Roycrofters announce artisan jury, invites summer exhibitors

Deadline March 16

The Roycrofters-At-Large Association (RALA) announced it will jury its masters and new prospective artisans seeking membership as Roycroft renaissance artisans for its 2024 cohort on Saturday, April 6.

RALA conducts an annual jury to review current Roycroft renaissance artisans, identify existing artisans who have earned master status, and review submissions by prospective artisan applicants seeking the use of the trademarked double-R mark. The jury is held each year at the Aurora Senior Center on King Street, and attendance is restricted to current masters and members of the jury committee.

A press release stated, “Only artisans whose work exemplifies the following criteria are awarded the use of the double-R mark: 1. High quality handcraftsmanship; 2. excellence in design; 3. continuing artistic growth; 4. originality of expression; 5. professional recognition. Once accepted, an artisan must be juried annually to demonstrate continued excellence and growth. Upon their fifth jury, they may be nominated to pursue master artisan status by their peers.”

Any artist who wishes to submit to the rigor of the jury may complete a prospective artisan application on the RALA website, www.ralaweb.com, by March 16. A sponsoring master will physically examine the prospective artisan’s work and vouch for quality and dedication to their craft. The sponsor is also responsible for guiding new artisan applicants through the jury process. An artist who wishes to become a Roycroft artisan may request to be matched with a master in their medium by emailing [email protected] prior to March 1.

Applications to exhibit with the Roycroft Summer and Winter Festivals are also accepted through www.ralaweb.com through March 16. The 48th Roycroft Summer Festival will be held June 29-30 at the Classic Rink on Riley Street in East Aurora.

The press release noted, “The Roycrofters At Large Association was founded in 1976 with the mission to keep the arts and crafts movement alive guided by principles set forth by founder Elbert Hubbard. Artisans proudly display the registered ‘double-R mark’ representing the quality of their work, and are the only modern working artists permitted to represent themselves as Roycrofters.” Jurying for new members is held each April.