Great Bay Art Association Constitution

January, 2009

Article 1: Name

The official name of this organization shall be Great Bay Art Association

Article 2: Object

The object of the Great Bay Art Association (GBAA) is to bring together those who share an active interest in the arts and crafts, to provide opportunities for exhibiting members’ work, and to play a useful role in promoting the arts in the community. This includes offering classes in the visual arts for adults and children, and sponsoring such other activities as will foster an appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts.

Article 3: Officers

Officers are: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer/Membership.

A nominating committee, of not less than 3 or more than 4 members, shall be selected in April by the current President. The proposed slate of officers shall be presented in May. They shall be elected at the annual meeting in June for the term of one year.

By-Laws

Article 1. Membership

The Association admits membership to any youth or adult interested in its

Object, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational and admission policies or scholarship programs.

Active members are those whose current dues are paid.

Honorary membership is accorded those who have served the Association in special ways and derive their status by way of Executive Board action.

Article 2. Dues

Annual dues shall be set by the Executive Board prior to the annual meeting in June and subject to a majority vote of members present at the Annual Meeting. Dues shall be paid annually to the Treasurer. The fiscal year shall begin July 1.

Article 3. Duties of Officers

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and Executive Board. In the President’s absence, these duties shall be performed by the Vice President, and in the absence of the Vice President also, the Secretary.

The Secretary shall keep correct records of all meetings and shall handle all general correspondence.

The Treasurer shall receive record and disburse all Association monies.

Specifically: Shall keep a correct account of all money received and expended, this account to be reviewed and approved annually prior to the annual meeting by a committee of 3 members appointed by the President. The Treasurer, with the Executive Board, shall also be responsible for preparing a budget for the following year. The Treasurer, as Membership Chairman, shall keep a record of all those who have paid dues.

Article 4. Executive Board

The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers and chairpersons of any special activities or committees formed within the association, as well as the GBAA Webmaster, if the GBAA has a website, and the GBAA Newsletter Editor.

Board meetings are open to any member of the Association, but only Board members may vote.

Article 5. Meetings

The regular general meetings of the Association shall be held at the discretion of the Board on a fixed date. Special meetings may be called by the President.

A membership meeting shall be held annually.

A majority vote of those members present shall constitute a quorum for business conducted at the general or special meetings.

Article 6. Exhibits

Only paid-up members have the privilege of participating in Association exhibits.

Article 7. Liability Insurance

The Association will maintain general liability insurance to cover premises and operations.

Article 8. Amendments

This Constitution and By-laws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of members present at any meeting, provided the notice of such meeting contains a statement of the proposed amendment. Copies of the By-laws shall be available to members.

Article 9. Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in Roberts’ Rules of Order shall govern the Association in all cases to which they apply, and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-laws.

Article 10. Dissolution

In case of the dissolution of the Great Bay Art Association, the assets of the Association shall be distributed by vote of the Board to such organizations as are formed and operated only for educational, artistic, cultural or other charitable purposes.