for Signature membership may be used when applying for Master membership. No more than four (4) of the same images may be used when re-applying for Master membership in a subsequent year.
To apply for MSA, the following information is required:
Ten (10) jpg images of your work sized 2400 pixels on the longest side. All works must have been completed in the past five years. Small works (5”x7” or less) may include a coin on the outer edge of the image to show scale.
A complete Biography or Resume/CV listing at least 4 of the following requirements (click here for examples):
– Museum, juried national and/or international exhibition history (or other equally recognized shows or competitions)
– National or international awards
– Solo exhibitions/shows
– Gallery representation
– Teaching workshops or giving demonstrations
– Publication in a recognized industry magazine/book
– Other activities that show a member’s dedication to promotion of the medium
***Due to COVID-19 causing cancellation of many shows in 2020 & 2021, applicants may include 2019 & 2020 exhibitions as part of the “3 shows in the current calendar year” portion of the resume. All other aspects of the resume are over five-year time period and must still be met.
Download the Word file for the Bio/CV HERE. Fill out this file and upload it with your application. Submit the images and Word file via the Master Application Form below.
Please be patient, submission may take some time depending on the size of your images and your internet connection speed
Once you have submitted your application and images, please pay the $50 jury fee via PayPal below. If you experience any problems with submitting your entry, please contact us.
If your application for Master level is accepted, you will receive notification and further instructions regarding payment of your membership fee. This must be done within 30 days in order to finalize your membership.