Range Art Association BYLAWS

Bylaws of RANGE ART ASSOCIATION (revised June 2023)

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1: Name

The name of the organization shall be RANGE ART ASSOCIATION.

Section 2: Purpose

Range Art Association is a non-profit art group founded in 1954 with members from Bessemer, Ironwood, Wakefield, Kimball, Montreal, Hurley, and other area communities. Our purpose is to encourage and support artistic pursuits among our members while actively participating in opportunities within the community.

Mission Statement Bylaws for Range Art Association:

Purpose:

The Range Art Association (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") is established to stimulate the development and maintenance of creative art within our community. The Association aims to provide a platform for artists to connect, collaborate, exhibit, and publicize Range Art both locally and beyond.

Membership:

Any creative artist who shares our mission and is interested in furthering the purposes of the Association is welcome to join. Membership privileges and benefits are accessible upon payment of annual dues for anyone 18 years or older, set at $25 per year. Dues may be collected upon joining the organization or at the first meeting of the New Year.

Non-Discrimination:

The Association shall not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability, age, sex, race, color, national origin, or religious affiliation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values the diversity of our membership.

Activities:

The Association shall organize various activities to promote artistic growth and engagement among its members. These activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Painting sessions: Collaborative sessions for artists to create and share their work.
• Workshops: Educational opportunities to enhance artistic skills and knowledge.
• Art show: An annual event showcasing the artworks of Association members.
• Featured artist displays: Opportunities for selected artists to exhibit their work.
• Plein air painting: Outdoor painting excursions to capture the beauty of our surroundings.
• Social events: Christmas party, picnics, gatherings, or other activities to foster camaraderie and connection.

Grants:

The Mission Statement Bylaws also empower the Board of Directors of the Range Art Association with the responsibility to actively seek grants and funding opportunities, fostering financial sustainability and supporting the realization of the Association's mission and activities.

The specific activities organized by the Association may vary based on the interests and preferences of the membership.

Amendments:

Any proposed amendments to the Mission Statement Bylaws must be presented to the Association's members and require a majority vote for approval. Amendments should align with the core purpose of the Association and support the advancement of its mission.

Article II: Membership

Annual $25 membership dues shall be paid by June 30, 2023.

Section 1: Membership Eligibility

Membership is open to individuals and organizations who support the objectives of the organization. Membership criteria and benefits shall be determined by the board.

Section 2: Membership Dues

Membership dues, if applicable, shall be determined by the board and approved by a majority vote of the members.

Section 3: Rights and Responsibilities

Members shall have the right to attend meetings, vote on matters brought before the membership, and enjoy other benefits determined by the board. Members are responsible for adhering to the organization's bylaws and policies.

Article III: Board of Directors

Section 1: Board Composition

The organization shall have a Board of Directors consisting of three members selected by the membership.

Section 2: Board Responsibilities

The board shall have the ultimate authority and responsibility for the governance and management of the organization. Its duties shall include strategic planning, financial oversight, policy development, and the appointment of officers.

Section 3: Election and Term of Board Members

Board members shall be elected by the membership and serve staggered terms of two years. Board members may serve consecutive terms, subject to reelection.

Article IV: Officers

Section 1: Officer Positions

The officer positions shall include a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additional officer positions may be established by the board as needed.

Section 2: Election and Term of Officers

Officers shall be elected by the board and serve terms of two years. Officers may serve consecutive terms, subject to reelection.

Section 3: Duties of Officers

• The President shall provide leadership, preside over board meetings, represent the organization, determine the agenda, set special meetings, appoint committees as needed, and authorize purchases when necessary.
• The Vice President shall assist the President and assume their duties in their absence, as well as provide support at events.
• The Secretary shall maintain records, prepare meeting minutes, handle official correspondence, and distribute agenda, meeting minutes, and newsletters via email or mail.
• The Treasurer shall oversee financial matters, manage funds, provide financial reports to the board, collect membership dues, pay bills, make purchases approved by officers, and maintain a list of current members. Treasurer must contact annual “Agent Representative” to complete the annual report to State of Michigan with payment and any Federal Related 501(c)3 reports. 

Article V: Meetings

Section 1: Board Meetings

Regular board meetings shall be held on the third Tuesday of every month during the summer months of May through October. Special board meetings may be called by the President or upon written request by a specified number of board members. Meetings can be conducted through Zoom or other virtual platforms.

Meetings of the RAA membership shall be held annually at the Christmas Party, with notice provided to members in advance. Special membership meetings may be called by the board or upon written request by a specified number of members.

Section 2: Quorum

A quorum, defined as 50% of board members, must be present for board meetings to conduct official business.

Article VI: Committees

Section 1: Committee Establishment

The board may establish committees as needed to carry out specific tasks or functions of the organization.

• Standing Committee: The President shall appoint an ad hoc committee as needed.

Section 2: Committee Composition

Committees shall be composed of board members, members, or both, as determined by the board.

Fiscal Year:

The fiscal year shall run from January 1st to December 31st

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1: Bylaws Amendment

These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the board, provided that notice of the proposed amendments is given to board members in advance.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section 1: Dissolution Procedure

In the event of the organization's dissolution, the board shall follow the applicable laws and regulations governing non-profit organizations in the jurisdiction in which the Range Art Association operates. Assets, after satisfying all outstanding debts and liabilities, shall be distributed to another non-profit organization with similar goals and purposes as determined by the board.

These revised bylaws, effective as of June 2023, provide the framework for the operations, membership, board governance, meetings, committees, and amendments of the Range Art Association.