Aside from Benefactor, Patron and Sponsor, there are three classifications of HSEAD membership: Associate, Applicant, and Brazer Guild membership. New members may join as an Associate or an Applicant.
Anyone with an interest in early American decoration can become an Associate Member of HSEAD. As such, you will receive the semi-annual Decorator Magazine, the Newsletter, and other announcements. You may attend the semi-annual meetings, and the HSEAD school held after each meeting. You may join a chapter, and take advantage of HSEAD teachers. There are chapters in many states, particularly the Eastern ones. There are also individual members throughout the country and the world.
You may, for example, wish to investigate the Society and its crafts for a period of time before deciding to become an Applicant Member. You may feel you wish to perfect your craft skills before becoming an Applicant. Or, you may just want to increase your enjoyment and appreciation of the crafts, meanwhile supporting the research and activities of the organization. In any of these cases, we welcome you as an Associate Member.
As an applicant, you are an official candidate for Brazer Guild membership, implying a commitment to complete the requirements for such. You have the same membership benefits as an Associate, plus the support and encouragement of others in your effort to acquire the skills you will need. Applicants have three (consecutive) years in which to complete the Brazer Guild requirements (subject to extension), after which they become Brazer Guild members. An Applicant is, in effect, an apprentice in the craft.
An Applicant is awarded Brazer Guild membership when (s)he has satisfied others that (s)he has achieved a level of expertise in the skills of Early American Decoration. Brazer Guild membership is open to any person "actively participating in the art of Early American Decoration," who has served as an Applicant and completed the membership requirements. Brazer Guild members may vote on Society issues, and enjoy the prestige of being recognized for their ability in the craft.
To become a Brazer Guild member, an Applicant must submit, and have approved by the Judging Committee of the Society, two finished articles which cover all points outlined in the Society's Guidance Sheets (these sheets are available through HSEAD member - teachers, or from the applicant chairman, or on our Member Resources Page):
a. One article - stenciling on tin or wood
b. One article - country painting
The work need not be of "museum quality," but is expected to show some knowledge of the technique being used, and adherence to the rules regarding the use of that technique.
These pieces will be judged at a semi-annual meeting of the Society. The Applicant will receive notice of deadlines and rules for submission of articles from the Applicant Chairman.
Click here for a printable membership application form.
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