Becoming a NAMTA Member

Why Join the National Art Materials Trade Association?

NAMTA is the only organization catering specifically to those who sell or manufacture art materials. NAMTA unites members in a common goal to grow the art materials industry by sharing information, creating networking opportunities and providing benefit programs to its members.

In order to join NAMTA, potential members must apply under one of the following membership categories. NAMTA membership categories are divided by primary purpose of business. Members may only be listed under one category, even though some may fall under many. Please read each category carefully to ensure you are joining under the proper designation. Refer questions on membership categories to membership@namta.org.

Click on a Category Below for Membership Application:

NAMTA Membership

Membership Benefits Membership Dues Chart

Retailer: An individual, partnership, firm or corporation maintaining a store or similar physical establishment, purchasing and maintaining an inventory of a substantial and diverse line of art materials for the purpose of resale to consumers and, where required by law, has secured an appropriate resale license or certificate. Retailers are eligible to attend, not exhibit, at NAMTA’s annual convention and trade show. 

SUPPLIER

• Manufacturer: An individual, partnership, firm or corporation that manufactures or creates the art materials and/or products it sells or distributes through established channels. Manufacturers are eligible to exhibit at NAMTA’s annual convention and trade show.
   
• Distributor: An individual, partnership, firm or corporation that purchases from multiple suppliers and product categories; warehouses, promotes and ships product to retailers for resale; and does not sell to the general public. Distributors are eligible to exhibit at NAMTA’s annual convention and trade show. 
   
• Importer: An individual, partnership, firm or corporation that imports artist products and materials from foreign countries and maintains a substantial merchandise inventory for the purpose of resale to distributors, jobbers and retailers. Importers are eligible to exhibit at NAMTA’s annual convention and trade show. 
   

• Publisher: An individual, partnership, firm or corporation that prints or publishes magazines, books or trade papers whose subject matter deals with art materials. Publishers are eligible to exhibit at NAMTA’s annual convention and trade show.

Manufacturer’s Representative: An independent contractor, individual or firm who sells the art materials and products of one or more manufacturers or distributors. Manufacturer’s Representatives are eligible to work their client’s booths at NAMTA’s annual convention and trade show.

Associate: An individual, partnership, firm or corporation providing business services to the art materials or creative industry. Associate members may be eligible to exhibit at NAMTA’s annual convention and trade show.

Branch: A subsidiary of a NAMTA member company. Branch members will receive a separate listing in the annual Who’s Who Directory and online directory, receive all NAMTA mailings and are entitled to attend NAMTA functions as the board of directors may designate, including, but not limited to, the annual convention, affairs or meetings.