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Texas Watercolor Society Bylaws
printable bylaws in pdf format
 

ORIGINAL BYLAWS

RECOMMENDATIONS BY TWS BOARD

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of thus society shall be THE TEXAS WATERCOLOR SOCIETY

 

No changes.

ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Society shall be to advance the art of painting in water media paints on paper and to hold an annual exhibit.

 

No changes.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION I. CLASSIFICATION.

Membership shall be divided into five categories (CHARTER, ACTIVE-SIGNATURE, ASSOCIATE, HONORARY AND EMERITUS). The membership is open to any watercolorist 18 years of age or older.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION I. CLASSIFICATION.

Membership shall be divided into seven categories: CHARTER, SIGNATURE, ASSOCIATE, HONORARY, EMERITUS, SAGE BRUSH AND PURPLE SAGE BRUSH SOCIETY. The membership is open to any watercolorist 18 years of age or older.

  1. CHARTER members shall consist of those who organized and founded the Texas Watercolor Society and are therefore life members.

A. No changes.
  • ACTIVE-SIGNATURE membership is invitational and contingent upon at least one painting accepted by jurors of the TWS Annual Exhibitions. (Those who are already signature members will remain signature members.) Only ACTIVE-SIGNATURE, CHARTER, HONORARY AND EMERITUS members will have the privilege of using the initials TWS with their name to designate signature status should they so desire.
  1. SIGNATURE membership shall be
      1. Open to those artists who have had at least one painting accepted by jurors of the TWS Annual Exhibition; and
      2. Who have completed the application process and paid annual dues.
      3. Privileges:
      1. Signature members shall have the privilege of using the initials "TWS" with their name to designate signature status should they so desire, provided that they remain active members of the Society.
      2. Participate in the Sage Brush and Purple Sage Brush honor program.

  1. ASSOCIATE members shall pay dues for the current year as designated by the Executive Board, shall receive all publications of the Society, shall be listed in the Membership Directory and shall be invited to all Society functions. Associate Members shall not hold Executive Office or have voting privileges.

C. ASSOCIATE membership shall be

  1. Open to all artists or persons who are interested in furthering the purpose of the Society; and have
  2. Completed the application process; and
  3. Paid annual dues for the current year.
  4. Associate members will have voting privileges and may hold executive offices with the exception of President.
  5. Associate members may not use the initials "TWS" with their name or in any resume or similar document.

 

 

  • HONORARY members shall be chosen from persons who have encouraged, appreciated or sponsored arts in Texas. The Board of Directors unanimous vote of approval of any name submitted to the Society shall be required for election of an honorary member. Honorary Members do not pay dues or hold office.

 

D. No changes.

 

 

 

 
  • EMERITUS membership shall consist of members who have served the Society in an outstanding manner. Names of members to be considered for this category should be sent to the Executive Board to be screened by a three-person committee and approved by the Executive Board. This category does not require payment of dues.

E. No changes.

F. SAGE BRUSH and PURPLE SAGE BRUSH SOCIETY to honor signature members who continue to exhibit in professional competitions. Membership: Active dues paying members who have acquired points by being accepted and/or receiving awards in recognized competitions. Points accrue from the date the first painting was accepted in TWS.

AWS and NWS: 8 points for acceptance, + 2 points for an award. All National and Regional Watercolor Shows: 6 points for acceptance + 2 points for an award.

Local Watercolor Shows: 4 points for acceptance + 2 points for an award.

Sage Brush membership requires 50 points and Purple Sage Brush requires 75 points.

 

SECTION 2. DUES AND FEES.

The fiscal year shall run from January 1st through December 31st. Annual dues of $25.00 shall be paid by January 30th by all Signature, Charter and Associate Members. Any member who joins after July 1st will pay $12.50 to cover the remaining months of the current year. The Treasurer shall notify a member whose dues are in arrears. If dues are not remitted within 30 days of notification, the member will be considered dropped from the membership.

SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP DUES.

  1. The Executive Board has the authority to raise or lower dues as sound management may require.
  2. The fiscal year shall be from January 1st through December 31st.
  3. Annual dues are payable no later than March 1st. After March 1st, members who have not paid their dues are suspended from active membership, and may not vote or hold office.

SECTION 3. TERMINATION AND REINSTATEMENT.

