Artist Class Divisions

Artists are asked to select a class in which to display art. Final determination of class will be at the discretion of Enchanted SouthWest Artists, and you may be asked for substantiation. An artist may participate in any class for which he or she is qualified. A minor artist with professional credentials may choose to be in the professional, semiprofessional, or junior class. No artist will be placed in a class without meeting all the class requirements. Classes may be updated on request throughout a membership to reflect new qualifications gained.

Professional

The professional class is designed for those artists who have had some major landmarks in their careers. In order to qualify for the professional class, you must have had a solo exhibition in a major metropolitan art gallery or museum. Solo exhibits in other than major metropolitan areas are not enough to get you into this class; it must be a major metropolitan gallery or museum and it must be a solo exhibition.

Other special factors in the artist's showing history or background may be taken into consideration for placement in this class.

You will be required to post an artist biography on this site to substantiate your claim. Guidelines to writing your biography and artist statements are posted at Your Bio & Artist Statement.

Semiprofessional

To qualify for the semiprofessional class you must have either shown in a group juried show in a major metropolitan area or had a solo exhibit in a village or city other than major metropolitan.

Many of us show for years with various artist organizations before landing that solo exhibit in that major metropolitan gallery. Most artists will agree that the crossing line from semi-professional to professional is this career landmark. It is for this reason that we have divided these two classes accordingly. You may change classes as you career advances.

In the semiprofessional class it is not necessary to post your bio, though a general artist description is required. The buyers often look at the artist as an investment. Telling the buyer who you are, what has inspired you and even your career goals may make a difference between "sale" or "no sale". Guidelines to writing your biography and artist statement are posted at Your Bio & Artist Statement.

Up & Coming

The "up & coming" artists are those artists trying to get their bearings in the art community. If you have shown in non-juried shows, shown an occasional piece here or there or if you have not shown at all, this is your class. Minors in this group will be registered in the junior class.

The art business can be very competitive; there is always someone better than we are. Through special services offered at our site, you can increase your awareness of what jurors look for when judging your work. What are the principles of composition and the principles of arrangement? What makes a show "A Show" as opposed to a group of pieces displayed together?

Critique services are available to help you move up in the classes, at your request and predicated on the availability of staff (our staff are all artists). We will do what we can to aid you in your succession. No biography is needed, but we do request an artist statement that would give a viewer and potential buyer the thumbs-up on you. Guidelines to writing your artist statements are posted at Your Bio & Artist Statement.

Junior

Any artist under 18 years of age will usually participate in the junior class. If an artist is a minor, but qualifies as a semiprofessional or professional, it is the artist's choice as to class assignment: junior or the higher-level classes for which he or she qualifies. Minors may not be placed in the up & coming class.