Join Us!

2027 Jury Drop-off dates

Sunday, January 10
Sunday, May 16
Sunday, September 5

Become a Member of McGuffey Art Center

McGuffey Art Center is a member-run cooperative of professional artists located in the historic former McGuffey School in downtown Charlottesville, serving the greater Charlottesville creative community. Since 1975, we have supported artists across disciplines by fostering a vibrant creative community rooted in artistic practice, collaboration, and public engagement.

McGuffey is home to visual and performing artists working in a wide range of media, united by a commitment to creative practice and participation in a shared artistic community.

Membership at McGuffey is more than studio space or exhibition opportunities - it is participation in a cooperative arts center sustained by its members. We value and welcome applications from artists who are interested not only in developing their work, but also in contributing to a welcoming, respectful, and engaged creative environment.

Our members help shape McGuffey through exhibitions, open studios, performances, classes, committee work, leadership, and community outreach. We strive to foster a space grounded in dignity, mutual respect, accessibility, and support for artists and visitors alike.

Membership & Jury Process

Members of McGuffey help sustain the daily life of McGuffey through committee work, cooperative governance, and stewardship of the building and community. Members have have educational space availability classroom to teach in, an open invitation to attend monthly meetings, serve on committees, give artists talks, exhibition opportunities - group and solo, and participate in member social activities.

Applications are reviewed through a jury process held several times each year. Prospective visual artists submit 4–6 works representative of their current body of work, along with an artist statement, résumé/CV, and application fee. Performing artists may also schedule an audition or showcase as part of the process.

If applying feels unfamiliar - or if this is your first time submitting work for a jury process - we are happy to help. Whether you have questions, want feedback about preparing materials, need accessibility accommodations, or would benefit from assistance with the application fee, please reach out. 

Contact us at mac@mcguffeyartcenter.com for assistance.

We are committed to building an arts community that is welcoming, accessible, and reflective of the Charlottesville area, and we encourage professional artists from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Read more about the jury process and submit your application here. If you’ve never applied for membership in an organization, never submitted your work for jurying, or if you just want advice, assistance, or information about the application process, please let us know! Contact mac@mcguffeyartcenter.com.