All resignations shall be made in writing to the Executive Board of Directors. Any member resigning or ceasing to be a member shall forfeit all interest in the property of the Society. A delinquent member of no more than two years may be reinstated to active membership by paying one year’s back dues plus current year’s dues. Active-Signature members delinquent over two years may regain membership under procedures specified for new candidates.
  • The membership committee shall notify, in writing, any members who have not paid their dues by October 1st that (a) dues are in arrears; (b) membership is suspended; and (c) if dues are not remitted by December 1st, they shall be dropped from active membership.
  • The Membership Committee shall notify members who have not paid their dues by December 1st in writing that they have been dropped from the membership.
  • Any member resigning or ceasing to be a member because of failure to pay dues shall forfeit all interest in the property of TWS.
  • A delinquent member of no more than two years may be reinstated to active membership by paying one year’s back dues plus current year’s dues. Signature members delinquent over two years may regain membership under procedures specified for new candidates.
  • Members who have resigned or are no longer active members may not use the "TWS" initials after their names.
  • A new Signature or Associate member joining after July 1 will pay one-half to cover the remaining months of the current year.

ARTICLE IV

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

SECTION I. OFFICERS. The Officers of the Society shall be the President, a First Vice-President, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and three Directors at Large. The Officers shall be elected from the Charter, Active-Signature, and Emeritus membership. The nominee for President shall have served one term on the Executive Board of Directors. No Officer may serve in the same office more than two consecutive years, with the exception of the Treasurer. A member of the Society elected by the Executive Board of Directors shall fill any vacancy in office for the balance of the term.

SECTION 2. EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Consist of the elected officers, the immediate past President, and the Directors at Large. Carry out the purpose of the Society subject to the Bylaws and to any action the Society may take at it’s business meetings develop the policy of the Society’s Annual Exhibit under the guidelines of the Standing Rules. The Board shall meet at such times as may be necessary for the transaction of the business of the Society. It shall meet at the request of the President or three of its members. The minutes of the Board proceedings shall be kept in the same book with the minutes of the Society. The Executive Board of Directors is authorized to conduct business by mail or phone.

 

ARTICLE IV. EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION I. The Executive Board shall be responsible to the voting membership for managing the routine affairs, funds and property of the Society in accordance with these By-laws and Standing Rules. The Board shall have the authority to make, adopt, amend or modify the Standing Rules necessary to fulfill the purpose of the Society that are consistent with these By-laws and in fulfillment of any action the Society may take at the membership meetings. The Board shall have the authority to conduct routine business by mail, telephone, or other media considered appropriate. The minutes of the Executive Board proceedings shall be kept in the same book with the minutes of the Society.

The Executive Board shall appoint a Certified Public Accountant for audit for 501(c)3 compliance each year in conjunction with the filing of the not-for-profit Federal tax return. The Auditor shall not be a member of the Executive Board.

SECTION 2. MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD. Members of the Board shall be the elected officers, the immediate past President, the Directors at Large and appointed chairs of standing committees. The President of the Society shall serve as the presiding officer. Any member may attend a board meeting.

 

SECTION 3. MEETINGS. The Board shall meet at the request of the President or three of its members. All Board members shall be notified of meetings.

SECTION 4. QUORUM OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD. A quorum for the meetings of the Executive Board to conduct business shall be five.

SECTION 5. VOTING AT MEETINGS OF THE BOARD. A majority vote of the Board members present at any meeting (or polled by telephone or other media considered appropriate by the Board) shall be sufficient to conduct the business of the Board. All members of the board shall have voting privileges. Members of committees may attend Board meetings, but may not vote.

SECTION 6. TENURE OF BOARD MEMBERS. Tenure for elected officers will be the term of their office, beginning June 1 and ending on May 31. Appointed members of the Board serve one year with reappointment possible.

 

SECTION 7. ASSISTANTS TO OFFICERS AND CHAIRS will be appointed as needed by the officer of chair.

ARTICLE V

ELECTED OFFICERS

SECTION 1. GENERAL. The Officers shall be elected from the active membership. The nominee for President shall have Signature status and shall have served one term on the Board. All shall be active members in good standing.

SECTION 2. TERMS OF OFFICE

  1. The term of office for the President shall be two years, non-renewable. The term for other officers shall be one year and shall begin June 1 and end on May 31.
  2. All officers except the President may stand for re-election annually with no limits on the number of years that they may serve.
  3. A former President may run for any office, provided that, should he/she be elected, two years will have elapsed since he/she was Immediate Past-President.

SECTION 3. VACANCIES IN OFFICES

  1. Should the office of President become vacant in mid-term, it shall be filled, in order of succession, by the First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President or Fourth Vice-President.
  2. Should any other office become vacant in mid-term, the Executive Board shall have the authority to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

SECTION 4. OFFICERS. The Officers shall be:

President

First Vice-President (Awards)

Second Vice-President (Exhibition)

Third Vice-President (Travel Exhibit)

Treasurer

Recording Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

Director-at-Large (3)

SECTION 4. OFFICERS. The Officers shall be:

  1. President
  2. First Vice-President (Awards)
  3. Second Vice-President (Exhibition)
  4. Third Vice-President (Travel Exhibit)
  5. Fourth Vice-President (Assistant to the President)
  6. Treasurer
  7. Recording Secretary
  8. Corresponding Secretary
  9. Parliamentarian
  10. Director-at-Large (3)

 

[moved to this location from standing committees]

SECTION 1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three Active-Signature and/or Charter Members not holding an elective office in the Society. They shall be elected at the Regular meeting and report to the Executive Board of Directors with a list of candidates for each elective office. Other nominations may be made from the floor at the Annual meeting. Elections shall be made by ballot. When there is only one nominee for the office the election may be by voice vote. An Active Signature member elected by the Executive Board of Directors shall fill any vacancy in office for the balance of the term.

