Quick YouTube Tutorial:
Artists' Galleries on the Home Page
Each member may submit one of their galleries to appear on the home page for admin approval. If you have a single gallery, or if you do not submit your choice of your several galleries, one will be automatically selected to appear in the “Our Artists’ Galleries” section of the home page. Your cover photo selection, proportions and label may be changed to adhere to the main page format of the website.
Remember:
- You can always return to the home page by clicking the MGAL logo at the top left of any page.
- When logged in, you can always get to your MGAL web page by clicking on your avatar at the top right of any page.
What is on mgal.org:
Main Navigation (Horizontal) at the Top of All Pages, to the Right of the MGAL logo:
- Home: Featured artist, important deadline information and all searchable galleries
- About: About MGAL, the current board and officers, with their contact information
- Galleries: Same searchable galleries, but on pages in a section, of their own
- Members: All members, listed by the last time they were active (default)
- Forums: Discussion forums to post anything art: your shows, classes, events
- Exhibitions: Photos and information from past MGAL exhibitions
- Calendar: Calendar of events, including deadlines, prospectus information, dates for meetings and exhibitions
- Join: Where new and current members can complete the application and pay dues
Log In to Enjoy the Online Perks of Membership:
- User Name: Your First and Last name, with a space between, and each first letter capitalized.
- Password: Previously sent to your email of record from the web server.
Editing Your Page and Information:
After you have logged in, click any of the three icons to the left of your avatar (showing your friends, your messages and notifications) to visit your profile.
Click any of the drop down menu choices under your avatar to edit your page and information.
Within the drop down menu choices are settings that will change the look of the main page of your profile:
- Profile Settings: Complete or edit your profile information, and decide who can see that information from your page.
- Account Settings: Change your account email address or login password.
- Widget Settings: Widgets are the components that make up the main page of your profile. Complete your available widgets to:
- Create an “About Me” section.
- Create a “Project” you are working on.
- Attach up to 3 photos for a “Project Slideshow”.
- Showcase a “Quote” that you like.
- Display a “Link” of interest.
- Embed a “Video” that you have made or wish to share.
- Link your “Flickr” account (flickr.com) to display up to 24 photos.
- Change Avatar: Change your avatar that follows you throughout the website.
- Change Cover Image: Make one of your paintings the background for your header.
- Logout: If you are using a public computer, you want to be sure and log out when you leave, to keep your account and information safe.
Your Profile Page
Changing Your Password
From the drop down menu in the upper right corner of the website, select:
- Account Settings: This is where you can change your account email address and/or your login password.
Changing Your Avatar & Header Cover Image
- Change Avatar: Change your avatar that follows you throughout the website.
- Change Cover Image: Make one of your paintings the background for your header.
Linking Your Social Media Accounts
Display links to your social media accounts within your profile and on your header.
- From the drop down menu, choose “Widget Settings”
- Click the third icon showing two arrows going in opposite directions.
Creating Your Galleries
Each member has 200 MB of space to create multiple, searchable galleries, all viewable from your profile and web page. Only one of your submitted, approved or admin selected galleries of works will be assured a presence on the main page of the website.
Please be sure that all galleries are labeled with your name, using the syntax of your user name, (First and Last name, with a space between, and each first letter capitalized) to eliminate confusion, and assure that your galleries can be found when a user is searching for works by your name.
You can upload image files of your works to the searchable Galleries of the website. From your profile page, click on the “My Galleries” tab.
- From there, click on “Create a Gallery” (with the pink circle icon) to create a gallery.
- Enter at title for your gallery, but include your name before the title so when it shows up on the main page, viewers will know it’s your work.
- Enter a description, select a category, then click create.
- Drag and drop your images into the “Drag files here” box with the dotted outline (or click “Select files” then find them on your machine) then select.
- Your images are uploaded automatically, you are done.
Check My Galleries, Comments, Friend Requests & Forums
- My Galleries: All your galleries and any comments that have been made by friends.
- Comments: A look back at the comments you have made.
- Friends: Members you have friend request activity with: sent or received, and need approval.
- Forums: Art Discussions in different topics that you can create or respond to,
and all the activity relating to those forum posts.
How To Use Forums
From the top portion of any page on the website, you will see the link “Forums“, click it or go directly to: https://www.mgal.org/forums/
Forums are an area where users can post questions and answers to each other or simply engage in fun, online social activity. Remember to always be polite in your social activity in the forums, and avoid divisive subject matter so everyone will be sure to have a great experience on mgal.org and be engaged in art education.
