THE OKLAHOMA ART GUILD, INC.

Bylaws of the Oklahoma Art Guild – OAG
Revised April 2010

Article I – Name, Purpose and Nature of Organization

Section 1 – The name of the organization shall be The Oklahoma Art Guild (OAG)

Section 2 – The Mission Statement for OAG shall be: OAG is committed to the promotion of creativity, education, and the advancement of the visual arts. Founded in 1953, we purpose to continue to provide support and encouragement to member artists and art patrons.

Section 2 – The Purpose of OAG shall be: OAG is a not-for-profit organization created to further the creative efforts of its members and to spread knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts by, but not limited to, the following activities: displaying members’ art works, giving art demonstrations, sponsoring workshops, and fostering interaction with other area artists and the community.

Section 3 – OAG shall be operated in accordance with IRS Section 501(c)(3), and the laws of the State of Oklahoma. OAG shall not issue shares and no part of any money, property, assets, or net earnings of OAG shall inure to the benefit of any member, director, or officer. In the event of the dissolution of OAG, all funds and properties shall, if possible, be transferred to an organization of like purpose of OAG, in accordance with IRS Section 501(c)(3) and the laws of the State of Oklahoma.

Article II – Board of Directors and Committee Chairs of OAG

Section 1 – The OAG Board shall be defined as all Elected Officers and Members of the Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the overall policy and direction of OAG, and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations to the President, assigned committees and members. The Board receives no compensation from OAG.

Section 2 –The Officers of OAG shall be President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, elected by the general membership annually. The Board of Directors of OAG shall consist of four at-large members, elected by the general membership annually, and the Past President. (If the Past President is not available to serve, then a fifth at-large member shall be appointed by the elected Board.)

a. A proposed slate of the OAG Board shall be submitted to the membership at least 7 days before the May general members’ meeting via the OAG newsletter and OAG website by the nominating committee.
b. The current Board will accept nominations from the floor (with prior consent of the nominee) at the May general meeting, and then conduct the election of the new Board.
c. The new Board will be installed at the OAG Annual meeting in June.
Section 4 – Committee Chairs shall be established and appointed as the Board deems necessary. Elected Officers and Board members may act as committee chairs.

Section 5 – A quorum shall be defined as a simple majority of the current Board members. Motions shall pass by a simple majority of those Board members present.

Section 6 – Board vacancies shall be appointed as needed by the Board.

Section 7 – The Board shall not be personally liable for debts or obligations of OAG.

Article III – Duties of Elected Officers

Section 1 – The President shall have executive supervision over the activities of OAG and shall preside over all meetings. The President shall report annually on the activities of OAG, and shall appoint committee chairs and other delegates not otherwise provided for. The President shall be considered an ex-officio member of all committees. The President shall also maintain a master file of all Officer and Board records, reviewable by any active member by appointment.

Section 2 – The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the event of absence, incapacity, or resignation, and shall assist the President whenever possible in their duties. The Vice President shall be the Properties Chair.

Section 3 – The Treasurer shall keep the financial records of OAG, collect all funds, assist in the preparation of the annual budget, and with Board approval, invest funds, pay debts and expenses, and disperse funds. The Treasurer will also see to the preparation of all tax returns, balance all accounts, have written reports available at all meetings, and prepare OAG’s books for an annual audit. The Treasurer shall assume the duties of the President if either the President or Vice President is absent at any meeting. The Treasurer’s books shall be audited regularly, and at the time of transfer to the new Treasurer, by a person or persons appointed by the President.

Section 4 – The Secretary shall keep the minutes of OAG Board meetings and prepare those minutes for publication to OAG, and assist Board members and committee chairs with needed correspondence.

Section 5 – Each Officer, Director and Committee Chair is responsible for keeping a written record of their term, as well as all notes, properties and monies associated with that office. These shall be presented to the office’s successor.

Article IV – Membership

Section 1 – Membership in OAG is open to: Professional and amateur artists in all media; Students; and Art enthusiasts and Patrons interested in furthering the appreciation of the visual arts.

a. To be eligible to vote at any meeting of the general membership, dues shall have been paid in full in an amount which shall be approved by the Board annually.
b. Any Member (either individual or as a member of a family membership) under 18 years of age may have some membership privilege restrictions, to be defined as needed.
c. A Lifetime membership may be conferred upon the discretion of the current Board.
d. An Honorary membership may be conferred upon the discretion of the current Board.
e. Dues shall be prorated after January 1 (until May 1) for new members only.

Section 2 – The fiscal and membership year of OAG shall begin on June 1 and continue through May 31 of the following calendar year. Dues are to be paid annually.

a. Only members current in dues will be eligible to participate in member exhibitions, workshops and sponsored activities.

b. Only members current in dues shall be published in the Membership Directory.

Section 3 – Signature membership shall be conferred upon members gaining acceptance into OAG’s Annual Juried Show for four years, not necessarily consecutively. Said member may then use “OAG” following their signature. Only members current in dues shall be eligible for Signature member privileges.

Section 4 – The Privacy of all OAG members is to maintained at all times. Membership information may not be used for any purpose not in keeping with the Mission and Purpose Statement of OAG.

Article V – Meetings

Section 1 – Regular meetings of the OAG Membership shall be held monthly, allowing for exceptions and special meetings as deemed necessary by the Board. Actions brought before the membership shall pass or fail by a simple majority of those members present.

Section 2 – Regular meetings of the OAG Board shall be held monthly, allowing for exceptions and special meetings as deemed necessary by the Board. Special meetings may be called by any board member providing all board members are notified at least 24 hours in advance. A quorum (defined as a simple majority of the current Board members) must be present to conduct the business of the Board. Motions shall pass by a simple majority of the Board members present.
Section 3 – The OAG Annual meeting shall be held at the June OAG Members meeting.

Article VI – Amendments

Section 1 – These bylaws of OAG may be revised, amended, or otherwise changed by a simple majority vote of a quorum at a regular or special members’ meeting. The OAG monthly newsletter and OAG website shall carry notification of the proposed changes at least 7 days before the vote.

Article VII – Construction and Terms

If there is any conflict between the provisions of these bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation of OAG, the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation shall govern.