THE MEMBERSHIP
The membership spans a wide variety of craft practice. Members motifs for participation are similarly varied with about half the membership reporting earnings from making representing all or a significant part of house hold income. The society attempts to offer its members a portfolio of services that meet the needs of makers at different points in their careers.
Broadly the craft practices supported by the society are
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Basketweaving
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Calligraphy and lettercutting
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Ceramics
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Furniture
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Glass
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Jewellery and silversmithing
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Leatherwork
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Metalwork
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Musical instruments
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Printmaking and bookbinding
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Sculpture
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Stained glass
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Textiles
Membership of the Society is open to any practising maker in Suffolk whose work meets the qualitative standards. Applications are sought from makers working in Suffolk, or on its borders. The Committee may waive this condition if it considers that the applicant has had a long-term connection with Suffolk or the Society.
The Membership is divided into three categories.
Full Members - These are makers in continuing practice who pay a full subscription entitling them to all the Society’s services.
Associate Members - These are makers in the process of application to full membership and will expect to be an associate member for at least a year. Associate Members can immediately participate and submit work to Society outlets and exhibitions with the normal selection procedures in place. After this period of association, members are presented for consideration for Full Membership by the vote of members at an AGM.
Honorary Members - The Society offers honorary membership to members who give or have given notable support to the Society or to crafts nationally, or who are outstanding craftworkers.