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Alabama Designer/Craftsmen
Purposes
To provide an organization for inspiration,
cooperation, and exchange of information among Alabama craftsmen and
others interested in fine crafts.
To encourage a wide appreciation and preservation of traditional crafts.
To encourage creative and personally expressive design using contemporary
as well as traditional craft media.
To promote appreciation of the esthetic value of crafts as well as the
utilitarian function.
To raise, promote, and maintain high standards of design and
craftsmanship.
The Standards Committee is committed to upholding and maintaining these
purposes. Policies
Craftsmen must be a member of Alabama
Designer/Craftsmen before submitting work to the Standards Committee.
Membership is $45.00 per year and is paid to the Membership Chairman.
Five examples of work are submitted to the Standards Committee.
These pieces must have been made within the last two years.
A member wishing to exhibit in Alabama Designer/Craftsmen events must have
paid dues and been an active member prior to such showing and also must
provide typical examples of his work for approval by the Standards
Committee.
A member whose work has been approved by the Standards Committee may use
the Alabama Designer/Craftsmen registered emblem on those articles which
uphold the standards by which his work was originally approved. Any
items in a new category or which deviate from these standards should be
presented to the Standards Committee for approval before being exhibited.
All works submitted to the Standards Committee must be of original design.
No commercially manufactured objects assembled from kits are eligible.
Also ineligible: paintings, graphics, photographs, dried flower
arrangements, pressed flowers, seed and pod arrangements, cut bottles,
embellished items such as painted barn boards, stones, shells, buttons, or
any other commercially made object that is found or decorated.
Craftspeople seeking to exhibit work in more than one category must pass
standards in each category.
Becoming an Exhibiting Member
Acceptance into the Alabama Designer
Craftsmen as an exhibiting member is granted to those who have perfected
their craft with a mastery of technique and originality of design (or true
to a traditional design and thus noted). The work is seen as more than
just the sum of its parts and reflects the craftsperson's vision.
Those interested in going before Standards will go through a jurying
process during which the work is either accepted or not accepted. Those
interested in applying to Standards must be a member of the Alabama
Designer Craftsmen with current dues paid
in full. There is no additional fee for applying to Standards.
Work will be judged on the following criteria:
(1) The manner in which the work is executed
shows obvious mastery of the materials and is true to its function (for
example, a pottery bowl has been trimmed properly and is not bottom heavy
and a glass goblet sits level on its base).
(2) Originality of design. If traditional, the
piece must adhere to the traditional format and be so noted (for example,
your work must not merely be a copy of those you studied with or a copied
design). Work done in a class or workshop will not be accepted.
(3) The work must have a continuity of style. It
is recognizable as your work. It does not look like you are just trying
this and that, with no consistency of design.
(4) The piece must function properly (for
example, earrings must be light enough to wear and a pitcher pours without
dripping).
Each of the five pieces submitted must meet and excel in each of the
criteria or you will not pass standards.
The following functional and nonfunctional crafts will be considered:
Clay
Fiber
Glass
Metal
Leather
Paper
Wood
Mixed Media
Prospective exhibiting members will:
(1) E-mail five examples of their work to the Standards
Committee Chairperson; a resume of their craft training/experience; a
statement explaining their work/vision and the process.
(2) All accepted in the first screening will bring
those five pieces to Samford University for the second screening.
Everyone drops their pieces off at the same time. They are labeled by
name, title (if any), and category by those applying.
Everyone's work will be picked up at the same time. The prospective
exhibiting members are not required to be present.
Those wishing to go through Standards must have Step One of the process
completed by March 1 for April and July 1 for August.
The Committee then votes accept or not accept on the work as a whole. If
one of the five pieces does not meet the criteria, then the Standards
Committee member votes the prospective exhibiting members as non accept.
Purchased items used in conjunction with the handcrafted item are
acceptable as long as the focus remains on the handcrafted item. The
purchased addition is no more than 1/4 of the completed work.
Some examples of acceptable purchased items would include the following:
(1) Bamboo handles for tea pots
(2) Earring wires, chains from which the handcrafted
item is attached, jump rings.
