Join the Guild
Get involved and find out what the Guild has to offer
The Guild of Aviation Artists is recognised throughout the world as the premier society for the promotion of aviation art. With around 250 members, the Guild brings together the worlds of art and aviation and stages exhibitions and events across the UK.
There are four categories of membership:
- Friend
- Associate
- Full Member
- Fellow
Entry membership is as a Friend and is available to those in all age groups who are interested in aviation and/or art. This includes non-artists who simply enjoy the convivial atmosphere and proximity to aircraft, frequently in privileged situations, on Regional sketching days at museums and airfields. In combination with talks, visits, workshops and a quarterly newsletter (QN), advice and encouragement is always available to assist those who wish to graduate from Friend to Associate and, ultimately, to Full Member.
The progression from Friend to Associate is achieved by having work accepted in three of the Guild's Annual 'Aviation Paintings of the Year' Exhibitions over a six-year period and is confirmed by the General Committee. The standard is high, and artists have demonstrated a consistent standard in their work. The designation AGAvA is then awarded.
Full Members are elected by a ballot of existing Full Members during the Annual exhibition and based on the exceptionally high standard of works on display. They are entitled to use the designation GAvA after their names.
At present, the Guild has about 60 Full Members who produce work of the highest quality to a professional standard and are considered to be distinguished aviation artists.
The category of Fellow (FGAvA) was introduced in 2004. An ultimate accolade, the category will be awarded occasionally by the Guild Committee to exceptional artists in acknowledgement of continuous commitment and support of all Guild endeavours over a period of no less than 10 years. This is a 'lifetime achievement' award.
Annual membership subscription rates are:
- Young Friend: £15 for those under 25 years of age in continuing education
- Friend: £40
- Associate: £65
- Full Member: £80
The subscription year runs from 1st January. New subscriptions taken out after 1st October continue until 31st December of the following year.
For further information please contact the Guild office on 0333 130 2223 or via email.
The Guild is always happy to welcome new members. Some of the many benefits are:
- Open to all, artists and non-artists.
- High quality Quarterly News magazine. Click here to view a sample QN.
- Numerous regional events, often with privileged access to museums and airfields.
- Help and advice from senior members to encourage and improve budding artists.
- Prestigious annual aviation art exhibition.
- Annual subscription of just £40 to join as a Friend of the Guild.