Benefits of Membership
The Providence Art Club thrives on and welcomes new members with an interest in art and culture. The following are some of the benefits members enjoy.
Camaraderie
The Club’s popularity has always revolved around the spirit and the camaraderie of our members, both artists and patrons.
Our monthly social events include members nights with cocktails and dinner, followed by special presentations or music programs. Our gallery exhibitions are often accompanied by artist talks, and our gallery openings are as much social events as they are exhibit kickoffs.
Classes and Workshops
We host over 12 classes a week in the Club’s light-filled classroom and dedicated printmaking studio, in addition to a series of specialty workshops in both traditional as well as non-traditional art forms. Our faculty consists of Club artist members, plus local and internationally renowned teaching experts.
Exhibition Opportunities
Our galleries are dedicated to exhibiting our artist members’ work as featured artists, group shows, and a yearly national call for entry. Exhibitions usually run two to three weeks and are well advertised, open to the public and frequently reviewed.
Artist members are also given an online exhibition space on our Artist Portfolio pages.
Private Events
Hosting private events at the Providence Art Club is an important member benefit. We offer many relaxing and attractive venues for anything from small private luncheons to wedding receptions for up to 300. Tailoring a function to suit your needs, the Providence Art Club staff can ensure a successful event. Our facilities are available for members or member-sponsored events. Reach out to Julia Johnstone at julia@providenceartclub.org today for more information.
Dining
We offer intimate dining experiences in a class with the best restaurants in the region. Our dining rooms offer the ambiance of original architectural elements and painted silhouettes featuring various Club members, along with paintings and artwork of current and earlier members. The Club’s Café and Founders Room open for lunch Monday through Friday. We offer many à la carte and themed dinners monthly.
Lounge
Angell’s Lane, our lounge area and hub of social gatherings and exhibit openings, is adjacent to the Maxwell Mays Gallery in the main club house. Cocktails and liquid refreshments are served, as well as light food fare for special occasions. Bar hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 3:00pm to 8:00pm for members and guests.
The Providence Art Cub enjoys year-round reciprocity with the following clubs:
Arts Club of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Arts Club of Washington (Washington, D.C.)
Circolo Della Caccia (Bologna, Italy)
City University Club of London (London, UK)
Franklin Inn Club (Philadelphia, PA)
The Cliff Dwellers (Chicago, IL
The National Arts Club (New York, NY)
St. Botolph Club (Boston, MA)
Salmagundi Club (New York, NY)
University Club of Boston (Boston, MA)
The Providence Art Club Reciprocal Privileges Arrangements:
Reciprocal club members have the ability to enjoy the private dining facilities and private areas within the Providence Art Club. To visit and enjoy the Art Club facilities, the Providence Art Club requires the following (3) arrangements be made per visit:
- An advance letter of introduction from the reciprocal club to the Providence Art Club.
- A reservation in the dining room. Reservations will be made by contacting Alda Borges at reservations@providenceartclub.org and extension 3.
- Charges must be tendered upon time of service. The Art Club will accept major credit cards (no AmEx, no cash, no checks) for payment.
- Reciprocal clubs may refuse to accommodate those without prior arrangement.
- The member must be present to utilize reciprocal facilities.
- Reciprocity privileges cannot be transferred to non-members.
How to Become a Member
Prospective members are introduced to the Club as guests of a member at lunch or at social functions. Thereafter, they can be nominated for election to membership by recommendations of a sponsor and a seconder who have known the interested party for at least two years. Proposals for membership are submitted in writing, on forms available to members from the Membership Committee.
Nominations for membership are presented by the Membership Committee at the monthly meetings of the Board of Managers. A motion is entertained to post their names on the Club bulletin board for review by the full membership. If there is no waiting list, the Board votes on the nominations at the next Board meeting.
There are Six Categories of Membership in the Providence Art Club
Arts Professional Resident • Arts Professional Non-Resident • Exhibiting Artist Resident • Exhibiting Artist Non-Resident • Patron Resident • Patron Non-Resident
(Non-residents are those living 50 miles outside Providence for more than six months of the year.
Persons living outside the 50-mile radius but working in Providence are NOT eligible for non-resident status)
Annual Dues and Initiation Fees*
| Monthly Dues | Initiation Fee | Initiation Fee Quarterly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibiting Artist/Arts Professional | $110 | $1760 | $484 x 4 = $1936 |
| Patron | $138 | $2200 | $605 x 4 = $2420 |
| Exhibiting Artist/Arts Professional Non-Resident | $56 | $1760 | $484 x 4 = $1936 |
| Patron/Non-Resident | $70 | $2200 | $605 x 4 = $2420 |
*There is a $100 quarterly Café minimum spending requirement for Residents and a $200 annual Café minimum spending requirement for Non-Residents. There is a monthly building assessment fee of $45 for all members. NOTE: The initiation fee is waived for artists 35 and under.
How Art Club Members Propose New Members
If you have a friend interested in joining the Club and taking part in its activities, obtain an application by a written request to the Membership Services Coordinator at julia@providenceartclub.org. Please include:
- Name and address of applicant
- Type of membership being applied for (Patron, Exhibiting Artist, Arts Professional)
- Proposer's affiliation with applicant
- Name of Seconder
Exhibiting Artist and Arts Professional applicants must submit a portfolio of work to the Arts Qualifications Committee. The Committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month to review applications. Guidelines for the portfolio can be obtained from the Membership Services Coordinator.