CREATIVE MAKERS
You make products, ranging range from wood carvings to paintings, to maple syrup; or you provide a service, anything from making music to writing, to website design. And everything in between.
Artisans within the Cooperative are self-categorized
No matter what term you choose from the member types below, it’s about the creative genius of residents who are passionate about what they create, who appreciate things local, and want to reach a broader audience.
Visual Artisan
Painters, sculptors, fine art photographers, jewelers + more
Creative Industries Partner
Creative writers, portrait photographers, graphic designers, web developers + more
Craft Artisan
Folk artists, wood carvers, fiber artisans, potters, knitters and crocheters + more
Food Artisan
Bakers; producers of sauces, candies and confections, cheeses, butters, teas + craft beverages + more
Being a Creative Maker in the Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) makes you a part of a select group of people who have proven through a jurying process that they are good at what they do and that it is authentic to the PA Wilds experience. It’s the gateway to selling products on PA Wilds platforms, such as at PA Wilds Conservation Shops and on the PA Wilds Marketplace, and also to having your business promoted to others in the network, to visitors, and more! Join us as we cultivate true economic opportunities for our region’s businesses by leveraging the power of our place-based brand.
Not a Creative Maker? If you don’t produce things or offer an artistic service, you may still fit into the program under a different membership category.
And you’re 3 steps away from making
your membership happen.
STEP 1: PREPARE
Read our membership guidelines and jury criteria for information on how to complete your application.
Gather basic information about your business:
- Name/Title
- Physical location (if your business is open to the public)
- Description
- Website URL
- Profile image or logo
- Link to a digital portfolio
- Hours of operation (if your business is open to the public)
- Social media handles
STEP 2: APPLY
Select your artisan type above, and click the image or title to begin the application process. Your application becomes your profile, which is promoted in the member directory. Please take care to be thorough in completing it.
Upon submitting your application you will pay the applicable jury fees by credit card, $20 per review session, with a maximum of (3) mediums, products or services being reviewed.
There are two levels of Juried Artisans, Basic Membership and Professional Artisan, and three categories of artisans are eligible: visual, craft and food. Basic Members are those who are admitted with a jury score between 100-300 and Professional Artisans are those who are admitted with a jury score above 301.
STEP 3: WAIT
Once your application is reviewed to ensure that you meet basic eligibility, you will be accepted into the program at the Basic level until the next jury review is complete. You will receive notification via email.
Jury sessions happen twice a year.
Spring Session Application Deadline:
3rd Monday in March
(notifications sent no later than the 3rd week in April)
Fall Session Application Deadline:
3rd Monday in September
(notifications sent no later than the 3rd week in October)
Tools and Resources for Applying
ELIGIBILITY + GUIDELINES
Review our member eligibility requirements and other guidelines before applying to be sure you’re a fit.
APPLYING + JURY REVIEW
Preview what to expect when applying and learn more about the specifications for each Creative Maker member type.
YOU'LL BE IN GOOD COMPANY
Browse the WCO Directory to meet other members of the network!
READY TO EXPLORE MORE?
ABOUT US
Learn more about the WCO, our place-based network of creative entrepreneurs and organizations.
BENEFITS
Take advantage of opportunities to leverage the PA Wilds brand and grow your business.
TOOLS
Find more tools and resources related to WCO membership and growing your business.