User:TheGuildofEroticArtists

The Guild of Erotic Artists

The Guild was formed in 2002 along with Beaumont Hall Studios. The idea was the brainchild of co-founders Colin Ballard, Paul Ballard and Ken Clarke, after Paul had discussions with many Erotica Art Gallery exhibitors who had nowhere to exhibit their work on a permanent basis. They discovered a disused barn on a working farm in St.Albans, Hertfordshire, which they refurbished to become Beaumont Hall Studios. They closed The Studios in 2010 due to building problems and have taken The Guild 'on the road' using local facilities to hold their monthly meetings and 'Event days'. When the Guild was born the vision the Founder Members had then was nothing compared to the high profile they enjoy now with new members joining on a regular basis. They have published 2 books ‘The Guild of Erotic Artists Vol. 1 & 2’, which showcases 55 members’ work along with their biographies. Keeping high in public awareness is paramount and the Guild Website www.theguildoferoticartists.com, is the hub for Guild Members contact details along with samples of their work. Planned for 2012 is an e-commerce site which will feature a vast selection of member’s original work available to purchase online. Details of this will be published on The Guild site. The Guild continues their affiliation with the online magazine JADE pdf, which members get subscribed to as part of their membership. Members get priority to get their articles published in the magazine and as it enjoys a worldwide audience. They host the Annual JADE Erotic Artist Awards, which was won in 2011 by photographer Gregory Brown along with Runners Up, Artist Alan Wright and Artist Sally Trueman along with a Special Award for Nicole Klein. They exhibit at various shows across the UK and Europe and they exhibit at Erotica London every November where they demonstrate their skills as well as sell their works. The Guild documentary filmed by Playboy TV continues to feature regularly on ‘Sexcetera’ every 2-3 months, thus keeping their profile high to a wide audience. They encourage new members from all walks of life and do not discriminate by race, creed, colour, physical ability or religion. All are welcome at The Guild. The attitude of the members as well as their determination and desire to succeed in their chosen genre are equally important as their technical ability. This factor has made what The Guild is today; a place where artists feel at home rather than alone. They are part of a wonderful group of people and are welcomed wherever they go. The logo of the Guild stands for what The Guild is all about, uniting erotic artists as one body, giving impartial advice, helping them become better and allowing exchange of ideas. For more details on becoming a member, visit the Guild Website.