SECTION 5. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

  1. A Nominating Committee of three members in good standing shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Board. The Nominating Committee report of nominees, date of the Annual meeting and ballots shall be provided in writing to the membership at least seventeen days prior to the Annual meeting.
  2. Election and installation of officers shall be announced at the Annual meeting
  3. A majority of members voting by ballot shall elect the Officers of the Society.

 

 

SECTION 3. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS.

  1. PRESIDENT. Preside at the meetings of the Society and the Executive Board. Appoint the Chairman of the Standing and Special committees. With the Recording Secretary, sign all written contracts and obligations of the Society. Perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Executive Board of Directors.

SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

  1. PRESIDENT.
  1. Preside at meetings of the Executive Board.
  2. Preside at Society membership meetings and determine the agenda.
  3. Appoint the Chairs of the Standing and Special Committees.
  4. With the Recording Secretary, sign all written contracts and obligations of TWS.
  5. Be authorized to sign on all bank accounts and pay any bills of TWS in the absence of the Treasurer;
  6. Be ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.
  7. Perform such other duties as may be required for the benefit of TWS and as may be assigned by the Executive Board.
  1. FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT. Perform all duties of the presiding officer in the absence of the President. Be Chairman of the Prizes and Awards Committee of the Annual Exhibit. Will select a Co-chairman.
    1. FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT.
  1. Perform all duties of the presiding officer in the absence of the President.
  2. Serve as Chair of the Prizes and Awards Committee for the Annual TWS Exhibition.
  1. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT. Perform all duties of the presiding officer in the absence of the President and the First Vice President. Be the chairman of the Exhibit Committee. Will select a Co-chairman.
    1. SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT.
  1. Perform all duties of the presiding officer in the absence of the President and the First Vice President.
  2. Serve as Chair and coordinate all activities necessary to conduct the Annual TWS Exhibition.
  1. THIRD VICE-PRESENT. Perform all the duties of the President, First and Second Vice-Presidents in their absence. Be Chairman of the Travel Exhibit. Will select a Co-chairman.

    2.  

  2. FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENT
    1. THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT
  1. Perform all duties of the presiding officer in the absence of the President, First and Second Vice- Presidents.
  2. Serve as Chair and coordinate all activities necessary for the Travel Exhibit.

e. FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENT

(1) Perform all duties of the presiding officer in the absence of the

President, First, Second and Third Vice-Presidents.

(2) Serve as the assistant to the President.
  1. RECORDING SECRETARY. Shall keep a membership roll of the Society. Record the proceedings of all meetings of the Society.
    1. RECORDING SECRETARY

 

No changes.
  1. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. Conduct all correspondence of the Society. Issue all notices, including those of election to the membership and of the meetings of the Society. Discharge other duties as assigned by the Executive Board of Directors.
    1. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

 

No changes.
  1. TREASURER. Notify members when dues are payable. Receive all moneys due the Society. Pay, on approval of the Executive Board, all bills of the Society. Keep accurate accounts of all financial transactions in the books provided for that purpose, that are at all times available for inspection by the Executive Board members. Give a report at each regular meeting and shall give a full report at the Annual Meeting of the receipts and disbursements of the past year. Not be required to furnish bond.

 

 
    1. TREASURER.
  1. Notify members when dues are payable. Receive all monies due TWS.

(2) Authorized to sign on all bank accounts.

(3) Pay all bills of the Society. The Executive Board must approve the programs that generate the bills.

(4) Give a report at each TWS membership meeting and give a full report at the Annual Meeting of the receipts and disbursements of the past year.

(5) Give a report of the balance in the treasury at the Executive Board meetings or at any time the Board requests the report.

(6) Keep accurate accounts of all financial transactions in the books provided for that purpose, that are at all times available for inspection by the Executive Board members.

(7) Make accounts available for audit for 501(c)3 compliance each year in conjunction with the filing of the not-for-profit Federal tax return.

(8) Not be required to furnish bond.

 

h. Parliamentarian

(1) Makes sure the Bylaws and Standing Rules are followed.