Some examples of what is not accepted are as follows:
(1) Bead stringing, unless you have made the beads
yourself
(2) Anything made from a commercial mold
(3) China painting
(4) Paintings
(5) Photography
(6) Anything made from a purchased kit
(7) Work that is not original, unless it is a
traditional design, which must be so noted.
Found objects may be used in combination with the handcrafted piece, not
exceeding 1/4 of the completed piece. One exception might be the use of
the found object as the material with which to create a sculpture. This
category would also need to go through the jurying process. It is up to
the discretion of the Committee Chairperson to allow this to be considered
for jurying after researching the process proposed.
An expert in the field is always part of the first screening process, but
does not have to be present at the second screening. If such an expert is
not serving on the committee, the Chairperson will seek out an expert in
the presented category.
It is the responsibility of the Standards Chairperson to make sure all
members serving on Standards understand the jurying process.
The Chairperson will determine the appropriateness of the craft for prior
to acceptance into the jurying process. The Chairperson will then forward
this to the President & the Standards Committee. The Committee members
will e-mail either their acceptance or non acceptance based on the four
criteria (in the event of a tie, the Chairperson has the deciding vote).
The Chairperson will notify those who applied of their status.
The President appoints the Standards Chairperson. The President has a
place on Standards Committee if they so choose. The Chairperson picks
their Committee with the President's approval. The Chairperson serves a
two year term and the Committee is appointed yearly. There is no timeframe
on how many years either may serve. The Chairperson picks their successor
from those who have served on the Standards Committee with the outgoing
President's approval.
The Standards Committee is made up of eight to twelve Alabama Designer
Craftsmen who are exhibiting members in good standing. The Committee will
meet in April and again in August at Samford University in Birmingham,
Alabama to judge prospective exhibitor's work that passed the first
screening process.
Alabama Designer Craftsmen whose membership has not been paid by the
deadline date at the end of the membership year December 31, so as to
remain a current member, is understood to be indicating that they are not
interested in supporting the AD/C and therefore their Standards status is
no longer in effect. If their membership is renewed after that deadline
date they will be required to reapply to Standards in all previously
passed categories in order to reinstate showing/exhibition privileges in
those categories.
Other Procedures Approved
by the Membership On
April 13, 2010, during the general membership meeting, the following
stated AD/C Procedure was established that, upon the death of an AD/C
member or the death of an AD/C member's family, a sympathy card shall be
sent. The President of AD/C shall extend condolences to the
appropriate person on behalf of AD/C membership. It was further
decided that such respectful acknowledgement of a member's loss is
sufficient and that no monetary donation to any memorial or designated
bequest shall be made.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
ALABAMA DESIGNER/CRAFTSMEN
Article I
General Section
1. Name. The name of the organization shall be
the Alabama Designer/Craftsmen, Inc. (hereinafter called "AD/C").
Section 2. Purpose. AD/C is organized to
acquire, accept, administer and disburse funds and property which shall be
devoted exclusively to charitable, scientific, literary or educational
purposes of charitable foundations, all of which shall be consistent with
the public interest. Without limiting the foregoing, AD/C may
sponsor and promote craft shows and exhibits; may encourage a wide
appreciation and preservation of traditional crafts; may promote
appreciation of the aesthetic value of crafts as well as the utilitarian
function; may encourage creative and personally expressive design using
contemporary as well as traditional crafts media; may raise, promote and
maintain standards of design and craftsmanship; may provide an
organization for inspiration, cooperation, and exchange of information
among Alabama craftsmen and others interested in fine crafts; and may
publish and disseminate literature and materials pertaining to fine
crafts.
Section 3. Offices. The location of AD/C's
principal office shall be fixed by the Chief Executive Officer of AD/C.
The registered office may be, but shall not be required to be, the same as
the principal office.
Section 4. Seal. The corporate seal shall
be in the possession of the Secretary of AD/C. It may be used for
marking all official documents and correspondence, including, but not
limited to, certificates of merit of accomplishment, certification of
resolutions, and the like . In the absence of the seal, the word "SEAL"
written beside the name of AD/C shall serve as the corporate seal.
Section 5. Notice. Any notice required to
be given to the Members shall be deemed given if published in the
newsletter. If notice is given by such publication, the date of
giving notice shall be three (3) days following the date of publication.
