Member Resources, Victoria Chapter

To cancel a workshop registration, email the Workshop Coordinator through our Contact page. Cancel at least 14 days before the start for a full refund, or full credit toward a future workshop. If you cancel less than 7 days before the start, the fee is not refunded but can go toward a future workshop. If the chapter cancels a workshop you get a full refund; if it reschedules, you can move to the new date or take a refund. Missing all or part of a workshop does not qualify for a refund, credit or transfer.

The chapter holds two juried exhibitions a year, in spring and fall, for Exhibiting and Signature (AFCA and SFCA) members in good standing with both the chapter and the FCA. Each show hangs in a public gallery and continues online, and an acceptance can count toward Signature status.

• Submit up to three pieces.
• No side may be longer than 36 inches, frame included (36 inches across for round works).
• Shows are hung salon style.
• Work can be marked not for sale.
• Follow the chapter's framing and matting standards and the FCA policy on photo references and copyright.

Each call gives the important dates, the number and size of pieces, the rules on previously shown work, and the jury process and fee. Acceptance notices normally follow within about a week of the jury.

Before the showWork that does not meet the framing and matting standards is not hung. Bring your accepted work to the gallery at the drop-off time in the call, with a signed exhibition contract attached to one of the pieces. The contract consigns your work to the FCA for display and sale, in the gallery and online, for the length of the show.

During the showAwards are presented at the opening reception, where visitors meet the artists. Depending on the venue, members may be asked to take turns sitting the show when no gallery staff are there. A good show takes every member, whether or not you have work in it: come to the opening, share the show through your own social media, newsletters and mailing lists, and help hand out the rack cards and posters. Promotional graphics are provided for each show.

After the showCollect unsold work at the pick-up time in the call. The gallery has no storage.

Members can order a chapter name tag to wear at meetings and openings: 3 by 1 inches, gold with black lettering, on a pin clasp, and showing your Exhibiting, AFCA or SFCA designation. Tags cost $12. The chapter collects orders in rounds, has them engraved together and hands them out at a general meeting. Ask through our Contact page about the next round.

The chapter's bylaws were last revised on 13 February 2024. In short:

• What the chapter isNot a separately incorporated society, but a group of FCA members who meet locally, authorized by and affiliated with the FCA in Vancouver. Anything the chapter's bylaws don't cover follows the FCA's own bylaws and policies.
• MembershipEvery chapter member must also be an FCA member in good standing, and pays a chapter fee set by the board. Memberships run to 31 December, and fees are due by 1 January. Only members in good standing can attend general meetings, vote or use member services. Membership ends after two months unpaid, on written resignation, or by expulsion, which the board can vote only after telling the member in writing and hearing them.
• General meetingsThe board sets the time and place. Members get at least 14 days' notice of the annual general meeting by mail or email, and the notice must describe any special business. Ten voting members make a quorum.
• The boardFive to nine directors, none of them paid: an elected President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer; the previous President, who may stay on as Past President; and up to four directors-at-large, usually committee chairs, appointed by the elected directors. Other committee chairs can be invited to board meetings as advisers.
• ElectionsThe board is elected at each annual general meeting for one year, and directors can stand again. A nominee must have been a member in good standing for at least a year and agree to stand; a nominee for President must be an Exhibiting or Signature member. The board can fill a vacancy until the next annual general meeting, and members can remove a director by special resolution.
• Board meetingsCalled by the President or any two directors on 48 hours' notice, in person or online. Five directors make a quorum, and a written resolution agreed by every director counts as passed.
• Money and contractsA cheque needs the President's signature, or the Vice-President's, plus one other authorized signer. The board can let a committee chair sign gallery, instructor and venue agreements.
• CommitteesNormally exhibitions, workshops, communications (website, graphics, social media and the Grapevine) and monthly meetings. The board appoints their members from members in good standing, and no committee member is paid.

For the official wording, ask the Secretary through our Contact page.

The chapter runs on volunteers. As it has grown, the exhibition work that one or two people used to carry has been split into smaller roles, so there is a place whether you have a few hours to give or would like to lead. These roles are open now:

• Exhibition Chairoversees the chapter's two exhibitions a year, from the schedule and sub-committees to gallery relations and liaison with the FCA in Vancouver. Leads the framing standards and hanging committee, attends the openings, special events and take-down, and reports to the board's monthly meetings.
• Community Engagement Coordinatorplans outreach events that bring the public together with the chapter's artists, such as Face to Face, plein-air sessions and demonstrations. Looks after venues, schedules, supplies and volunteers, works with the communications team, and helps on the day.
• Workshops Coordinatorbooks the chapter's two workshops a year: finding instructors, working with the venues, writing the publicity and answering questions, with the Treasurer handling the fees. Open to every member, including Supporting members. The current coordinator trains you first, you are welcome at the monthly board meetings, and you attend the chapter's workshops free.

Already filled, with thanks: Event Production Coordinator, Celebrations Director, Gallery Host, the Framing Standards and Hanging Committee, Event Photographer and Event Publicist.

Interested, or have a question? Get in touch through our Contact page.