Our
Mission
The ShenArts Artist Cooperative (SAC) is dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive community where artists collaborate, create, and grow together. Our mission is to provide a sustainable and supportive platform for artists to share resources, develop their craft, and expand their opportunities in the creative economy.
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Through collective effort, shared knowledge, and commitment to artistic excellence, we empower our members with access to exhibition space, professional development, and collaborative projects. We believe in the transformative power of the arts to enrich our community and create lasting cultural impact.
As a cooperative, we operate with transparency, mutual support, and a spirit of innovation—ensuring that artists not only sustain their creative practices but also shape the future of the arts in our region.
Membership Options
We offer three levels of membership at SAC. All new dues-paying members enter on a provisional 6-month contract. At the end of this period, if all member requirements are fulfilled, the new member will be voted in as a full member with voting rights. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Dues-Paying Working Membership
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$35 Monthly Fee
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Receive 70% of their actual sales (30% to Co-op)
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Work in the shop 8-10 hours/month depending on the season and number of members. The actual number of hours will depend on how many members we have in the Cooperative. We recognize that not everyone is cut out to be a salesperson, so we will try to utilize everyone’s skillsets accordingly.
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Actively participate in at least one committee
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Maintain membership in ShenArts Council (you can join after you are juried into the Co-Op if you are not already a member)
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Full voting rights after 6-month trial period
Dues-Paying Non-Working Membership
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$45 Monthly Fee
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Receive 60% of their actual sales (40% to Co-op)
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Actively participate in at least one committee
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Maintain membership in ShenArts Council (you can join after you are juried into the Co-Op if you are not already a member)
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Full voting rights after 6-month trial period
Associate Member (non-voting)
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No Monthly Fee
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Receive 50% of their actual sales (50% to Co-op)
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Month-to-month contract, cancelable by either party with 30 days’ notice
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No work requirements other than keeping your inventory up to date
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No requirements to join a committee
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Maintain membership in ShenArts Council (you can join after you are juried into the Co-Op if you are not already a member)
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No voting rights
(Please note that we reserve the right to limit the number of Associate Members into the Co-Op, depending on the number of overall applicants.)
Ready to join the Cooperative?
Gallery Display & Member Participation
Artists living within the Northern Shenandoah Valley area can apply year-round via ArtCall.org. There's a one-time $25 fee. If accepted, you'll enter a 6-month provisional membership with quarterly dues and full voting rights upon completion.
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Your submission should include work samples that reflect your consistent style, along with image titles, pricing, and proper formatting. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by a panel of local artists and board members.
At ShenArts, we curate work collectively, not by individual wall assignments. A team arranges 2D and 3D work in rotating displays, refreshed periodically to keep the gallery engaging and dynamic.
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All voting members contribute 2-4 volunteer hours monthly to help run the co-op. Committee roles include marketing, events, tech, maintenance, and more.
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Artists receive monthly commissions
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ShenArts does not insure artwork
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Members sign an agreement outlining expectations