The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Jo Williams who welcomed members and guests and called for a motion to approve the minutes of the December, 2003 meeting as appeared in VISION, the newsletter for VAST. Motion was made by Claude Cheek, seconded by Joel Sampson, and approved by vote of those present.

Treasurer Nancy Donley reported $2287.26 in the checking account, current balance CD account $5248.30, for an overall total of $7535.56.

Spring Exhibition Chair Deanna Woods reported that slides are beginning to arrive for entry of the show. The deadline is January 23, 2004 and that evening, 7:00 p.m. here at the CVA , there will be a slide show of all the entries received. Show Reception chair Millie Johnson passed a sign up sheet for commitments for refreshments.

First Vice President Ruth Keefer announced that the Michael Mentler Workshop, February 6 and 7, is full with a waiting list. There will be a wine and cheese reception and a short lecture Friday evening, February 6 . The remainder of the workshop will be Saturday, February 7, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Sharon Zimmerman watercolor workshop, June 9, 10, and 11 has one opening left. Deposits of $65 are required to hold a spot. These can be transferrable but not refundable after May 1, 2004. Check www.NTAAL.org for more information on the workshops. Mary Emerson announced a drawing class is being held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the McKinney campus, Collin County Community College, 12:30 to 3:20 p.m. For those over 55 the fee $40, otherwise about $225. Registration needs to be done soon and can be done on line at www.ccccd.edu or at the McKinney or Frisco campus. First class is January 20.

Alice Miller passed a sign up sheet for cookie volunteers for the months of February,March, and April.

Williams gave the membership report in place of chair Vidya Kagal. There were 41 members, 4 visitors, and 2 new members, Arlene Anderson and Connie Hamel, present. 2 more members arrived later for a total of 43.

The President then opened discussion concerning the revision of the Constitution and the By-laws. A special committee, Sigrid Dubiel, Ingrid Scobie, Judy Uebelacker, and Jo Williams, was formed to clarify and make the existing by-laws more consistent. The revision was also necessary as part of the application for 501c3 tax exempt status. Duties for officers and committee chairs were better outlined. All of the changes appeared in the January 2004 VISION to be read by the membership. Joel Sampson moved that the revisions be accept, second came from Janice Carr, and the motion passed by majority vote of members present.

Ruth Keefer First Vice President in charge of programs introduced Shelley Minnis, an arts product specialist with Sanford, a manufacturer of fine art materials such as Prismacolor, Grumbacher, Sharpie, Papermate, and many others. Minnis demonstrated paints, brushes, canvas, pencil colors, pencils and pens, giving some history, manufacturing information, uses, and safety information on products that artist use on a daily basis. She also acquainted us with new products as well as changes and improvements to current items.

After a break for refreshments and voting on the Monthly Members Mini Show Minnis provided products for a give away to all present as well as items that were used for additional door prizes.

Bev Zerbe’s name was drawn for the regular door prize, a gift certificate from Voertman’s. Winners of the Monthly Members Mini Show were Mary Emerson, First Place, $25 gift certificate from Asel Art Supply and Circe’ Joines, Second Place, $15 gift certificate from Asel’s. About a dozen additional names were drawn and received some of the products used in the evening’s demonstration. After all those present received products given by the Sanford company, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. by President Williams.

Submitted by acting Secretary Mary Sigle Morris