Notice may also be given by letter addressed to the Members. If such
letter is sent first class mail, the date of notice shall be the date of
mailing. Otherwise, the date of notice shall be three (3) days
following the date of mailing.
Article II
Members Section
1. Members. Membership in AD/C shall be
contingent on payment of annual dues. There shall be one (1) class
of members (herein called "Members") who shall be all persons who pay dues
annually. Each member shall have one (1) vote in AD/C matters and
receive a copy of each newsletter. Membership is comprised of
Alabama residents who acknowledge and uphold the purposes, policies and
standards of AD/C. Membership is not limited to practicing craftsmen.
A member may retain membership if he/she moves out of state.
Section 2. Dues. The dues of AD/C shall be
paid annually for each Membership Year. Dues shall be set by the
Executive Committee. Dues shall be due and payable in January of
each year and delinquent after March 15. New members joining after
September 1 may retain or pay one-half the annual fee. Corporate
memberships are available for $100.00 per year.
Section 3. Membership Year. The membership
year shall run from January 1 of each year to December 31 of such year.
Section 4. Meetings. Meetings of AD/C
shall be as follows:
(a) Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at a time when
the meeting room 101 at Samford University Art Department is available.
The meeting time usually will be 6:00 pm and will be printed in the
newsletter or announced on the website. Meetings may be held at
other locations and at other announced times.
(b) The "Annual Meeting" of the members shall be held
in January of each year. Notice of the specific time and place for
the meeting shall be sent to all members not less than thirty (30) days
prior to the time of the meeting.
(c) "Special meetings" of the members may be called by
the Chief Executive Officer or by any three (3) members of the Executive
Committee. Written notice of the time, place and purpose of such
special meetings shall be sent to all members at least fifteen (15) days
prior to the time of the meeting.
Section 5. Votes. Each dues-paid member
shall have one (1) vote. Any member of AD/C may give a proxy vote to
any other member with direction or discretion, provided that the document
is dated and signed. Any proxy is automatically revoked upon
physical appearance of the proxy-giver at the meeting for which proxy is
given. Mail ballots, published in the newsletter, may be used for
election of officers and amendments to the By-laws.
Section 6. Quorum. The number of dues paid
members present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum. Any action
required or allowed by the members shall be taken by a majority of those
present at a duly constituted meeting.
Article III
Executive Committee
Section 1. Creation and
Authority. The Executive Committee shall be one of the
standing committees of AD/C. It shall have and may exercise the full
authority of AD/C and shall carry out the day-to-day business.
Section 2. Appointment. The Executive
Committee shall consist of the President, the Vice-President, the Second
Vice-President, the Secretary and the Treasurer.
Section 3. Meetings. Meetings of the
Executive Committee may be held at such time and place as the President
may designate. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be
called by any member thereof upon not less than two (2) days notice
stating the place, date and hour of the meeting. Any meeting may be
conducted by telephone conference call at the discretion of the President.
Section 4. Action Without Meeting. Any
action that may be taken by the Executive Committee may be taken without a
meeting if a written consent setting forth the action be signed by all
members of the Committee.
Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the
members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at any meeting. Any action by the Executive
Committee shall be by a majority of those present at the meeting.
Section 6. Records. The Executive Committee
shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same at the
next regular meeting of AD/C following the Executive Committee
proceedings. Article
IV
Officers Section
1. Designation and Duties. Designation and
duties of officers of AD/C are as follows:
(a) President. The President shall
be responsible for calling and presiding over meetings, assigning duties,
and overseeing the work of the committee members and shall be the Chief
Executive Officer of AD/C. The President will also conduct meetings
of the Standards Committee and will also be responsible for maintaining a
policy manual for member reference.
(b) Vice-President. The
Vice-President shall perform all duties of the President in his/her
absence or during his/her inability to act. The Vice-President shall
also be responsible for the programs at the monthly meetings and arrange
for meeting locations.
(c) Second Vice-President.
The Second Vice-President shall assist the Vice-President and be
responsible for maintaining and publishing a current membership roster for
distribution at the March meeting and also maintain current membership
information to be available to members throughout the year.
