Overlook Prospectus is out. An copy is here, in the prospectus tab, above. You can use it to apply for the show or wait to get your copy via email or by regular mail.

Agreement reached with Paper Mill Playhouse for 2010 and 2011

Fran Franklin advises us that she has secured the Paper Mill for a member juried show for 2010 and 2011. We will have details soon and will post them, but it looks like the show will be in mid year when there is a major musical event planned.

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ALERT, CON ARTISTS PREYING ON MSHAC MEMBERS

There is a con artist contacting our members by email. Their method of operation seems to be something like this. They like two paintings and want to know if they are still for sale. They eventually ask the price, after a few emails telling you how much they like your work. Let’s say you tell them (usually a woman with a nice sounding name like “Kathy”) the paintings are $1000. They will agree and tell you they are in the process of moving but they will send you payment and you can send the paintings after when they get a delivery location established. They will send you a larger amount than you agreed to, like $5000. You then contact them and tell them they sent too much. They say, “oops, sorry...ok, deposit the check I sent and I have an address now, so you can send the paintings to it along with the $4000 overpayment. Their check bounces after several days. Meanwhile your check is good and on its way to the crook, along with your paintings and the shipping charges. There are variations on this theme, but this is the general gist of it.

These people are usually out of the U.S. so legal authorities have trouble tracking and dealing with them. Artists are always flattered when someone pays attention to their work, especially when a sale is possible. These people prey on that.

You should have a policy of pay first with certified bank check and not mail out the paintings until the check clears. If you have a website, consider using Pay Pal or some internet payment service or a credit card service. Never accept a check for more than the agreed to amount, either.

Mike Fenton, President

                                A Caution to Members

A caution to members: If you are you considering showing your art at a “vanity gallery you may waste your money and be seriously disappointed.Visit this website to learn more about this gyp. http://www.renee-phillips.com/vanity_galleries.htm