History of GAPPR

Glass Artists of the Pikes Peak Region (GAPPR) was founded in 2007.  In response to a request circulated throughout the area, about thirty interested people
convened on March 17, 2007, at Full Spectrum Art Glass Supply and Gallery to discuss the possibility of forming an association of glass enthusiasts in the greater Colorado Springs region. 
There was lively debate of topics such as the purposes of such an organization, how it might be structured, and what activities should be undertaken.  A steering committee
was formed to pursue the suggestions, resulting in another general meeting on June 2, 2007, at which a Board of Officers, By-Laws, and the name of the organization was approved. 
Subsequently, a series of committees was established to organize the work of the group and the federal Internal Revenue Service granted GAPPR Section 501(c)(7) status as a non-profit social club. 

During its first year of existence, GAPPR initiated a newsletter, publishing in the middle of even-numbered months (and available through this website) and held six program meetings
(usually held on the second Tuesday evening of odd-numbered months).  Among the topics featured at the first year’s meetings were how to obtain help in establishing a small business
(presented by a representative of SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives), how to successfully approach galleries to sell glass art, how to participate in arts-and-crafts shows,
painting on glass, and creating fused glass art.  Future programs are expected to continue a balance between technical aspects of glass and ways to help members succeed in their business operations.

GAPPR has more than forty members and is looking forward to a successful future, bringing glass artists together for education, collaboration, and friendship and finding ways to make positive contributions throughout the Pikes Peak area.

GAPPR By Laws

By-Laws for the Glass Artists of the Pikes Peak Region, June 2007 with Amendment (s), Standing Rules of the Glass Artists of the Pikes Peak Region

1. General Meetings to be normally held every other month on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30p.m. (January, March, May, July, September, November)

2. Adult Guests: Guests are welcome at General Meetings and special Programs for a set fee dependent on the program. Guests are not allowed to vote or take part in either Committee or Board activities and will not be given any of the benefits of membership. All Guests MUST sign the Guest OSHA form to participate in any shop demonstrations or activities.
*Minor Guests: All minors (children under the age of 18) MUST be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Parents or legal guardians MUST sign the OSHA form in regards to their child at ALL programs or activities sponsored by the GAPPR.

3. GAPPR business meetings will be conducted under Roberts Rules of Order.

By-Laws Article I - Name
1. The name of this organization as voted April 28, 2007, is Glass Artists of the Pikes Peak Region
2. All references and checks payable to this group will be by that name or the acronym of GAPPR from this date forward

Article II - Mission Statement
The GAPPR is an association of glass artists/crafters organized for the purpose of perpetuating and encouraging glass art work, as well as educating and socially connecting glass artists/crafters in the pursuit of the business of glass crafting and artistry in the Pikes Peak Region.

Article III - Members
Section 1. The members shall aspire to the mission of the GAPPR and comply with the By-laws, Policies and Standing Rules as adopted
Section 2. Two levels of Membership with dues paid accordingly
a. Professional Level - requires current sales tax license on file with GAPPR
b. Member Level - Interest in glass art with no experience necessary
c. Joint membership - given to partners in business or a family member involved with the same sales tax business and can be added to either level of membership
d. A request for membership is not accepted until the Membership and OSHA forms are completed, payment is made, and a copy of the sales tax license, if applicable, is submitted to GAPPR
Section 3. Active Member: A member that has dues current and has full benefits and privileges of this organization
Section 4. a. Inactive Member: A member who has forfeited all privileges and benefits upon failure to pay dues and/or assessments before August 1st
b. A member may be reinstated by payment of dues and assessment
Section 5. All Members MUST be 18 years of age or older to make application for membership in the GAPPR
Amendment 1:  November 2007 - Change Non-Professional to Member

