Do I have to be an accomplished or professional painter to join PAWA?
No, artists of all levels are welcome to join PAWA! Even though we have two juried shows, we are more about the camaraderie than competition, with 15-20 Paint-Outs and 2 Paint-Ins per year! As a matter of fact, getting out with the group helps you to learn from each other in regard to painting techniques, equipment, and more!
What is a paint-out?
Good question! It is basically in the name. As plein air artists, we paint outside, on location, in 15-20 of the most interesting and beautiful places around Washington State and even one or two outside the state each year. These are places you might not attend otherwise. Paint-Outs are organized with a group of artists in mind. We obtain the information for lodging, food, water, bathrooms and places where a group may go for terrific scenery! These are gathered and posted to Eventbrite, where you can read about it and sign up. Facilitators have done the research and are knowledgeable about the area to alleviate most concerns prior to going. Alternately, in the winter, we have two “paint-ins” where we rent an art space to gather, paint models and still-lifes, enjoy a potluck lunch and learn of happenings with PAWA.
Is the Release of Liability and Terms of Membership form required for membership?
Yes. PAWA is a very active group, going to many places throughout Washington and beyond. As with any outdoor group, the higher risk of accidents during outdoor activities makes a liability waiver essential for us to limit our liability. We are a growing not-for-profit group run by volunteers that do our best to organize safe and pleasant painting experiences. There is safety in numbers, but we cannot control the environment. We ask that you act in a safe, responsible and respectful manner in the varied locations we attend.
We ask for permission to use your photo, as we like to post our events on social media, our website and elsewhere. If you have privacy concerns, you still fill out the form, but let us know, and let the facilitator know at the paint-outs you attend. We will try to make sure your photo is not taken or used. There are often group photos, and if you find one with you in it, let us know and we will do our best to have it removed as quickly as possible.
You are also giving permission for us to display your name, city and email address on our member list - which is only visible to logged-in members. If you do not wish to have your name displayed, please let the membership coordinator know when you complete the form.
What does a facilitator do?
As stated above, the facilitator volunteers to research the area and fill out a form for PAWA to post an informative event page on Eventbrite. This includes finding food and lodging or camping facilities if it is a multi-day event; and bathrooms, parking, water, and other information for all, including one-day events. They make themselves available by email or phone prior to the event, in case someone has questions. Then, most importantly, they are available during the event to guide the attendees and help to ensure all are having a safe and enjoyable time.
How do I sign up for Eventbrite?
You may find the link to the paint-out, paint-in, workshop, or other PAWA event on the Events page and website Calendar as they are posted. We also post the links to our private Facebook page and monthly Newsletter. On the Eventbrite page, click on tickets. There may be one choice, as for a free one-day event. There may be multiple choices, as there may be choices for fees, on-site lodging, etc. Choose the “ticket” you’d like and follow any further prompts. The default for paid events is by PayPal, but you may choose to pay by credit card as an alternative method. We do not take checks for events unless expressly stated in rare instances. There is a small fee charged by Eventbrite for payments made on their site. An attendee list is given to the facilitator in case they need to reach you and to get a general headcount for that event. When signing up, you may be asked to supply an emergency contact. This is primarily to give the facilitator up-to-date info, especially for a multi-day trip.
You do not have to print out the "ticket" on Eventbrite, but we highly recommend printing out the Eventbrite page with all the information on it for new and/or multi-day events. This is helpful to reference the daily plans, meeting places, facilitator cell number, directions, etc.
How do I cancel my Eventbrite ticket?
It is important for the facilitator to have an idea of who and how many will be attending an event. Sign in to Eventbrite and select your account (the little person icon on the top right). The first item in the drop down is “tickets”. Find the event you’d like to cancel and click on it. A window opens with options, including to cancel your ticket. Easy!
Can I bring a friend to a paint-out?
Members pay for the many aspects of the running of PAWA. Members are also required to fill out our release of liability and membership form, which we need, especially for multi-day events. That said, if we have a free one-day event, you may ask the facilitator if you may bring a friend; if there is enough room; etc. Spouses are always welcome to attend. Also, please ask if it's okay to bring a pet or child. If you decide to bring a pet or child, you do so with respect for the others and the location (such as National Park regulations). We advise that you have a spouse available to tend to them.
How can I find other members to carpool with?
There are a few ways to do this. When you sign in to the website, go to the Member Directory. There, you will find names, city and email addresses. Find someone in your area and email them, asking if they are also going to that event. Another way is to post on Facebook asking if anyone wants to carpool from your area. The simplest way is to make friends with other plein air artists in your area that are, or want to become members and attend events together! Some members may also live on the way to a far away event that you could ride with. This is great for bonding, parking and the environment!
If you have a question that hasn't been answered here, please contact one of our board members.