Constitution

Table of Contents

Article 1.  Name        3

Article 2.  Vision, Mission, and Values        3

Article 3: Membership        4

Article 4.  Governance        5

4.1        Roles        5

4.2        Terms of Office        5

4.3        Role Descriptions        6

Article 5. Roles and Responsibilities: Executive Members and Directors        6

5.1 Founder        6

Article 6.  Finances        7

6.1 Managing Grant Monies        7

Article 7.  Executive Operations        7

Article 8. Changes to the Constitution and Bylaws        8

BYLAWS OF THE MARKHAM GROUP OF ARTISTS        9

Bylaw 1.  Registration for Workshops        9

Bylaw 2.  Show Procedures        9

Bylaw 3.  Responsibilities of Special Volunteers        10

B3.1 Shows Team        10

B3.2 Key Grip        10

B3.3 Interns, Co-op Students, High School Volunteers        10

APPENDIX A: EXECUTIVE ROLES        12

President        12

Vice-President        12

Secretary        13

Treasurer        13

Director Roles        13

Registrar        13

Show/Sales Director        14

Programs Director        14

Media and Communications Director        15

Membership Director        16

Student Volunteers Coordinator        16

Constitution of The Markham Group of Artists

INTRODUCTION

The Markham Group of Artists (MGA) is a vibrant community of artists that has been collaborating in the Markham area since 1981. Founded by Pat Wheeler as a not-for-profit organization in 1981, MGA was incorporated on April 16, 2012. MGA includes visual artists from beginners to professionals, who work in a variety of media and styles.

MGA welcomes all visual artists, and currently has a membership consisting of 70 artists, the majority of whom reside in the City of Markham. MGA offers an array of workshops and lectures by accomplished artists and stages a variety of juried and non-juried shows in the community on an annual basis. MGA actively works to increase its members and adds new activities that will offer members with opportunities to learn and expose their artwork to the public. MGA holds yearly juried shows at the McKay Art Centre of Unionville and collaborates with the City of Markham community, such as participating in public art projects, and, on occasion, collaborating with the Varley Art Gallery.

ARTICLE 1. NAME

The name of the group is The Markham Group of Artists (MGA).

ARTICLE 2. VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES

Our Vision

A vibrant community of artists creating, learning, and growing together; enriching local culture and connecting with the world.

Our Mission

To provide opportunities for MGA members to improve and grow their artistic talent by:

• recognizing and encouraging excellence in visual art through granting of awards and distinctions,
• energizing artistic creativity through a supportive network of artists,
• providing opportunities for exposure of members’ artwork through shows, digital media and public art,
• engaging with the community by making available our resources and expertise,
• fostering partnerships with other organizations, and
• promoting a better understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.

Our Values

MGA recognizes the importance of ethical conduct and commits to:

• conduct itself with the highest level of integrity and fairness;
• offer fair and equitable access to MGA art shows, sales, events, and projects; and
• engage respectfully with artists of all backgrounds and beliefs.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

The Markham Group of Artists is a non-profit organization operated entirely by its members.

Membership is open to all people interested in visual art and who wish to develop their artistic skills. They do not have to be residents of Markham.

Every member must be registered and have paid their membership dues in order to participate in most MGA activities. However, workshops and special events are open to non-members.

Members are encouraged to volunteer their time and talent to help maintain the functioning of the group.

The membership list of names, addresses and phone numbers is the property of the MGA and cannot be released or sold to individuals or organizations without the authority of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 4. GOVERNANCE

The MGA is operated by volunteer members. Upon registration, new members are to be encouraged to enlist for volunteerism with the group. A note stating such is to be included in the Welcome message to all new members.

