The meeting was called to order by former President Dick Kiracofe in the absence of Jo Williams. In the absence of Treasurer Nancy Donley, Second Vice President Donna Lewis reported $2,008 in the checking account and $53,90.67 for CD.

To recognize the out going and incoming officers Kiracofe asked each to stand as their names were called. First Vice President Ruth Keefer has resigned to attend graduate school in Kansas. She was not able to attend the meeting. Second Vice President Donna Lewis is leaving to pursue her degree in art from UNT. Mary S. Morris is retiring (again) as Secretary to devote more time to art and her business. She was not present. Deanna Wood, Yearbook Chair, Newsletter Editor, and Chair of Exhibitions, is retiring to complete her MFA and pursue teaching. All were thanked for their service to VAST.

Also asked to stand to be recognized were the new and returning officers and committee chairs. Listed in order of office were President Jo Williams (returning - absent), First Vice President is not yet confirmed, Second Vice President Beth Haywood (new - present), Secretary Millie Johnson (new), Treasurer Nancy Donley (returning - absent), Past President Judy Uebelacker (returning - absent), Membership Vidya Kagal (returning - present), Volunteer Coordinator C.J. Solberg (new, new position - present), Webmaster Beverly Sipos (returning - present), Sunshine and Telephone chair June Dalton (returning - present), and Hospitality committee Alice Miller, Joan Hart, and Glenda Smith (returning).

Thanks from VAST to June Impson, who served for four months as Secretary.

And to the following who served so willingly this past year but with whom President Williams has not been able to communicate about continuing for 2004-2005 were Historian Evalyn Coulter, Photographers Beverly Sipos and Fran Shurtleff, Arts and Jazz Festival Jo Nash, and Nominating Committee Dick Kiracofe.

Executive Director Ingrid Scobie reported that quite a few slides have been received for the Calendar Competition but it is noted that many of the VAST members have not submitted. The deadline has been extended to May 10, 2004. Slides need to show work in a horizontal format.

Scobie also reported that the watercolor workshop with Sharon Zimmerman to be held June 9, 10, and 11, is full with one person on the waiting list. Balance of fee is due now.

Deanna Wood, Co-chair for the Summer Members’ Exhibition, passed a sign-up sheet for volunteers for the show. Take-in will be July 15 and 16, and the Juror will work July 17.Jennifer Quarles is also Co-chair.

Ingrid Scobie was asked to explain a proposed amendment to the Constitution. See NTAAL 2003-2004 Yearbook, page 15, Article I - Name. The change as follows will better reflect the mission of this organization. "The North Texas Area League, based in Denton, Texas, was organized in 1975 and received its 501c4 Non-Profit Status in 1977. On September5, 2003, the membership of the North Texas Area Art League voted to change its name to the Visual Arts Society of Texas." Motion to adopt this amendment was made by Elinor Johansen and seconded by June Dalton. The motion was voted on an passed by majority of members present. (? I assume though this is not in the notes I have. msm)

Scobie mentioned a portrait workshop and has a flyer for those that are interested.

Membership chair Vidya Kagal reported 24 members and 1 visitor present at the meeting.

Ingrid Scobie introduced guest artist Jan Bateman who paints landscapes, murals, and portraits in oil, pastel, or watercolor. She provided two handout sheets on composition and format and went over each item listed before doing a painting demonstration in oil on canvas board. She also recommends Richard Smith videos to aid in painting.

During the break members voted on the Artist of the Year Mini Show and enjoyed visiting and refreshments. At the end of the demonstration Second Vice President Donna Lewis announced that Beverly Sipos had won Artist of the Year Award with an oil painting and Bev Zerbe won second place with a pastel painting. Donna Lewis and Vidya Kagal drew for the door prize, a $50 gift certificate from Voertman’s. The winner was Vidya Kagal.

The last meeting of the 2003-2004 year was adjourned.

Minutes taken by Janice Carr, submitted by Secretary Mary Sigle Morris