Signature Review
What is a Signature Member?
Signature Members must submit artwork for evaluation by the Signature Review Committee. The Review is in place to ensure that Cincinnati Art Club members, exhibiting under the Signature Member banner, meet the historical standards of excellence established by our Founding Members. Held in high regard by the community for representing expertise and quality, Signature Members exhibit the very best work of the Cincinnati Art Club.
We can help You evaluate your work–
Critiques are held by the Club twice monthly where you can get valuable feedback on your artwork. Signature Critique, held on the first Tuesday of the month, is run by Signature Members meeting to improve their own work. Associate Critique, held the third Tuesday of the month, is specially tailored for Associate Members who want to apply for Signature membership. Both Critiques have a welcoming, supportive atmosphere and are open to all Members.
The Review Process
Signature Review is scheduled at least two times annually. Each applicant for Signature Membership Review must submit five (5) recently completed works, three (3) of which have never been submitted for Review. Well-established criteria for Signature status guides the decision-making process of the Signature Review Committee. The Committee remains anonymous to insure objectivity and fairness of the process.
- Review dates are held the Saturday prior to Board meetings (usually in October and April) dates may vary. Check the Club Calendar.
- If you intend to submit your artwork for Signature Review, please email the Committee at least 1 week ahead of time at signaturereview@cincinnatiartclub.com to let them know!
- Artwork must be dropped off during the prior Thursday evening’s Sketch Group (7:00 – 9:00 pm) and left in the Cincinnati Art Club, Library/Lounge. All work must be clearly labeled for “Signature Review”.
- Each piece of art must have a label on the back or bottom with the artist’s full name, address and phone number clearly printed. Any artwork without the artist’s full name, address and phone number on the back or bottom will not be reviewed.
- Each piece must be professionally presented, as would be done for exhibition in a gallery.
- Applicants outside of a 150-mile radius, please contact the Committe Chair at signaturereview@cincinnatiartclub.com prior to the Review date for special instructions.
- Pick up all submitted work during Sketch Group, the following Monday, 1 – 4:30 pm, or Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Notification
Results will be mailed to applicants after recommendation by the Signature Review Committee to and acceptance by the Board of Trustees.
- The Treasurer will send Members who are approved for Signature status an invoice to upgrade their membership to Signature level.
- Those not achieving Signature status are encouraged to attend our Critiques for further feedback on their artwork. They are welcome to submit their pieces to the Signature Review at the next available date.
Evaluation Criteria
There are many factors that are involved when considering what makes art exceptional. In such a subjective activity, not the least of these is the perceptions of those who carry out the process. To increase the transparency of the Cincinnati Art Club’s selection process in exhibitions and Signature Membership Review, we have established this Judging Criteria:
The Criteria used by the Signature Review Committee assesses the artist’s use of line, color, texture, shape, form, direction, space and perspective within the work.
Color and Value
Is there dominance, variety, repetition, unity, balance, contrast; look for these in all the elements of design?
Creativity and Originality
Does the work have a unique voice or interpretation? Even if about a common subject, does it evoke an emotion or reaction?
Skill and Control of Medium
Has the artist exhibited an accomplished knowledge of the media?
Consistency and a Recognizable Style
Does the artist show a consistency in the submitted works’ execution and vision that conveys a recognizable style?
For a PDF version of CAC Evaluation Criteria click HERE–