(2) Insures parliamentary procedures are followed according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
  1. DIRECTORS AT LARGE. Shall attend Executive Board meetings. May act as Committee Chairpersons.

i. DIRECTORS AT LARGE. No Changes

 

 

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

SECTION 1. EXHIBITION MEETING. An Exhibition meeting shall be held each year during the Annual Exhibit to elect a Nominating Committee, to appoint an Auditor and transact such business as may come before the Society

SECTION 2. ANNUAL MEETING. The Annual meeting for the election of Officers and the transaction of other business shall be held at such time determined by the Executive Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 3. SPECIAL MEETING. At the discretion of the President, a Special Meeting may be called or at the written request of ten members. The request shall be sent at least ten days in advance and must specify the purpose of the meetings.

ARTICLE V– MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION 1. MEETINGS. There shall be a minimum of two general membership meetings per year. The Executive Board shall determine the dates and location, and inform the membership of such.

  1. EXHIBITION MEETING. An Exhibition meeting shall be held each year during the Annual Exhibit to announce the Nominating Committee and transact such business as may come before the Society.
  2. ANNUAL MEETING. The Annual meeting shall be held to announce the election of Officers and the transaction of other business at such time as determined by the Executive Board.
  3. SPECIAL MEETING. A Special Meeting may be called at the discretion of the President or at the written request of ten members. The request shall specify the purpose of the meeting and give ten day’s notice of its time and location.

 

 

SECTION 2. QUORUM. Eight members shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 3. VOTING. Members whose dues are current and are in good standing are entitled to one vote.

 

  1. Amendments to the By-laws shall require a majority vote of members in good standing by signed ballot.

SECTION 4. QUORUM. Eight voting members shall constitute a quorum. Proxies will not be permitted.

[See Section 2, above]

ARTICLE VI – HEADQUARTERS

The permanent headquarters of the Texas Watercolor Society shall be located in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas.

ARTICLE VI– HEADQUARTERS

No change.

ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES

 

ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three Active-Signature and/or Charter Members not holding an elective office in the Society. They shall be elected at the Regular meeting and report to the Executive Board of Directors with a list of candidates for each elective office. Other nominations may be made from the floor at the Annual meeting. Elections shall be made by ballot. When there is only one nominee for the office the election may be by voice vote. An Active Signature member elected by the Executive Board of Directors shall fill any vacancy in office for the balance of the term.

 

Moved to Election section.

SECTION 2. STANDING COMMITTEES. Standing committees shall be Social, Publicity, Catalog, Telephone, Historian, and Associate Member. Any member may serve in these capacities at the discretion of the Executive Board.

SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. The President shall appoint the Chair of the Standing Committees:

  1. Sage Brush and Purple Sage Brush Honor Society
  2. Newsletter
  3. Membership
  4. Public Relations
  5. Historian

(6) Social

(7) Properties Manager (including past records)

(8) Catalog

Any member may serve on a committee at the discretion of the Board. The duties of the committee chairs and members shall be set forth in the Standing Rules and regulated by rules and conditions set forth by the Board.

SECTION 3. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. The presiding officer shall appoint special committees authorized for any purpose.

 

Change to SECTION 2.

ARTICLE VIII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Society in all cases where they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the Society may adopt.

 

No change

 

 

ARTICLE IX – BYLAW AMENDMENT

A proposed amendment to the Bylaws must be signed by five or more Active-Signature or Charter members and be presented in writing to the Secretary at least three weeks prior to the Regular or Special meeting at which action is to be taken on said amendment. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be mailed to each member at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting. Qualified Members may vote by regular mail received on or before the day of the meeting set to vote on any proposed amendment. The Bylaws may be amended at a regular or annual meeting by a two-thirds vote.

ARTICLE IX - BYLAWS AMENDMENT

SECTION 1. A copy of the Bylaws shall be mailed to each member.

SECTION 2. AMENDING THE BYLAWS. The Bylaws may be amended by a majority of signed ballots of members in good standing.

(1) A proposed amendment to the By-laws must be presented in writing and be signed by five or more active members to be placed before the membership for vote. The proposal shall be submitted to the President who will inform the Board.

(2) The corresponding secretary shall mail a copy of the proposed amendment(s) and a ballot to each member in good standing at least thirty days before the stated deadline.

(3) Votes shall be cast by ballot by mail postmarked by the stated day. The corresponding secretary will collect all ballots and present them to the president. The President shall appoint three members to count the ballots.

(4) Amendments to the Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon approval. A copy of the amended Bylaws shall be mailed to all active members.

ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION

Assets of the Texas Watercolor Society upon dissolution shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes, or to the Federal, State or Local government for public purposes or shall be distributed by a court to another organization to be used in an appropriate manner.

NO CHANGES

 

 

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