Roles

The MGA shall be governed by an executive committee consisting of the following members:

• President
• Vice President
• Past President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Member Leads
• Registrar and Membership Director
• Programs Director
• Show/Sales Director
• Media and Communications Director
• Student Volunteer Coordinator

Coordinators Reporting to the Media and Communications Director:

• Newsletter/Email Coordinator
• Publicity Coordinator
• Website Manager
• Social Media Student Volunteers

Terms of Office

1. The term of office for the President and Vice President shall be two years. No President or Vice President shall hold office for more than three terms.
2. All other Executive and volunteer positions shall be for the term of two years.
3. The term of office begins January 1 and ends December 31.
4. The New Executive is elected at the December General Meeting. Nominations are made by November prior to the election.
5. Current presidents will be exempt from paying a membership fee during their term of office. Past Presidents prior to 2005 are exempt from paying membership dues.
6. Serving members of the MGA executive are entitled to have the fees waived for one workshop during each calendar year they serve. This will apply only when workshop expenses have been covered by paid registrations.
7. Each Executive member may appoint necessary committee members to assist fulfilling the committee functions.

Role Descriptions

1. Role descriptions for each of the executive members and coordinators shall provide an outline of responsibilities. Role descriptions shall be considered as addended Bylaws to this Constitution.
2. Descriptions are included in this document in Appendix A.
3. Role descriptions will be revised as required.

ARTICLE 5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: EXECUTIVE MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS

1. It shall be the responsibility of the MGA Executive Committee to maintain a full complement of officers for the smooth running of the group.
2. The Executive Committee members are appointed first according to interest and skills, and second, following an election process.
3. Responsibilities of the Executive Committee members, directors, and coordinators are outlined in role descriptions found in Appendix A.

5.1 Founder

Pat Wheeler is the Founder of The Markham Group of Artists and is the only individual that can occupy this position.

ARTICLE 6. FINANCES

Three (3) designated signing officers must be appointed and active and two (2) signatures must be on each cheque.

The financial records of the MGA will be audited if requested by a majority vote of the membership. The annual financial records shall be presented and approved by the Executive Committee and membership at the Annual General Meeting.

All members of the MGA will pay a membership fee except for the current president and past presidents prior to 2005. The Executive Committee will annually review and set the membership fee paid by each member.

MGA activities should be planned to be self-funding.

All fees will be reviewed periodically.

The MGA may make donations as assessed and agreed upon annually by the Executive Committee.

All new expenditure approvals over $500 should be in the form of a motion passed by the Executive Committee; routine expenditures will be approved by the Finance Team, consisting of the Directors, President, and Treasurer.

6.1 Managing Grant Monies

In the event the MGA is awarded grants, MGA will use the grant money for projects specified in the grant applications. Approval of the Executive Committee is required prior to committing to all disbursements. MGA will follow disbursement practices described in Article 6: Finances. Required follow up and/or completion reports will be completed by the president and/or vice president with assistance of the treasurer.

ARTICLE 7. EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS

The Executive Committee will hold a meeting on a monthly basis, at the call of the president or of any two members of the Executive Committee. A quorum of the Executive Committee will be a simple majority.

Two general meetings of the membership will be held, one in December and one in May at the call of the Executive Committee or any 25 members of the group. Only paid-up members of the MGA may vote on issues at the general meetings. A quorum for a general meeting will be 25 members.

Only issues submitted in advance and agreed to by the Executive Committee will be discussed at general meetings

The President, with the assistance of the Vice President, will advise Executive committee members of meetings, prepare an agenda, and request any additional items to be added to the agenda.

The Executive Committee will conduct the business of the organization online or face-to-face between meetings. Motions could be presented and passed in meetings or online. An on-line quorum is also a simple majority.

ARTICLE 8. CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Proposed changes to Articles of the Constitution must first be presented and passed by the Executive Committee. A summary of these changes must be communicated to members at least 14 days before being presented at a General Meeting.

Changes to the Articles of the Constitution require a 60% vote of a quorum at a General Meeting.

Changes to Bylaws and Role Descriptions can be made with the approval of the Executive.

The original Constitution was prepared on March 4, 1998.

Current Revision: March 25, 2021.