Article IV - Dues Section
a. All dues will be payable by July 1st of each year and delinquent August 1st
b. Yearly dues for the Professional Level will be $45.00 and Member Level will be $24.00
c. Joint membership is a flat fee of $5.00 and can be added to either level of membership
Section 2. New Members joining later in our fiscal year will have their dues pro-rated at time of joining
Section 3. Delinquent fee of $5.00 will be assessed to current members paying dues after August 1st
Amendment 2:  Article IV, Section 2.  Eliminate pro-rating of Membership fees.  Amendment approved by membership March 2009

Article V - Officers - Election and Installation
Section 1. The officers of the Board shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer
Section 2. a. A Nominating Committee will be appointed by the President in January
b. Nominations and election will be in March
c. Installation of officers will be in May ... Exception: The Treasurer will remain in office until a yearly audit is complete
Section 3. Vacancies in office for an unfilled term to be filled by Board appointment

Article VI - Duties of Officers
Section 1. General Duties
a. Appoint and oversee the Chairmen of committees
b. Attend Business meeting
c. Complete yearly audit on financial records
d. Collect votes as needed from the general membership
Section 2. President
a. Conduct the Business Portion of meetings
b. Co-sign on outgoing GAPPR checks
c. Set Agenda of meetings
d. Appoint Nominating Committee
e. Set or cancel meetings as appropriate
Section 3. Vice President
a. Will fill the duties of the President in their absence
b. Will act as Parliamentarian during the business portion of meetings
c. Will assist the President as needed
Section 4. Secretary
a. Record and present minutes of meetings
b. Act as corresponding secretary for GAPPR
c. Will compile and maintain Committee end-of-year reports for a historical record
Section 5. Treasurer
a. Maintain financial records and accounts for GAPPR
b:  Treasurer does not sign or co-sign any GAPPR bank drafts.  Dual signatures by two of the other officers (President, Vice-President or Secretary) will co-sign GAPPR bank drafts on behalf of the membership for payments off the GAPPR account as recommended by our current financial institution.
c: Treasurer's reports and yearly budget will be posted semi-annually on the GAPPR website in the Members Only area for review by the membership.  Any GAPPR event that involves earnings or expenditures of GAPPR funds not listed in the yearly budget will require a Financial Report posted on this site within 30 days of the conclusion of that event.
d. Maintain financial records and accounts until a yearly audit has been completed

Article VIII - Meetings
1. Normally 6 General Meetings will be held each year
2. Meeting days may be changed at the discretion of the President and Program Chair as circumstances require
3. Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the President
4. Order of the meeting may be changed at the discretion of the President as circumstances require
5. Place of the meeting to be set by President & Program Chair as appropriate
6. Meetings may be cancelled due to weather conditions at the discretion of the President after conferring with the Program Chair

Article IX - Committees
1. Committees may be added or deleted at the discretion of the Elected Board as the need arises
2. Appointment of Committee Chairs will be done by the Newly elected President by May of each year
3. Committee Chairs will complete an end-of-year written report due at the March meeting Committees: * Audit * By-laws, Constitution, Policies * Business/Accounting/Budget * Community Outreach (Charity) * Community Interface (PR) * Membership/Directory * Newsletter * Nominating * Programs (initiated within this organization) * Refreshments (to include set-up/tear down for meetings/programs) * Website/Technology

Article X - Amendments
1. These by-laws may be amended at any regular meeting by a simple majority vote of the Active members present or vote submitted in writing and given to a Board member prior to the meeting, provided the proposed change has been submitted in writing to the secretary and read at the previous meeting
2. 10 Active members shall constitute a quorum

Article XI - Dissolution
1. In the event of dissolution, all assets, office supplies and materials of value shall be donated to any group as voted on by the current active members of the disbanded organization at the last meeting
2. A quorum is not necessary at this meeting
3. All business involvements to include Bank accounts, Associated Memberships, and Website, etc. will be properly notified and closed with any necessary payment of fees before dissolution as a responsibility by the elected Board at time of dissolution with funds prior to distribution of donations

Article XII - General Authority for organization as a Club
The GAPPR is a not-for-profit organization, Section 501 (c) (7) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code and by the authority of the office of the Secretary of State, State of Colorado Amendments: