Check out the new NPCG website. If you looked around recently, go back and explore some more. Barbara Forbes-Lyon has done a great job and there’s a lot of new content. There’s also some lovely new eye candy in the form of page banners featuring NPCG members’ work.
Recently, I read a post on one of the polymer clay message boards asking if membership in the NPCG was “worth it”. I’ve heard that question before. I can hear the underlying question of “what’s in it for me?” The shoot-from-the-hip cynic in me wants to answer that if you have to ask the question then maybe it isn’t worth it. Membership in a national art association probably isn’t appropriate for everyone working in the given medium. In particular, polymer clay seems to attract a lot of crafters with very limited disposable income. Let’s face it, polymer clay is pretty inexpensive and while most people can’t jump right into high art, you can have some exciting results right away. And let’s not forget that it’s fun! The $30 annual membership fee might be essential money for supplies. For a new or casual polymer clay craft artist, maybe the perceived value of a membership in a national guild isn’t high enough. But for anyone who is going to be involved with polymer clay for the long haul, membership is definitely worthwhile.
As far as “what’s in in for me?”, the guild provides many tangible benefits: web site exposure, library materials, exhibit opportunities, event discounts, conferences etc. I think you can get a better idea of those benefits by exploring the new web site. The important benefit I don’t see discussed on the message boards is the benefit you can provide to the guild. If we want polymer clay to be taken seriously as an art medium, then I think we should all do our part in the public relations effort. A professional and effective national guild needs members to sustain it financially, through active involvement and through reciprocal promotion.
Let me know what you think. Post a comment and let me know that you’ve found your way here.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Judy 03.31.07 at 11:23 am
Libby, I agree that guilds can be a powerful resource of information. I often get asked questions about polymer clay at a show and the first thing I do is write down the National Guild website for them…..even if all they do is find a local guild, they at least now know it exists. With the new website, I can imagine the “wow” factor for these visitors will be even greater, and perhaps encourage more membership.
Libby 03.31.07 at 1:17 pm
It’s definitely a plus to have an up to date dynamic website to direct people to. Have you seen the catalog for the 2006 Progress & Possibilities Exhibit? It’s really fantastic, kind of a small “400 Designs” type book. It’s exciting to see such a beautiful range of work. I hope the website and the high quality of the Progress & Possibilities exhibits will continue to bring in new members.