Members

 FAQ for Artist Members of Studio B

We frequently have questions re: Studio B and becoming an artist member. Perhaps the following details will help clarify things for our members and those considering membership.

Who’s who?

*Studio B is a community art gallery run by volunteers. It was organized as a gallery and teaching studio designed to support local art and artists and to encourage participation in the visual and communication arts. The studio also supports the development of community relationships. As such, it hosts meetings and networking events and offers the gallery to other groups for their use. Classes are held in the facility; a new classroom wing was added in the summer of 2011. Private lessons, group lessons, classes and workshops enhance the educational arm of the studio. Birthday parties at the studio and on our Art Mobile helped us to promote the studio in our early years. We envisioned Studio B as the “soul” of Boyertown, a community with great “bones,” We want to be the “go to” place for developing friendships and enjoying art.

*Directors and Founders of Studio B include Susan Biebuyck, Gallery Director and Jane Stahl, Director of Community Relations. In addition, artist Bob Wood, Gallery Adjunct and volunteer extraordinaire, keeps the studio open and busy. Robert Misko is our liaison to the BBB Board and holds the title of Director of Community Support; Emily Branch coordinates our promotional efforts in all media—print, internet, and broadcast. Linda Rohrbach Austerberry is a gifted potter and long-time public school art teacher, now retired. Other members of our advisory council include Arline Christ, former art teacher; artists Angela Izzo and Gail Fronheiser; Joan Mueller who aids us in promotion; Lyn Camella-Rich, Beth Camella-Rich, owners of Dancing Tree Creations and Artisans Studio; Theresa Heist and Deb Bertolet, volunteers; and Tessi Melchior, executive director of the Foundation for Boyertown Education.
 

* Our network continues to grow. We maintain a loyal membership list, but we are always pleased to welcome new artist members and friends of the arts. We have members and participants from 40 miles and beyond in all directions surrounding Berks and Montgomery counties: Philadelphia and Delaware County, Allentown and Bethlehem, Bangor, Lancaster. And our network of patrons extends in all directions as well.
*We enjoy non-profit status as a result of being connected to Building a Better Boyertown (BBB), an organization dedicated to the revitalization of main street Boyertown. Studio B is the home of the Arts and Activities Alliance (A&AA), a committee of Building a Better Boyertown. A&AA began in June 2007; Studio B opened in December 2008.
When can I become an artist member?

Artists can become members of Studio B at any time. Our membership drive is held each year in conjunction with our spring show in April. Membership is $70 per year. If you join in April, your entry to our spring exhibition is waived, registration fee in our December exhibit is also waived; and your work is included in Studio B Members on the Road exhibits. You are afforded a member’s page on Studio B’s website that features your bio or artist statement and an image of your work.
Why should I join? There are benefits!

Studio B offers benefits to its members that make joining a cost-effective way to participate in the many ways the studio supports and promotes its artists.
*FREE registration to the April show celebrating and environment and Studio B’s December Members’ Small-priced Works Exhibit that runs during the Christmas season. The December show opens the first Friday in December to coordinate with Boyertown’s popular Holiday Open House Tour. Studio B receives hundreds of visitors during this Friday evening event and the town’s Chillin’ on Main Festival, held on Saturday.
*Participation in Members’ exhibits in remote locations. We have exhibited our artists at the beautiful art gallery located on Montgomery County Community College West Campus, Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center, the Baum School in Allentown, Phoenixville’s Animal Rescue League, Phoenixville’s Franklin Commons, the Goggleworks, Tompkins VIST Bank in Boyertown.
*A presence on Studio B’s website. Each Studio B member has a page on the website and is invited to submit an artist statement or biography, an image, and links to the artist’s own website and YouTube video as appropriate. Our website is maintained regularly.
*On-going promotional efforts and well-attended openings. We enjoy robust media support of our efforts and well-attended openings. Our volunteers include extremely talented graphic artists and individuals with a long history of promotions and solid media relationships. Participating in Studio B exhibits allows exposure to an ever-increasing network of art lovers and patrons.
*Showcasing your work in this reputable fine art gallery during the several annual exhibits juried by prestigious, well-known, and knowledgeable members of the art world allows you to develop and maintain connections to those who appreciate and purchase fine art.
*Discounts at art supply or framing venues and local eateries encourage collaboration among our business friends of the arts and patrons.
How can I help?

* Studio B’s staff is an all-volunteer organization. We welcome members to offer their time to host the studio so that it can be open. We are lucky to have loyal volunteers who host often, but even they need a vacation now and then and we’d be open more days, more hours if we had the volunteers to do so. Hosting at the studio once a month—or more as desired—is a great way to help and to meet members of the community and learn more about their preferences in art. Volunteering is not required, however.
*Support your fellow artist members by attending the monthly exhibits. Bring friends. Send out invitational postcards to patrons and neighbors. Invite your artist friends, neighbors and relatives to become artist members or friends of Studio B.
*Find support from donors, angel investors, or individuals willing to fund the studio (a.k.a. pay the rent and utilities) for a month-long exhibit for you or others. Suggest adding Studio B to the charitable giving portfolios of those looking to support the arts. The term “starving artist” exists for a reason; most artists are not wealthy. Someday we hope an “angel” will pay our rent so that we can invite whomever we like to stage an exhibit with us. For now, we write for grants, ask artists to pay the rent during a solo or group show, split expenses through registration and membership fees, and hope for donations from our friends, neighbors and host organization.