In 1825, a group of artists formed the first professional artist association in America modeled on England’s Royal Academy. Founding members, Thomas Cole, Rembrandt Peale, Ithiel Towne, and Samuel F.B. Morse, the Academy’s first president, wanted to establish an organization to rival their European counterpart. They were committed to having an artist-run organization, a professional art school, and establishing an annual exhibition of contemporary American art. They accomplished their goals, and 183 years later, the National Academy continues to foster the arts in America.

Some of the country’s most prestigious artists belong to the Academy, who are elected by their peers, and give a work of art upon their acceptance of the honor of their election. One of the most unique and important collections of American art has been amassed through this diploma process. Today, some 350 living painters, sculptors, graphic artists and architects, are active members of the Academy.

BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY

The achievement of National Academician, NA, is the result of annual elections that seek out artists of outstanding reputation in the art community. It is an honor bestowed on the artist by the current members of the Academy. An artist cannot solicit or apply for admission. The candidate must be proposed, by an Academician who secures letters of recommendation from other members, and then voted on by the entire membership, achieving a two-thirds majority of the vote to be elected.

    Samuel Finley Breese Morse:
    Self Portrait, n.d.