The name of the organisation shall be TOPSHAM ART GROUP herein referred to as The Art Group.
The objects and aims for which The Group is established is to encourage the practice and appreciation of the visual arts by arranging a programme of lectures, demonstrations, critiques and discussions and visits to Exhibitions, Galleries and the staging of Exhibitions of members’ work.
There shall be an Annual General Meeting at which Officers and Committee will be elected to manage the affairs of The Group. The Committee may co-opt members as necessary. Also the Committee may invite a person connected with the visual arts to be a non-executive Honorary President for a period not exceeding three years.
The income and property of The Group shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and aims of The Group, the Treasurer is duly authorised to reimburse officers and members in respect of legitimate expenses.
In the event of The Group being wound up, the Committee shall have power after all liabilities have been met to decide how the remaining assets of The Group shall be disposed of.
Rules of the Topsham Art Group
Membership
Applications to join The Group shall be made to the Membership Secretary.
The Membership Secretary may admit new members as necessary to maintain a membership of around 150 taking advice from the Committee when there is a waiting list.
The Committee is empowered to reject an application.
Financial Year
The Group financial year shall commence on 1″ January. Membership subscriptions shall be decided by the Committee. They will be due on 1″ January and must be paid by 31″ January.
Exhibitions
Members to be given full information in advance regarding the number of items allowed, size of work and overall space permitted; hanging fees and commission; selection procedures and hanging. They will be required to sign the relevant form.
The Estuary Cup shall be awarded annually to the Artist whose work shall be selected by the Guest Artist opening the Exhibition. Professional artists shall not be eligible for this award.
The Douglas Dart Trophy will be awarded annually to the Artist for the best picture of Topsham by the Guest Artist opening the Exhibition.
Other commendations will be made by the Guest Artist opening the Exhibition.
Annual General Meeting
The meeting shall be held in the month of March.
The Secretary shall give the Committee’s report for the year.
The Treasurer shall present the audited Annual Financial Statement.
The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and members of the Committee should be elected for a period of three years, and be eligible for re-election for a further period of three years. There should be a committee of not more than ten from which at its first meeting it will appoint a Vice Chairman, Assistant Treasurer, Membership Secretary and Programme Secretary.
An auditor shall be appointed.
To transact any other business submitted by the Chairman.
Nominations
Nominations for Officers and Committee with nominee’s consent to be received by the Secretary fourteen days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.
Nominations for unfilled posts may be taken at the Annual General Meeting.
The Constitution
The Constitution shall not be altered or amended except in accordance with an extraordinary resolution passed by a majority of seventy-five percent of members present at the Annual General Meeting of which fourteen days’ notice has been given to all members in writing.
Quorum
Twenty-five members shall constitute a quorum at the Annual General Meeting.
Five members including the Officers shall constitute a quorum at Committee Meetings.
Revised and ratified at AGM, March 2018.