How to Begin Building a Membership Website?

Hello,

For this website I am trying to figure out a more efficient way for people to submit their art to apply for Membership. The Group will soon be opening up for women artists that are interested to submit their 3 pieces of original art and a $5 submission fee.

I am also trying to decide on what is the best service for building up a Members Only area. The Group currently has about 200-225 Members, so something that would work for a small group that has the potential to grow into a larger amount of people down the line would be best. I’m not sure what is the best option for the Group since people have to submit their art first and pay a fee first before becoming a Member.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what plugins, apps, services to look into?

Thanks!