With a new name, increased membership and goals to be bigger, better and stronger in 2004, the Visual Arts Society of Texas (VAST) looks forward to changing times.

The arts society, formerly known as the North Texas Area Art League, organized in 1975 and recently changed its name to avoid incorrect assumptions of association with the University of North Texas. According to members of the arts society, it also wanted to widen the organization’s reach and encompass more than just the North Texas area.

VAST provides a venue for area residents to participate in and appreciate the visual arts while also providing an outlet for artists to meet socially with those who have similar interests. The arts society helps develop skills through educational workshops and lectures from practicing area artists.

"It’s an encouraging place to go if you create art and are not sure if it’s any good," said Deanna Wood, the yearbook, newsletter and Spring Exhibition ’04 chairwoman. "You can show your work and get feedback."

The arts society membership includes student, amateur and professional artists and has recently doubled in size to nearly 180 members. The growing membership base enjoys benefits such as opportunities for awards, discounts on the spring juried exhibition, workshop fee discounts, participation in critique groups, individual artist pages on the society’s Web site and a percent discount at HMS Art and Frame Shop.

Monthly meetings feature speakers who talk about their work or demonstrate a particular art medium. The lectures and demonstrations are free for members and $3 for non-members. Each meeting has a mini-show where members are encouraged to display their work.

In December, the society’s mini-show becomes a showcase for high school art. Denton County schools select two student artists to enter the contest. Four cash prizes — $100 for Best of Show, $75 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third — are awarded, as well as a gift certificate for each participant.

The winners also will have their work placed on the Visual Arts Society of Texas Web site for one year.

"This gives students a broader view of what’s going on in visual arts other than just academia," Jo Williams, president of the society, said.

The arts society benefits the area by "keeping visual arts in front of the community" but also holds a special advantage for the members, according to Williams.

"Visual artwork is so alone that it’s good to have social situations like the meetings and workshops," Williams said.