Hamilton Artists Inc. offers free membership to Studio Art students

The distance between McMaster and James Street North just got a little bit shorter.

Thanks to a unique partnership between the University and Hamilton Artists Inc., all students in McMaster’s Studio Art program are being offered free membership with the popular community art organization, based in the heart of the city’s arts district.

Interim administrative director Stefan Hancherow and programming coordinator Caitlin Sutherland issued an open letter to McMaster students earlier this month:

“Hamilton Artists Inc. (the Inc.) is very excited to partner with the McMaster Studio Art program to offer you a complimentary student membership. Our hope is that this invitation will help introduce you to the Hamilton arts community and support your studio arts practice.”

Click here to read the full letter and download an admission form

Membership in Hamilton Artists Inc. will allow McMaster students to attend a wide variety of events, exhibition openings and networking opportunities hosted by the organization, and gain free admission to more than 80 Ontario art galleries via OAAG.

Additionally, all new members will receive a 10 per cent discount at Mixed Media and Curry’s art supply stores in Hamilton.

For assistant professor Carmela Laganse, the opportunity is beneficial for all parties involved.

“In addition to engaging with the art community in downtown Hamilton, the students are understanding the importance of another kind of civic engagement through creative arts,” said Laganse.

“The students are also becoming aware of how their investment in the community will eventually be reciprocated by the community with which they are engaged.”

For student artist Ailish Corbett, obtaining membership in the organization is a key part of feeling connected with the greater Hamilton community, including its thriving urban arts scene.

“It is incredibly important that McMaster students engage with the art community downtown,” said Corbett.

“It’s a great way to enrich students’ art education, by having the ability to network with the Hamilton art community. McMaster students now have this great opportunity to draw upon the wisdom and resources that places like Hamilton Artists Inc. have to offer.”

Founded in 1975, Hamilton Artists Inc. has welcomed many McMaster alumni as staff, board members and contributors over the years. The organization also hosts the Ignition juried exhibition each year, a popular event that showcases McMaster’s BFA candidates.

In November, McMaster students will also be invited to participate in the annual Members Exhibition at Hamilton Artists Inc. For many in the Studio Art program, this will be their first exhibition in a professional space.

Below: McMaster student Ailish Corbett shows off her brand new membership card to Hamilton Artists Inc.