(d) Secretary. The
Secretary shall be responsible for keeping minutes of all regular and
special membership meetings and all meetings of the Executive Committee.
The Secretary shall also be responsible for correspondence on behalf of
AD/C.
(e) Treasurer. The
Treasurer shall have custody of the money and securities of AD/C; shall
receive and disburse its funds, as prescribed by the membership; and shall
submit to the annual meeting of Members an accurate statement of the
financial affairs of AD/C and such other reports as may be required.
The Treasurer shall submit all records for an annual audit to be made by
three (3) members who are not serving as officers or an independent public
accountant no later than three (3) months after the close of AD/C's fiscal
year.
(f) Assistant Treasurer.
The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer as necessary and will
serve as Treasurer Elect.
Section 2. The slate of officers
will be presented at the September meeting, elected at the October
meeting, take office in January of the following year and serve a term of
one year. If, for any reason, an officer is unable to complete
his/her term, the Executive Committee shall appoint a member to the
unexpired term.
Article V
Committees
Section 1. Standing Committees. The
standing committees shall consist of the following: (1) Executive, (2)
Standards, (3) Membership, (4) Newsletter, (5) Public Relations, (6)
Development, (7) Nominating, and (8) Advisory. The Chairperson of each
standing committee shall be appointed by the President. The
Chairperson of each committee may appoint members to assist him/her except
the Nominating Committee.
Section 2. Standards Committee. Members of
the Standards Committee shall represent the media categories of clay,
wood, fiber, fabric, glass, metal, paper, and others. The Standards
Committee is committed to upholding and maintaining the purposes of AD/C
as stated in Article I, Section 2, of this document. The President
of AD/C shall serve as the Chairperson of the Standards Committee.
Section 3. Membership Committee. The
Membership Committee shall be responsible for membership recruitment and
membership renewal and maintain an up-to-date membership list.
He/she shall prepare the membership roster for distribution at the March
meeting.
Section 4. Newsletter Committee. The
Newsletter Committee shall be responsible for publishing and distributing
a monthly newsletter to AD/C members for the purpose of informing members
of events and developments in the area of crafts and fostering
communication between individuals and groups involved in the crafts field.
Section 5. Public Relations Committee. The
Public Relations Committee shall promote the shows and exhibits sponsored
by AD/C and promote the development of fine arts.
Section 6. Development Committee. The
Development Committee shall be responsible for fund raising.
Section 7. Nominating Committee. The
Nominating Committee is composed of four (4) persons appointed by the
President. They shall select a slate of officers and present them at
the September meeting.
Section 8. Advisory Committee. The Advisory
Committee is composed of all past presidents of AD/C. They shall
meet at least once a year and report to AD/C at the annual meeting.
Section 9. Term. All committees shall be
filled annually by appointment of the Committee Chairman with the
exception of the Nominating Committee. Committee members shall serve for
the same term and upon the same conditions as officers.
Article VI
Financial Affairs
Section 1. Fiscal Year.
AD/C's fiscal year shall run from Jan 1 through Dec 31 of each year.
Section 2. Budget. The budget shall be
presented annually to the membership by the Treasurer for its approval. It
shall include itemization of anticipated sources and uses of funds.
Section 3. Expenses. Reimbursement for any
expense incurred while carrying out AD/C's business will be made upon
presentation of an itemized statement of said expense to the Treasurer.
Section 4. Signature. Any agreement notes,
drafts, or contracts shall normally require the signature of any one
officer or as otherwise approved by the Executive Committee.
Section 5. Indemnity. AD/C shall indemnify
and hold harmless its officers, employees, agents, or other persons to the
full extent of its rights and powers to do so as provided by the present
and future laws of the State of Alabama. AD/C may purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of any person within the coverage of this
Section against any liability asserted against him/her or incurred by
him/her in any capacity on behalf of AD/C which would be included in this
Article, or arising out of his/her status as such a person, whether or not
AD/C would have the power to indemnify him/her against such liability
under the present and future laws of the State of Alabama.
Article VII
Amendments
Section 1. The By-Laws may be amended at any regular meeting
of the Members with the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of
the votes of the members present. Any proposed amendment of the
By-Laws to be submitted to the membership shall be published in the
newsletter issued prior to the time of the meeting.
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