Tips on Becoming an NSAS Artist Member

Below is a guide of how The Nelson Suter Art Society selects its new members and some tips on how to write an Artists’ Statement

Tips on Becoming an NSAS Artist Member

As a vibrant community of creatives, our society thrives on welcoming fresh talent and new visions to our ranks. If you are an artist looking to take the next step in your creative journey, stepping up to become a formal Artist Member is a fantastic milestone.

To help you put your best foot forward, we have demystified our selection process based directly on our updated assessment criteria. Below, you will find a breakdown of how we evaluate applications, along with some notes on writing a stellar artist's statement for your submission.

When you apply for Artist Membership, you will be asked to present a series of four pieces in person to our selection committee. To keep things transparent and foster creative excellence, our committee uses a structured evaluation ledger. Applications are scored out of a total of 25 points across five core categories, with each rated from 1 to 5:

A Quick Note: Are you currently an active artist? The committee wants to view what you are creating right now, so please bring works done recently rather than pieces from several years ago.

Following the review, the committee deliberates to make an immediate decision: Accepted or Deferred. To ensure fairness and consistency for all applicants, the committee’s decisions are final. While we are unable to review or debate individual outcomes, deferred artists are always warmly encouraged to reapply at a future intake once they have had time to refine their presentation.

  • We look for a clear, conceptual connection or a distinct stylistic thread running through the four presented works. The art you choose to show us should feel like it is telling a shared visual story.

  • Regardless of your chosen medium, we are looking for confidence, control, and a developed sense of style.

  • Your application package is a direct reflection of your broader practice. This score heavily weighs your submitted Artist CV and Artist Statement.

  • Your work should arrive professionally finished and ready to hit the gallery walls. For 2D works, this means undamaged framing or clean unframed edges.

  • Show us your unique artistic voice.

How to Write Your Artist’s Statement

Because professionalism accounts for a substantial part of your assessment, a thoughtful artist statement is crucial. Your statement serves as the intellectual and emotional bridge connecting the selection committee to the specific series you are presenting. Consider the following:

Define Your Series

Your statement should address your unifying concept. Ask yourself: What actually binds these four pieces together? Is it a recurring subject, a specific exploration of light, a particular color palette, or a deeper thematic message? State this clearly within the first couple sentences.

Answer the "Why" and the "How"

Try dividing your statement into two digestible parts:

  • The Conceptual (Why): Explain your intent or the inspiration driving the series. Why does this topic matter to you, and what are you trying to evoke in the viewer?


  • The Technical (How): Briefly mention your process. If you work with mixed media, why did you choose those specific materials? If you are a photographer, how does your technical set-up support the emotional weight of the image? Connect your physical technique back to your conceptual meaning.

Ditch the Art-Speak

Avoid overly dense "art jargon" that clouds your true meaning. Use clear, active, and precise language. Instead of writing something abstract like, "I analyze the ephemeral duality of spatial constructs," try something grounded: "I paint the changing patterns of light shifting across the Tasman hillsides." Simplicity shows true confidence.

Structure it Professionally

  • Be concise. A solid application statement should wrap up around 150-250 words.

  • Ensure it directly references the context of the work the committee is reviewing.


By aligning your physical artwork with a well-structured artist statement, you demonstrate to the selection committee that you are both a skilled creator and a professional artist ready to contribute to the rich heritage of the Nelson Suter Art Society. We look forward to seeing your work at the next review!